August 14, 2006
Wone Murder Remains a Mystery
Tragic as many homicides in the District are, most aren't that much of a mystery. A robbery gone wrong, a drug-related beef, an innocent bystander hit by a stray bullet -- the killings can be explained. Unfortunately, just the opposite is true in the killing of 32-year-old lawyer Robert Wone.
Wone was killed nearly two weeks ago, stabbed to death in a rowhouse on Swann and 15th streets, just blocks shy of the U Street corridor. But as soon as police started looking into the murder, twists and turns reminiscent of an episode of CSI or game of Clue have left them confused and searching for clues. WUSA 9 reported last week that the three residents of the house in which Wone was killed have thus far refused to speak to police, opting instead to hire defense attorneys. And on Friday, the Legal Times reported that the room where Wone was killed was cleaned before police arrived:
According to the affidavit signed by Detective William Xanten III, technicians determined that the “crime scene had been tampered with, including that the area where the victim’s body was located had been cleaned. The use of chemicals and an artificial light source showed trace blood evidence located around where the victim’s body was found. This trace blood evidence was located on the walls, floors, sofa bed and door frame of the bedroom where the decedent was killed.”And even more suspiciously, the original claim that Wone had been killed by an intruder may be falling apart:
According to the police affidavit, one of the residents told police that an intruder had entered the house through the back door. But “there were no signs of any forced entry to the house, either through the back door or any other location,” the affidavit states. “There was nothing that appeared out of place, nothing disturbed, nothing ransacked and nothing was taken.”These developments are as intriguing as they are tragic. Wone is still dead, and police do not seem any closer to establishing who killed him or why he was killed.
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I think the "Clue" graphic is in poor taste.
I'm surprised there hasn't been more about this in the Post. Also, didn't the Legal Times story say that the other three people in the house DID give statements to police? Are they just not talking now?
This is so tragic, made more so by the residents' collective silence. Some gossip: the three people living in the house are a gay "truple" (as in a couple, but with three people), and Wone often spent the night there when it was too late to drive home. Even in 2006, Wone's apparent homosexual affair (not to mention the housemates' alternative relationship) will make this difficult to prosecute.
Last week, DC Police disclosed the department's gay Task Force is assisting in the Wone murder case.
How come everyone seems to be tip-toeing around the possible "down low" aspect of this story?
I agree with Jesse:
It is nice that DCist can horribly reduce the cold-blooded killing of an innocent person into a board game. Bravo! Hell, when another large corporation cheats working-class families out of their retirement or pension plans, why don’t you all put up a Monopoly graphic?! For shame…
Agree with the comments on the "Clue" graphic. Pretty disgusting.
As for the comments of a potential homosexual relationship, (a) I fail to see how this would complicate a prosection - either the forensic evidence fingers someone or it does not, and (b) I don't believe that the media has tip-toed around this fact. Considering that Wone was brutally murdered, it would be disgusting for the media to speculate whether he was a homosexual (and thus an aldulter) until there was real evidence of the fact. Speculation is fine for conversation, but I expect more fact-based statements from newspapers.
where are you getting this "apparent homosexual affair" thing from? I havent seen it in the papers..
Agree with others about the graphic.
Also, I would be surprised if the police have been caught as flat-footed as DCist suggests. This sounds more like the "ongoing investigation" sort of silence, as opposed to the "wha?" sort of silence--people who are have an intentional target and who are thinking clearly do not murder someone in the way that Wone was killed--there's going to be a lot of evidence. But what do I know--I get all my information from the internet.
And I see no reason why any potential homosexual aspect would complicate a prosecution--the DC police have had no trouble prosecuting murder of and by homosexuals in the past. Maybe I just don't understand logan's point...
Third (or is it fourth) that. The graphic and cavalier treatment of a recent murder of private citizen is really beneath you guys.
And the supposed "gay angle" is no angle at all.
I agree about the graphic, but what makes the post even more disjointed is the nonchalant treatment of this murder through the graphic juxtaposed with the apparent seriousness of the final sentence: "These developments are as intriguing as they are tragic. Wone is still dead, and police do not seem any closer to establishing who killed him or why he was killed."
It seems like a half-hearted attempt to impart some gravitas to the whole post, but it doesn't work. Regardless of tacked-on sentiments, the board game graphic speaks for the post - this killing is a chance for DCist to be clever and snarky, not serious and humane.
graphic is in poor taste but perhaps they're alluding to the fact that someone in the house did it. why would a burglar break in (with no forced entry) and then clean shit up? the answers for the police seem to be with the 3 people who lived in the house. i mean, i'm no detective, but come on.
Well, it looks like the graphic has set off some discussion about whether it is appropriate or not. More than anything, I was commenting on the direction the investigation seems to be taking -- first it was an intruder, now the three residents might be implicated, etc. I didn't mean to diminish the nature of the crime, or the fact that there was a victim that died. We take these deaths seriously, whether an Asian man near U Street, a British citizen in Georgetown, or a young black student in Trinidad. I didn't mean any offense, and if anyone is offended, my apologies.
This is a tough case to deal with. First, it's pretty gruesome. Second, it's a private citizen with friends and family in the area, so any discussion, especially in the public, about the case is bound to touch some nerves. But third, it's a pretty bizzare case, and it's just in human nature to speculate and discuss. Yet, since web discussions are "forever" and can't be retracted, it seems like the wiser course of action to keep the amateur sleuthing off-line, at least for now.
Martin - thanks for taking the comments seriously and for giving us a glimpse of your intent with the graphic, in addition to apologizing for any offense. I still think it assigns levity to a horrible crime, but I take back what I rashly wrote accusing you of insensitivity and opportunism.
Wone's apparent homosexual affair
logan's full of shit. Nowhere has there been any mention of infidelity on Wone's part. Even the Blade doesn't reference homosexuality on Wone's part. Nor does it allude to anything romantic between the third roommate and the primary couple in the house.
Hey all,
I was a good friend of Robert's, I'd known him for about four years. I've been very good friends with his wife, Kathy, much longer, from before she moved to Virginia. I thought I'd drop a line about the "gay affair" story.
I'm not going to make a definitive post on Robert's sexuality either way. The truth is, I don't know. His own business and he never saw fit to confide it in me.
Regardless of sexuality, if I were to make any judgement on Robert's character, it would be this: He had a strong sense of ethics and a great deal of integrity. I cannot see Robert engaged in an extramarital affair with a person of either gender.
Further, there has been no evidence to support that Robert was having an affair. Several sources have independently confirmed that, as part of his move to Radio Free Asia, he stopped by the office so that he could meet the shift crews. When you consider RFA is broadcasting across several timezones, 12 hours or more ahead of ours, it makes perfect sense that the bulk of the work would be done by what we consider the "night" shift. Also, I have seen some allusions to the fact that Wone's presence at the house was unexpected or unexplained. This is also false, to the best of my knowledge, Robert had advanced plans to spend the night (to avoid the morning commute) and Kathy was aware of his location.
Finally, some comments in the press have alledged or alluded to the idea that Robert's body was found in one of the resident's bed or bedrooms. The police have actually released a reports that directly contradict this by mentioning a "sofa bed".
Draw your own conclusions about the state of Robert's marriage, I can't stop you. I am going to ask, however, that you have enough decency to keep those oppinions to yourself. Robert was, by all accounts including my own, a wonderful person, and this so-called "gossip" is an afront to his memory. Was he gay or adulterous isn't the point. He was murdered, and deserves as much justice as any other victim. Further more, this "gossip" accomplishes only two things: one, it needlessly distresses his family and friends in their grief, and second, it provides a sordid, exciting fantasy for those who never knew Robert and think the evidence is being examined by Gil Grissom and Sarah Sidle.
Above, I called this an "affront to his memory," but truly, Robert would have risen above this. The only person being degraded by these rumors is the one who spreads them. So to stop yourself from looking any more petty, and to lessen his family's grief in any way you can: Please. Show a little courtesy and let whatever you're thinking remain unspoken.
Jeannette in Chicago
The majority of violent crime victims know their assailant: friends, relatives, neighbors. The guy breaking and entering is the exception, not the rule. So it would make sense that the investigation would focus on roommates. The fact that there was no sign of forced entry would indicate that the victim did know the assailant and probably let him/her into the house.
Jeannette,
Most humble apologies for causing you or Robert's family & other friends any extra stress at what is sure to be a trying time with our sophomoric speculation and commentary.
The flip side of our casual mockery of this tragedy is that Robert's death could be like most of the murders in this city: completely ignored.
I'm sure a lack of discussion about this sad circumstance would be easier for you and those who knew Robert, but take small comfort in the knowledge that public discussion on the subject of Robert's killing will put pressure on the police to commit more resources to closing this sad case.
V/R,
HR
Unfortunately, in this case, the 'gay angle' most likely provides clues as to the assailant's motivation and therefore identity.
And this is interesting too...
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2004-03-09-gay-parents_x.htm
Jeannette and others:
I was an acquantance of Rob’s from W&M. Although we didn’t stay in touch, I have fond memories of many interactions with Rob. Please pass some extra regards along to his wife and parents if ever appropriate.
Some other alumni and I have been talking about this, I suppose because it’s relatively “close to home.”
Although Logan unfairly jumped to a conclusion, the other posts here are not really mean-spirited or meant to be hurtful. Unfortunately, it is unavoidable and unnerving to realize that statistically it is virtually impossible that the three guys are not in some way connected. A random or accidental event in this situation appears totally unlikely.
I also think a lot of what you are seeing in these posts is frustration. Frustration that I certainly feel from the deliberate silence from the three guys who were there. You mentioned a bit about Rob’s character – when I knew him he was an outspoken guy, willing to stand up for his opinions even if unpopular and take responsibility for his actions.
These guys appear to be hiding behind criminal defense lawyers and possibly the 5th Amendment – if they are, then they would be disrespecting Rob’s memory, and that would be very frustrating. If any of them, especially Joe, is reading this, I have a message for them:
“Rob apparently thought you were his friend. Telling the police what you know about what happened would be one last way to help a friend. Silence sends a final message to Rob that you were not his friend. It’s not clear how a good person would be able to live with that.”
Martin – that Clue graphic needs to go, it’s stupid and crass. Take it off.
Gavin,
My condolences to you, and if you would like, I will certainly pass your message on to Kathy the next time I speak with her. You're absolutely right in that this entire situation is frustrating, especially the uncooperative attitudea of the Joe, his partner, and their tenant.
It also seems clear that while it might have been unplanned, this murder was definitely not accidental. Even worse, someone apparently took the time to clean up and try to cover their own guilt rather than fetching medical assistance for Robert immediately. That, too, is extremely hurtful.
HR,
Thanks for your kind thoughts. You make an excellent point in that this issue SHOULD be discussed. Freedom to express our oppinions to the governing authority is (supposedly) what seperates this nation from many others. I never thought discussion on this issue should be silenced, though I realize my previous post could be interpreted that way. I'd just like to see it dealt with in a manner more considerate to Robert and his survivors. I agree with Gavin that most people aren't trying to be mean-spirited... some comments seem unintentionally thoughtless and are hurtful in that manner. Worse, though, are the ones I've encountered that seem to be turning Robert's murder into an SVU case, to satisfy the commenter's sense of schadenfreude. It seems pretty clear that many of us who knew him are staying updated on the net-press covering the situation, and I just hate the thought of them having to stumble across these.
That said, however, I'll follow my own direction and drop the subject.
Jeannette,
You are doing the same thing to Joseph as they were doing to Robert. Right now the only information you have is what the media has said. I'm sure there is more to the story then what you have read. Robert was a great man and I'm sure Joseph is as well.
I think the graphic may be a tad bit tasteless, but not inappropriate. Its analogous connection to the (currently known) facts of the event in question is perfect, almost uncannily so. I can understand why some people object to it, especially friends of the deceased, but this site deals in black/dark/gallows humor quite regularly, because at times that's the only humor to be found; it's not personal. I'm not going to get into why humor is important, suffice it to say that if you have to ask you'll never know, but humor, like ethics, principles, and laws, is nowhere more important than in times of trouble or tragedy.
DC: Your comment to Jeannette is absurd. Rob was brutally murdered. Joe was there. Joe refuses to talk to police about what happened. That refusal in itself demonstrates a major character flaw that deserves to be called out.
Gabriel Fry: "a tad bit tasteless"? First of all, it looks like an advertisement. Second, humor is fine, but the clue thing is just not funny (except perhaps to morons who laugh at anything) - all it does it state the obvious. Real humor involves some thought and creativity. This is not even "dark humor", it's tacky and just plain dumb.
I never said it was inappropriate, I just said it was crass and stupid. If I were in charge of the blog, I would not want tacky, dumb, crass and stupid things on my site. That's all. Leave it up for all I care, but it proves to me that the manager of this site must not be a very intelligent or cool person.
Jeanette - I don't agree with your assertion that "someone apparently took the time to clean up and try to cover their own guilt rather than fetching medical assistance for Robert immediately."
Lifting a cut and bleeding friend off the floor and placing him in a more comfortable position on a bed or sofa is a normal human response (particularly if he's still alive). And mopping up spilled blood before it can soak into a hardwood floor or furniture is also within the bounds of normal behavior.
Even if the housemates called 911 immediately, given the time it takes for DC emergency services to respond (yes, even in NW DC), there was probably plenty of anxious waiting time to move Robert and to start cleaning up the mess before the paramedics finally arrived.
What happened to my post? Why didn't it come up?
DrWong: Is your post a joke? I hope it's a joke. If not, then I wonder if everyone who reads this is insane.
This statement is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard: "mopping up spilled blood before it can soak into a hardwood floor or furniture is also within the bounds of normal behavior" --- NO IT IS NOT - NOT WHEN SOMEONE IS DYING!!!
Seriously, DrWong you have some serious problems, you should seek psychiatric help.
Gavin,
Have you read the comment policy?
"Bad Comments
Bad comments insult the writer of the post, other commenters, Gothamist, other websites, etc."
Telling someone they have serious problems and should seek psychiatric help is not appropriate.
Methinks Gavin might be crying out for the same!
Gavin: I know you're as frustrated as I am, and we all want answers, but don't misplace that on others. We don't need to sink to their level.
Dr.Wrong:
Your post fascinates me on several levels, the first being its inherent inconsistancy with all the facts.
Lifting a cut and bleeding friend off the floor and placing him in a more comfortable position on a bed or sofa is a normal human response (particularly if he's still alive). And mopping up spilled blood before it can soak into a hardwood floor or furniture is also within the bounds of normal behavior.
Evidence has not been released as to whether Robert was found on a bed, couch, or the floor, though unofficial reports have cited all three. The only details about his location that have been released are that it was the "second floor bedroom."
Hardwood floors were never mentioned. For all we know the room in the house was carpeted.
Apparently, you have details of the crimescene that were never released to the public.
I'm also interested in your definition of "normal behavior".
Thanks to CSI, my friend's third-grader knows not to touch a body at a crime scene because it destroys evidence. We're discussing three well-educated men, all of whom are prominent community leaders. You'd think they'd realize that moving Robert could be very dangerous, and that tampering with the evidence would increase the difficulty of finding his killer.
If they're innocent (and they very well might be: I haven't prejudged, just said I found their recalcitrance frustrating) then cleaning the crimescene was a serious lapse in judgement.
i agree with DrWong's last paragraph: there was probably plenty of anxious waiting time as they were waiting for the ambulance.
we know that Robert was unconsious when found by police, and died later. it is conceivable that the 3 residents did their best to comfort Robert while they waited for 911.
If still conscious, Robert could very well be uncalm about his chest wounds and his blood all over the room. In that case, i might very well get a damp towel to put on his forehead, as well as remove the blood splatters in the room, if I thought it would calm a conscious and uncalm Robert.
I doubt i'd think, oh Robert is hysterical and probably going to die, but best not touch anything so that the police can do their job.
For so many people bent that this is a "crime of passion", it could also be that removing all of the blood was a "crime of compassion" to calm Robert in his final moments. Maybe not the best judgment if that's the case, but anything can happen in such a crazy time.
Until we get any facts revealed in this bizarre case, no theory is too far-fetched. But we know that Robert was not just "a body" when police arrived, as Jeanette asserts.
Dr. Wong and Dave,
You both need to become defense attorneys or politicians. You both are making unbelievable statements in serious tones and hoping that others think that your statements are credible.
Do you really think that after someone has been stabbed in the chest three times, the focus of others trying to help the victim will be to clean blood splatters? Or that such cleaning will make the victim feel better or more comfortable? The victim would say "Oh my, I have been stabbed in the chest. Please clean up the blood on the walls." This is laughable.
The owner of the home is an attorney with 8+ years experience, and the partner of the owner is a marketing executive, which means he likely has at least some intelligence. No person with any reasonable intelligence (and certainly not a person with legal training) would clean-up a crime scene. Moving a victim to a bed or couch to comfort them is certainly plausible; however, cleaning up a crime scene to comfort the victim is absurd.
To be clear, I am not stating that Price or Zaborsky (sp?) are responsible for Wone's death. The detectives will work through the evidence and hopefully identify the person(s) responsible. With that said, I also am not going to accept ludicrous explanations for facts that do not add up.
A Little Ridiculous: You bring some faith that there are normal people out there, thanks. I’m not sure how my comments are “unbelievable,” but I’ll accept “serious” because I am serious.
Jeanette: Based on the other comments here, I’m tempted to just forget about this site. The people here appear to be biased for some reason towards defending the 3 guys who were there. But, I will stay mainly to show you and any other Rob supporters here that he has more friends here than people who throw up crazy explanations to defend these 3.
Here’s a blog that has, generally, more reasoned comments: http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2006/08/04/law-blog-obituary-robert-wone/
I will reply to prior posts first then move on to my main point.
a: I am trying to help DrWong. I believe that he is not interpreting the world in a rational way based on his comments about protecting furniture while someone is bleeding to death. This is evidence of schizophrenia, and I want to help DrWong get the help he needs.
b: Anyone who uses the word “methinks,” even when mixing Shakespearean metaphors, is a moron.
Now to response to dave and my main point.
It took 12 minutes for EMS to arrive.
Let’s discuss what a sane person would do during the 12-minute wait while your friend is bleeding to death.
Well, let’s see, one person would go outside and flag down the ambulance. One person would hold Rob’s hand and talk to him so he doesn’t feel alone as he dies. The other could try to stop the bleeding, look for the intruder, call Rob’s wife, call EMS and get instructions for how to help save Rob’s life…the list goes on.
But, the list does not include any of this:
Clean furniture
Protect wood floors
Finally, the police are saying the area was “tampered” with. They are smart enough to know the difference between reasonable adjustment of the area “for Rob’s comfort” and active tampering to cover up a crime.
To be honest here – I don’t know whether you people are not really understanding the seriousness of what it would be like to see you friend bleeding to death, or whether you are just so biased in favor of the three guys, or what – but this talk of reasonable cleaning of the area is ridiculous and annoying. Why don't you tell us truthfully whether you are in any way connected to the 3 guys there?
A little ridiculous, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I still think this was a crazy moment which could unnerve even the most professional of people. A guy murdered in my house?
From all accounts, Robert was much more a decent and giving guy than probably you or I. If he said something along the lines of, "oh, there's so much blood" as he looked at his wound and the room, then I can see someone taking action. Especially for someone who is was as well-regarded and kind as Robert.
Is that really so laughable? I didn't say probable, I said laughable. I agree with A little ridiculous that the detectives will work through the evidence. But almost everyone is pointing fingers at the known parties with such certainty before any pool of facts have been presented.
I happen to think you're innocent until proven guilty. And I disagree that "statistically it is virtually impossible" (quoting gavin, which is a much more serious, scientific, and expert tone than I ever adopted) that the 3 parties are responsible. Never thought of myself as a defense attorney, but I never thought folks would jump to so many conclusions before waiting for the facts to emerge.
Until there is real proof, I prefer to give these folks the benefit of the doubt, especially when I can envision one conceivable (relative to every bizarre fact in this case, anyways) explanation.
Gavin: i never said they wanted to protect the wood floors or clean up furniture. I suggest you actually read an argument before you criticize it. Methinks I merely agreed with DrWong that there was plenty of anxious waiting time.
And the "annoying" thing is that you are assigning guilt to these 3 residents before there's any proof! I don't know Robert, but it seems he believed in the legal process strongly enough without resorting to that.
Gavin, your syntax is somehow... familiar. You aren't running for public office in Ward 3, by any chance, are you?
dave - Why don't you share with us your bias. It is obvious that you are defending these 3 guys. Are you friends of theirs? Are you one of them? Are you a member of the community there that is "circling the wagons" to protect one of your own? Tell us so we can assess your true "dedication" to defending innocents.
And yes, your idea is so ridiculous that it is laughable. You are obviously biased.
If any of the 3 guys here are reading, I hope you remember the burden of proof in a civil case is much lower than criminal. I wouldn't get too used to staying in that $1.3m condo - the $13 days inn appears to be in your future...
BE MEN, STAND UP AND TELL THE POLICE WHAT YOU KNOW. DON'T BE SUCH A LOSER.
Gavin, your syntax is somehow... familiar. You aren't running for public office in Ward 3, by any chance, are you?
Are you suggesting that Gavin may actually be the unhinged Mr. Rees?
gavin, my bias is that I do not think Robert was gay or cheating on his wife. From there, I don't think it was a crime of passion from one of the 3 residents. From my bias, I am more open to the intruder theory.
from their lawyers accounts, they say their clients already cooperated extensively with the police. Maybe or maybe not. But, i do remember that Capt Morris was publically skeptical of their accounts, the very first night this story aired.
I don't know about you, but if DC Police isn't buying my story, even after I've talked, then I'm definitely lawyering up.
gavin, you claim to be close to Robert and maybe you are more informed about what is going on. in that case, then I am sorry about your loss and I hope justice prevails.
but as someone who is detached from the behind-the-scenes, I see a Capt. Morris is increasingly more accomodating to the resident's defense. Although they do say "tampering" in the affidavit, they also say "they do not know what that means." Capt. Morris also said "some people clean the entire premises before the police arrive, not because they're trying to cover up anything, but just from force of habit" Click on the video at http://www.nbc4.com/news/9684679/detail.html
Now I think some of the things Capt. Morris says is infinitely more ridiculous than what I said. But no one seems to be criticizing him. If you are really upset at what I said, then I suggest you re-channel your energy to the DC Police squad who keep churning out these confusing statements.
It bothers me that so many on this site, and it seems some in the police dept, have jumped to conclusions on this horrible tragedy. Using what looks like strategic leaks to the media, I feel like the police are actively trying implicate the guys who lived in the house, and like the media and others are just buying that company line. It is very easy and tidy for them to pin this on those living in 1509. That way, we as a community wont ask why they took so long to arrive (12 minutes to me seems like a long response time when the ambulance and police station are 2 blocks away at 16th and U) or why they continue to be nonchalant about the many gun-point muggings and breaks-in which have been happening on and around Swann lately.
Full disclosure: I did not know Robert but I am a neighbor on the same block and as such am an acquaintance, a friend of a friend, of one of the guys who lives there. What has prompted me to write are these posts saying the owners have not been cooperative. It’s my understanding they were very cooperative, allowed themselves to be subjected to hours – in one case 14 hours -- of questioning by the police, and when it became apparent the direction the police were going, they asked for representation. Given the railroading I’m seeing in the media, I don’t blame them.
As far as no sign of entry, my place has been broken into before, with no signs of forced entry, and I’ve also been guilty of foolishly and accidentally leaving my door unlocked. As far as “tampering” with the crime scene, I would agree with the poster who said we really don’t know what that means and it could be explained if his friends tried to make Robert more comfortable as they waited for the ambulance arrived or, in their shock or trauma, one of the owners got a towel. I don’t know. Neither does gavin, and I don’t honestly trust the police to put out the full story.
I have lived within the 20009 zipcode for over 15 years, and on this block for 6 of those, and I can say that it’s only been in the last 8months to a year that I’ve ever felt really unsafe in all that time. Even the dark days of Marion Barry seemed safer then right now. Let me also say that the local police commander told me last year that one of the biggest problems our PSA has had in controlling crimes has been an acute lack of police officers, well below the authorized levels (and this was before the new “increase” in authorized police officers). Their response to this has been to park a police car outside the house. That's not making me feel much safer
I, for one, feel completely freaked out that there is very likely a drug-crazed (or just crazy) burglar running around the city and the cops are trying to get us to focus – whether it is due to their homophobia, their laziness or their honest and best instincts – on a couple of well respected, quiet friends of the victim.
My heart aches for Robert’s poor wife and family, how senseless and bizarre this murder was, and also for Robert’s friend who saw him bleed to death in his own house -- something I can not fathom -- and who is now subjected to police-inspired public speculation about his possible involvement.
another brutal murder happened in Fairfax this past Monday. a 72 year old lady had returned from Giant to her home died of blunt force to her head. she was unmarried, no children, just lived by herself.
no signs of forced entry, no sign of robbery. just a sweet old lady. are we to believe she part of some drug/sex scandal, and somehow invited danger? of course not.
to play the news video, see http://wusatv9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=51428
dave and swann st:
you two are trying very hard to appear level-headed, but it is obvious to the rest of us that you have a bias towards protecting the gay community.
whether you now or ever will accept this, your "nullification" of an obvious bad act (hiding behind defense lawyers is bad enough) is tantamount to the black community validating OJ's murder of his wife because he is black.
Minorities in the U.S. will only command the respect they deserve when they themselves start seeing the world in a color/gender/orientation-blind way. Giving Joe and others special consideration because they are gay is the worst form of discrimination - you deny them the right to be treated as purely a human being.
I have a strong feeling you will soon be proven very wrong, and I fully expect mea culpas on this site from each of you when your ridiculous notions of homophobic police malfeasance and innocent housekeeping instead of crime scene cover-up are proven as absurd as they are to the rest of us now.
I didn't realize this was a gay community blog - I suppose I didn't read enough about what dcist.com is, but you guys dave and swann and others are really putting up a very negative impression of the community you care so much about.
By the way, Swann St:
Tell Joe when you talk to him that he should fess up.
Maybe you should talk to the police too. Tell them your brilliant ideas on housecleaning and how their homophobia is preventing sound investigation.
PS Gabriel Fry - Yes, Sherlock, you found me out. I am a DC politician. I used to be pretty high up until they filmed me smoking crack with a hooker. You are a genius.
gavin: Glad to see that your bias finally showed through.
"whether you now or ever will accept this, your "nullification" of an obvious bad act (hiding behind defense lawyers is bad enough) is tantamount to the black community validating OJ's murder of his wife because he is black."
I assume you're a DC resident. If you are, you've chosen to live in one of America's most diverse cities. But it's apparent you haven't gotten the message. Look in the mirror dude. You're a bigot.
I have no opinion on the facts of this case. I assume the MPD will find the killer. When they do - whether the killer is black, gay or Thai, the killer's guilt will not stain the killer's demographic.
Except, perhaps, in the eyes of bigots.
dear pissed:
I am as bigoted as you are logical.
Why don't you google "jury nullification" and you might have a better time understanding my post.
I have lived in San Francisco, Miami, Manhattan, L.A. and D.C. and I can tell you this: DC is the most polarized and non-integrated "diverse" city in the U.S. Don't tell me how great DC diversity is, the city is a mismanaged disaster replete with transient politicos and politically correct watchdog snobs like you who wouldn't dare step foot in Anacostia or elsewhere in SE. I've spent a lot of time in SE DC, when's the last time you were there? bugger off with your offensive remarks to me...
Criminal conspiracy? Sorry, but it looks about 95% likely that at least one of the three residents of that home killed Wone.
It may take time, but almost certainly one of these three guys, probably two, maybe three are going to prison for long time.
http://wusa9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=51479
No bias, no tortured logic, just facts. Anyone out there still willing to argue that a deranged boogie-man entered the Swann house unarmed, went to the second floor, stabbed Wone three times, no one heard anything, moved Wone from the murder area, cleaned the area, no one heard anything, moved Wone back, then left the house? Unless you are one of the family members of those residents (and have a reason to be biased), I would give up trying to explain their actions.
Can you say Jon Benet Ramsey? Ten years after the public and the press indicted and tried her parents for her murder, some pedophile arrested in Bangkok is now confessing to the murder. Perhaps we should learn from past mistakes and not rush to judgment or leap to conclusions based on gossip, "official" innuendo and petty (and not so petty) prejudices.
Portia - you could use a class in critical reasoning. this confession is obviously false and that will be shown that soon. btw, do you know that gullible is not in the dictionary?
OJ killed his wife
The mother killed Jon Benet
Things are usually what they appear
Hopeful and wishful thinking that there wasn't evil involved in a tragedy is fine and good, especially when you are connected to the evildoer(s), but it doesn't change the result: killing an innocent person is pure evil.
Too bad the wonderfully diverse and amazing District of Columbia doesn't have the death penalty.
As a classmate and friend to both Robert and Joe, I've found myself frustrated that there hasn't been more information released. Although I understand that that's the nature of the investigation, that doesn't make it any less frustrating, and I find myself constantly checking for some news, some word that might help to make sense of an otherwise (in fact, that's how I came across this site).
The optimist in me hopes that the pace of the investigation at least partially reflects that the investigating team is proceeding deliberately and thoughtfully. Naturally, I also hope that all parties are cooperating with each other the best they can under the circumstances.
Not being personally privy to all the details of this particular case, I'm hesitant to comment on any particular fact or facet, though I would say that it seems there have been some differing accounts (details, mostly) in the media to date--understandable (if unfortunate), all things considered.
I come with no other "biases," ulterior motives, or hidden agendas; I'm here because I'm baffled, I'm posting because the noise has become uncomfortable.
I would guess that many out there are at least as frustrated as I am, and it's early enough that we can still hope to learn what actually happened... but in the meantime, we can only hope to try to rise above the hurt and confusion and have the process unfold as organically as possible.
Gary Reals at WUSA has been a tabloid reporter throughout this investigation.
So . . . the residents stab the victim but don't kill him. They move him out of the room, clean the room, put him back into the room. Call the police, the ambulance arrives while the victim is still alive, albeit unconsious?
For 3 well-educated guys involved in a criminal conspiracy to murder someone, why risk having your victim live to rat on you?!?
Sorry, but it is 92.84% likely that this is scenario is hogwash.
Remind me never to send my kids to William and Mary.
As Gavin's comments illustrate so well, it appears to be a haven for those who are curiously comfortable making ill-informed proclamations about others' "character." Gavin is not the first W&M alum I've noticed behaving this way.
I was always taught (in sunday school, no less) that a person of good character refrained from passing judgment on others.
Portia raised a good point - remember Jon Benet Ramsey? Her parents were accused of "evidence tampering" because when confronted with seeing their daughter lying on the basement floor, they brought her upstairs. Nobody thought to say, "Wait a minute - don't touch her - this might be a crime scene!!!"
If any of you are Gavin's friends, I hope he's not the first one who finds you cut and bleeding in an DC alley, and refuses to render aid for fear of tampering with a possible crime scene!
But Gavin and other posters raised a good point as well - the homeowner was an attorney with 8+ years experience and his partner was a marketing exec - I'm sure they've seen an episode of "CSI" or "Law & Order" or any of their progeny - did they really think they could clean up the scene of a crime and get away with it?!?
dave - if you REALLY think this scenario is LESS likely than some random intruder, then you know very little about crime or probability or both.
aghast - based on your comment, I am happy to hear you wont be sending your kids to W&M. if they take after their parent, they wouldn't be able to get in, so maybe it's better to avoid the rejection anyway, it can be rough on kids.
i suppose you are trying to say that i do not hold myself up to christian teachings of love and forgiveness, like jesus did.
well, you're right. i do not love people who would claim to be my friend and then hire criminal defense lawyers and avoid explaining everything they know to police.
i will not forgive whoever did this, random intruder or otherwise, and if it was deliberate, i would be pleased to see an execution(s).
i am not jesus or ghandi or any other person of what you define as "good character", and I want the perpetrator(s) executed as soon as possible.
Just fyi: this is called Kantian/Social Contract moral philosophy as opposed to the utilitarian calculus you ostensibly and apparently advocate. this is the stuff they teach at W&M, again, I dont think you or your kids could handle it. stick with sunday school.
Dear contenders: Defending your speculation as if it were truth is not really productive or meaningful is it? There is a lot of arguing for the sake of arguing going on here.
Aghast, in my experience, there were lots of people like Gavin at W&M, but there were plenty of kind-hearted, generous, non-judgmental people, too. Robert was one of these, and I'd ask you to consider what you may have heard about him to be at least as representative of the school as what you've seen from Gavin.
Hey! Let's play the Commenter Gavin Drinking Game everyone! The rule is you have to take a shot when his comment displays any of the following qualities:
1. Shrill
2. Demeaning
3. Pompous
4. Logically unsound
5. A nebulous character that we'll identify as "William & Maryish" but that could also be known as "Rees-esque."
Also, you have to do a double when he either abuses the memory of Immanuel Kant or appoints himself the final arbiter of subjective qualities such as "coolness."
gabriel fry - your post is actually really funny, seriously I mean it. i laughed out loud when i read it. actually just read again and chuckled...
i'm going to resign my appointment as arbiter of coolness. i can see i am overwhelmed with supporters of joe and the gang here.
let me clairfy one quick thing here: my comments re minority communities is being misread. I am not saying a bad act by one reflects on all. that is misreading and misunderstanding the concept of jury nullification.
what I am saying is that when a group defends the bad acts of one of its members solely bc he is a member of that group - that is a form of discrimination and is wrong. each person should be viewed behind a "veil of ignorance" when prosecuted for a crime.
in the OJ case, the jury was given overwhleming evidence and they blew it off bc he is black. that is discrimination and is wrong.
that's what i am saying is happening here - members of the gay community are faced with overwhelming evidence and they are blowing it off because the potential suspects are gay.
this in turn tends to add to the delay of the rightful acceptance of such minority community by the "majority" - that was and is my point - there is nothing racist in it. if you think there is anything racist in that point, then are you not smart enough to understand it.
anyway, i leave with a final comment - i actually really hope you all are right, that the 3 guys in the house had nothing to do with this and they treated rob like a friend to the end, literally.
if any of the 3 happen to read this, and you did have something to do with this, then you should confess and take responsibility. don't think that it's not worth causing more trouble to your or your surviving friends' lives to bring prosecution etc. - it's the only real way you will be able to go on with your conscience intact...
do the right thing! just do the right thing!
jennette and other friends of rob - it was nice "meeting" you - all the best to rob's wife and family - and have a nice end of summer
gavin
Dear Gavin, good riddance to bad rubbish! What a jerk!
I heard that Mr. Wone's parents are working with the D.A. to go after one of the guys for obstruction of justice.That could mean a plea bargain to him and full prosecution to others(typical in these prisoner dilemma settings?)The first one to talk gets best deal.Wonder who it will be?
Conspiracy charges contemplated against the three residents:
http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/08/081806dcmurd.htm
Well, I went to William & Mary, and well before that I learned basic reading comprehension. Apparently, Gavin did not. (Side note: it was also my "safety school," and not particularly hard to get into. So, Gavin's puffery is amusing. It was not, however, as rabidly and mindlessly conservative a university as his posts would suggest.)
I assume he has slunk away by now, but what part of "people of good character don't judge others" is unclear? It is very telling the contortions he is willing to perform just to avoid addressing this very simple concept. "Are you saying I should be like Jesus? Maybe Gandhi?" Well, no. That's not what was said at all.
And, as already noted, this concept is taught in Sunday school, which tends to be a pretty conservative institution. So, refraining from passing judgment is not some wacky liberal construct, as Gavin would no doubt prefer to think.
That a person making such antagonistic and frankly hateful comments would think he is in a position to exhort others to "Just do the right thing! Do the right thing!" is truly baffling. Besides, how would he have enough information to even form an opinion about the parties' actions? Am I missing something? Does Gavin have a mole in the D.C.P.D.?
I realize emotions run high because this is truly a tragedy, but how would railroading an innocent party or parties help? And how does an innocent party avoid being railroaded if he or she does not get an attorney? This is just basic common sense. Besides, this is D.C. Everyone is and / or has an attorney. Retaining an attorney is really not so dramatic a move as Gavin would have one believe. I don’t recall whether Gavin mentioned where he is from-- maybe he is unfamiliar with this quirk of D.C.
I have lived in DuPont for five years. The crime in the past year has become dramatically "weirder," for lack of a better word. Midday muggings (with police only a block or two away) are off the charts. Burglaries are off the charts. It is really not so hard to imagine a scenario in which this crime could have been committed by an intruder. Again, maybe Gavin lives in a quiet suburb somewhere and he is unfamiliar with the crime in DuPont.
Which leads us back to square one: why is Gavin posting at all? What is it that gives him special insight or information?
I for one will be so glad when DC finally tips past the gentrification endpoint. I agree with the previous posters who have mentioned how crime has become so much "weirder" the past few months. And I'm getting sick of it. I personally know an intern who was mugged ON HIS FIRST FRIGGING DAY in the District, and he's not some rural hick but rather a total city boy from Boston.
The MPD is just keystone cops, plain and simple. And it won't get any better until the residents in the city demand it to. Unfortunately, the current resident base has, shall we say, not viewed crime reduction as a big priority. But the more middle-class people (of ALL racial backgrounds, don't start flaming me) replace the current residents, the more they'll start clamoring for the cops to become competent. And, believe me, when the person in the mayor's office realizes that the middle class is calling the shots, there will be a rapid improvement.
Just take a look at NYC.
I for one will be so glad when DC finally tips past the gentrification endpoint.
Indeed, let's just do away with all of those bothersome poor people.
k - you were in-state right? you can always tell...
Understandably, there are a lot of emotions in these emails. I agree that hiring a lawyer does not equal guilt. Any person who is accused of a serious crime such as murder should hire a lawyer (and a good one) as soon as possible. This fact by itself proves nothing.
One aspect that I take objection to, though, is persons posting with certainty about the guilt or innocence of the residents of the Swann Street home. One poster went so far as to call the residents "innocents." If by "innocents" the poster means "innocent until proven guilty", then fine. Until someone confesses to the crime or is found guilty, all we can do is form probabilities based on available evidence.
At this point, all we the public have to go on is what has been reported in the news and the statements of the DC police:
1. Wone was brutally murdered at approximately 11 p.m., and the killer specifically targeted Wone. A news article stated that the DC police have determined that Wone's wounds were approximatly 1 hour old from the time that the DC police arrived at approximatly 12:02 p.m.
2. One of the residents of the Swann Street home called 911 at 11:49 p.m. to report that Wone had been stabbed. Police arrived approximatly 13 minutes later.
3. The DC police have found no evidence of a break-in and nothing in the house was taken and nothing appeared out of place.
4. The crime scene had been tampered with prior to the police arriving (approximately one hour after Wone was stabbed). After Wone's stabbing, Wone was moved from the second floor bedroom to another room in the house, the bedroom was cleaned, then Wone was moved back.
5. The three residents have given statements to the DC police that all were at home at the time of Wone's stabbing.
6. News reports have quoted unnamed police sources as stating that "it is like a sardine can" inside the Swann Street house and it is "very obvious anyone present inside that row-house would have been aware of the killing and subsequent activity inside such a small dwelling."
7. The DC police have stated that "Some of the things we have been told by the residents, we just do not believe."
8. The residents have maintained their innocence from the beginning.
Looking at the points above, particularly points 3 through 5 and 7, I am surprised that anyone would be saying with confidence that the residents are "innocents". Objectively (and I have not introduced any issues of homosexuality or biased police statements), based solely on the facts as have been reported to date, it appears very likely that at least one of the residents was involved with Wone's killing or knows a great deal more than has been disclosed to the police. Please note that I have said "very likely" not certainly.
Obviously, police apply logic when assessing evidence and following leads. Applying logic to the facts as the public knows them, the police seem to be considering two possible scenarios:
Scenario #1: One or more of the residents was involved with Wone's killing and he/they are trying to cover it up.
Scenario #2: An intruder entered the home (unarmed) intending to kill Wone, brutally killed Wone on the second floor, moved Wone to another area of the home in order to clean the bedroom, cleaned the bedroom, moved Wone back, and then left the house. All this activity happened from approximately 11:00 p.m. (when Wone was stabbed) to 11:49 p.m. (when a resident called 911), and each of the residents was either so sound asleep or otherwise pre-occupied to not be aware of what was occuring.
Obviously, we all need to wait for more facts to come out before stating with certainty that one or more of the residents was responsible. Based on what we know today, though, things are not looking good for the residents and it is highly probable that one or more of them will be arrested within the next four weeks.
(By the way, I am not Gavin or an alter ego of Gavin; not that I have any beef with him.)
One poster contended (I am paraphrasing) that the parties would consent to being repeatedly interviewed without counsel if they were truly innocent.
This is ridiculous.
When D.C. police try to repeatedly inverview parties without counsel present (and then bemoan in the press their failure to do so), they do so because they want to railroad someone. Don't be naive.
D.C. police know quite well it's best for all concerned if counsel is present. It's not as if retaining counsel automatically leads to a refusal to answer any police questions. That seems to be the mistaken underlying assumption of these posts.
And, as a criminal defense attorney in D.C., I can assure you that if the D.C. police had the evidence they imply they have, these parties would likely already have been arrested.
You simply must, must, must evaluate anything leaked by the D.C. police with extreme skepticism. In this case, they have even leaked contradictory information.
I can only hope those posters who equate "lawyering up" with guilt or a deficit of character never find themselves on the scene of a crime.
As for whether these guys were bad friends and failed (for whatever reason) to do all they could to help their friend, it seems quite possible the answer is "yes."
But, while I understand your objection to the use of the term "innocent," I can imagine any number of scenarios in which the parties could be innocent. I know that's not what you want to hear.
For example: I live just a couple of blocks from the crime scene and I live in a high security building. Nonetheless, two units were burglarized at midday on a Wednesday a couple of weeks ago. Various next-door neighbors were working from home that day.
Much to my annoyance, we have very thin walls and if my neighbor so much as sneezes, I hear it. But, these residents' apartments were cleaned out (including furniture) and no one heard a peep.
So, Wone certainly could have been stabbed without anyone hearing anything. I personally don't find the "lack of noise" all that convincing one way or the other, but some here seem to find it compelling.
As for no forced entry or theft, maybe Wone surprised an intruder. Who knows. We would need more information to feel comfortable saying there is some sort of cover-up going on.
And then there's the leaked allegation that the crime scene was tampered with and the body was moved.
Ask yourself: why would the police leak this if it were established fact? They wouldn't. There would be too big a risk of compromising the investigation if they were actually using this information to build their case.
Instead, they are using the press to do some fishing.
I could be wrong on all counts, of course. We'll have to see what happens.
Just wanted to add to my post above:
The information about the potential crime scene tampering comes from the affadavit supporting the search warrant request for Price's office.
I'm sure you all already know this, but let's remind ourselves that police need to make certain allegations in these affadavits in order for the judge / magistrate to find probable cause and sign off on the search warrant.
Many times allegations are- shall we say- "exaggerated" by the affiant in order to get probable cause.
The real test will be whether they actually find anything.
Seems police are less than sure about their tampering claim:
From NBC4.com, dated 8/21/06:
http://www.nbc4.com/news/9713397/detail.html
WASHINGTON -- Police returned to the scene of a murder on Swann Street Monday.
Local attorney Robert Wone, 32, was found stabbed to death on Aug. 2.
On Monday, a K-9 unit was at the house where Wone was found. The dogs are specially trained to detect trace evidence of human DNA.
Sources told News4 that detectives are trying to confirm whether the body of the victim was moved after he was stabbed to death.
Last week, police confirmed that the crime scene had been cleaned up before authorities arrived. They were careful to say that was not unusual and not necessarily an indication of anyone's guilt.
No suspects have been named in the case. No arrests have been made.
Thanks CW. A lot of interesting points in your posts.
I disagree that the article suggests that the police are less sure about the tampering claim. Rather, the article suggests that the police are less sure about the extent of the tampering (i.e. whether Wone was moved). The article does not touch on the cleaning of the bedroom area prior to police arriving on the scene.
Just a guess, but bringing in the dogs suggests to me either (a) the police have shaky forensic evidence thus far about the potential movement of Wone, and are hoping that the dogs will lead them to more (and better) forensic evidence, or (b) the police are bringing in the dogs to support existing forensic evidence. My gut tells me that scenario (a) is the more probable of the two scenarios.
Just wanted to add the following:
It is possible for affadavits supporting a search warrant to be sealed.
So, whenever the press gets access to one of these affadavits, there has been to some extent a decision to "leak" the information to the press, although it is not a "leak" in the usual sense of the word.
That said, it is incredibly difficult in some jurisdictions to have the affadavits sealed.
Does anyone here know more about how this process works in D.C.? I'm in California and affadavits are sealed here a lot more than the press would like.
Just a few points -
1. The FBI forensics people were on-site for quite a while later in the week. I assume that means they are doing the analysis, not the DC police.
2. The timeline listed in the "recap" post (Aug. 21) says Mr. Wone was murdered at approximately 11pm; that the police were called at 11:49pm; that they arrived 13 minutes later (12:02) and that he was pronouced dead at 12:02. This would mean he was pronounced dead at the scene, but I read elsewhere that he was pronouced dead at the hospital. This is probably irrelevent but I am curious about this apparent contradiction:(a) the time of the call is wrong (b) the police response time is incorrect or (c) the reporters simply got it wrong about the hospital bit.
I would like to express my condolences to those who knew Mr. Wone, who was by all accounts a kind and talented man.
You are correct another swann street:
Wone was stabbed at approximately 11:00 p.m., the police were called at approximately 11:49 p.m., the police arrived at approximately 12:02 a.m., and Wone was pronounced dead at the hospital around 12:30 a.m.
Sorry for the confusion.
Recap, you brought me back!
It was nice to read your dispassionate logic-based recap. I will go so far as to say based on the personality coming through your post, that I actually like you (not just an absence of beef with you).
Unfortunately, the logic lasted only so long here, as the would-be nullifying group swooped back in...
Ask yourselves this question: if Joe and those guys weren't gay, would you really think the way you do?
CW, you must not be a very good criminal defense lawyer if you think police and prosecutors routinely fabricate evidence and lie, anyone remotely connected to criminal trial process knows that in high profile jurisdictions like DC, prosecutors are hesitant to bring charges without clear and powerful evidence. Probably this is part of the issue here. Anyway, you also are wrong to say that it is normal for these guys to hire lawyers - first of all, they have not been charged (as you so freudianingly slip up here) with murder...but if you are truly innocent and you are already a big shot lawyer you don't need to hire someone...that is just reality, and you would know that if you were any good.
Anyway, to Joe and the other guys - it will pay in the end to tell the police everything you know about what happened - you will still be able to have a good life, just do it...here is the phone number to call: 1-866-411-8477
P.S. One other little test to help you all assess your own biases:
Do you really think it is mere coincidence that only the posters here who are gay are the ones defending Joe and those guys while EVERYONE ELSE admits that statistically it appears to be virtually impossible that they have told the whole truth?
This should show you your bias.
gavin
Check out:
http://www.datalounge.com/cgi-bin/iowa/forum/thread/gossip/3650328/page-13.html
or Google Gay Murder Mystery
...and you will find that of the 300+ posts - many believe that the one or all three is/are involved.
Gavin, on what are you basing your assumption that only gay posters are defending the residents?
A person of good character (and intelligence) does not rely on ad hominem attacks to make his or her point.
Just a thought.
Confucius say:
Person of minimal intelligence does not confuse illumination of group bias with an ad hominem attack.
Just a thought.
Hey Cat, I base assumption on the reality that only gay posters are defending the residents.
Wanna play a little game?:
Here are the posters that have "defended the residents" in ways that have been at times absurd...
(e.g., "mopping up spilled blood before it can soak into a hardwood floor or furniture is also within the bounds of normal behavior." -DrWong, August 16)
1. CW
2. dc
3. dave
4. DrWong
5. Swann St
Can any of these five honestly say here that they are not gay?
If not, then my "assumption" is correct and there is group bias going on here.
Joe and the other guys -
It still makes sense to tell the police everything you know about what happened.
You will still be able to have a good life, just do it...call now: 1-866-411-8477
"f you are truly innocent and you are already a big shot lawyer you don't need to hire someone"
Um, no. Being a big shot lawyer doesn't mean you're an expert in criminal defense. I don't believe the person you're referring to is a criminal lawyer. I'm not saying he's innocent, I'm just saying hiring a(nother) lawyer doesn't make him guilty.
dear gavin, your gay-bashing is driving my straight ass bonkers. kindly go away please. thank you.
I'm a hetero woman, if it matters.
Why are we feeding the dreary troll?
Gavin,
Your referring to posters as gay is not an ad hominem attack. But, it's very telling that you think it is.
Hilarious- but not surprising- that you so totally miss the point.
I suggest you re-read your own posts.
What? Did Jeannette not get enough sympathy from her posting on live journal?
http://jeannette.livejournal.com/61805.html
j - You accuse me of something I take very seriously, and I don't appreciate it. I respect all innocent people and, if you must know, I actively support gay marriage in this country and gay rights globally. In fact, I have participated in public protests and marches (in DC) in favor of those very basic ideals.
What have I said that is "gay bashing"?
Wikipedia says "gay bashing" is:
"A verbal gay bashing might take place on any street corner and use sexual slurs, expletives, intimidation, or threats of violence — or, it might take place in a political forum and include one or more common anti-gay slogans. Passionate invective fits more closely into the general idea of gay bashing than does a calm, intellectual justification for anti-LGBT attitudes or policies."
Have I used slurs, expletives, intimidation, threats of violence, or common anti-gay slogans?
Or have I engaged in a calm, intellectual discussion about how I view nullification of a crime by members of the same demographic group as the perpetrators of that crime? And I refer to ANY group - rich, poor, white, black, blue, green whatever. Can't you see the difference?
In fact, I don't think most LGBT people would blindly support 3 people who appear statistically quite likely to have been involved in the murder of their self-proclaimed friend simply because the 3 people are also LGBT (I am really amazed so many people here on this dcist do).
This might help you understand my point: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_nullification#Nullification_in_Practice
Although I would like to see the people here agree with me that Joe and those guys should tell the police what they know about that night, that is not really my focus -
What I really want to do is show that calling 1-866-411-8477 and talking to the authorities is a good thing, they are ready to listen and help.
1-866-411-8477
Thanks
Gavin
Hello,
I am hoping to reach someone whom knows how to get in touch with the Wone family. I grew up with Robert, and went to both grade school and highschool with him. I was very close to him and his family when I was very young, and as we aged we drifted apart and did not keep in touch. I am very hurt and disturbed with this tragedy. I have a lot of great memories of Robert and would like to share them and my condolences with his family. Please email me at dominiclricciardi@hotmail.com if you can help.
Has anyone considered a possible motive for this egregious murder?
Could It simply be jealousy by one of the 3 residents?
Would jealousy be enough to kill someone they apparently were at minimum friendly with?
I can't wait to see what the FBI forensics evidence comes up with.
I can only hope for the deceased wife and family that the DNA evidence is maintained well and not tampered with or lost.
I've spent a lot of time mulling over this case and am disappointed at the lack of information on the horrible murder of Robert Wone. My belief is that one of the residents did it, possibly after Robert rejected one of their advances. I hope the murderer(s) meets a death as worse as what they inflicted on Robert.