Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Family of cop's girlfriend who 'shot herself dead with his pistol' claim she was murdered ...
The Daily Mail Online ^ | November 25, 2013 | Helen Pow

Posted on 11/28/2013 7:14:28 PM PST by Uncle Chip

and his colleagues covered up the crime

A Florida family who claim their daughter was shot dead by her sheriff's deputy boyfriend in a domestic violence dispute are demanding justice.

Young mother Michelle O'Connell, 24, from St Augustine, was found dead of a gunshot wound to the mouth in September 2010 with her boyfriend, Jeremy Banks' duty weapon by her side.

He claimed to have been in another room and that she took her own life.

But Miss O'Connell's family are convinced she was murdered and that Mr Banks' police colleagues helped him cover up his involvement.

Their demands for a proper investigation into her death has now come to global attention as a result of a lengthy investigation by the New York Times.

It found that after Mr Banks told his colleagues his version of events - that Miss O'Connell had broken up with him and taken her own life - the St Johns County sheriff's department effectively halted their investigation.

No evidence was tested, no family or neighbors were interviewed and no data was downloaded from Mr Banks' cellphone despite the fact that Miss O'Connell had shown no signs of being suicidal prior to her death.

Her family told the paper that Miss O'Connell had been excited about a new full time job at a day care center and was enjoying being a mother to her 4-year-old daughter Alexis more than ever.....

But hours before the shooting she had made the startling confession to her sister, Christine, that Mr Banks had been violent towards her for months.

She added that she wanted to leave him but was scared of how he would react if she did.

But Mr Banks' colleagues at the sheriff's office weren't interested in Christine's testimony ....

(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: florida; jeremybanks; michelleoconnell; nefl; staugustine
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-50 next last
To: Uncle Chip

Ahh. I see. Another episode of “Cops Gone Wiiiild!”

Daddies don’t let your girls grow up to date violent men.


21 posted on 11/28/2013 8:09:24 PM PST by RKBA Democrat ( There is no worst president but owebama, and valerie jarrett is his prophet.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: bobby.223
LOL!!!
22 posted on 11/28/2013 8:10:00 PM PST by Chode (Stand UP and Be Counted, or line up and be numbered - *DTOM* -vvv- NO Pity for the LAZY - 86-44)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: Drango

From the article:

“I’ll just say it — when I first walked into that room, the first thought that went through my mind was, this is not good for Jeremy,” said Sgt. Scott Beaver, who initially took charge of the scene. “We need to document the scene as it is as much as possible, because I felt there would be questions later on.”

At his direction, an officer took photographs that show the gun — a Heckler & Koch .45-caliber pistol — on the ground just inches from Ms. O’Connell’s left hand, suggesting that she would have used her weaker hand to shoot herself.

Curiously, the gun’s tactical search light, attached to the barrel, is on. There is also the unexplained second bullet, buried in the carpet several inches from her body.

“I mean, I was in the homicide unit for a few years, and it didn’t add up,” Sergeant Beaver said. “But I didn’t do more investigation into this to see why things were like they were.”


23 posted on 11/28/2013 8:11:07 PM PST by Uncle Chip
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: Uncle Chip

The people who did the show did not ask whether the cop’s fingerprints were on the ammo clip or bullets in it. They only said that the woman’s fingerprints were found on the trigger/handle.

Since the copy owned the gun, you would expect his prints to be all over it. I learned this in Criminal Investigation Techniques I in 1975. The same rules of checking out a weapon apply today, unless you want to cover-up something.

Also, I didn’t hear anything about gun-powder residue on the woman’s hands. Did I miss it or did they not mention it?

The woman’s right leg position bothered me. If she was pushed backward by the shot, or if she collapsed in situ, why was her leg partially bent upward?

Also, I believe the issue was raised by the family about no blood splatter being found on the muzzle of the gun.

Lots of questions NOT ASKED by the show’s producers/crew or not presented during it. WHY NOT to both issues.


24 posted on 11/28/2013 8:13:13 PM PST by MadMax, the Grinning Reaper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Uncle Chip

The people who did the show did not ask whether the cop’s fingerprints were on the ammo clip or bullets in it. They only said that the woman’s fingerprints were found on the trigger/handle.

Since the copy owned the gun, you would expect his prints to be all over it. I learned this in Criminal Investigation Techniques I in 1975. The same rules of checking out a weapon apply today, unless you want to cover-up something.

Also, I didn’t hear anything about gun-powder residue on the woman’s hands. Did I miss it or did they not mention it?

The woman’s right leg position bothered me. If she was pushed backward by the shot, or if she collapsed in situ, why was her leg partially bent upward?

Also, I believe the issue was raised by the family about no blood splatter being found on the muzzle of the gun.

Lots of questions NOT ASKED by the show’s producers/crew or not presented during it. WHY NOT to both issues.


25 posted on 11/28/2013 8:14:06 PM PST by MadMax, the Grinning Reaper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Uncle Chip

It’s very hard to believe that this young woman killed herself.

Unless her family members are very good liars, evidence points toward classic domestic violence.


26 posted on 11/28/2013 8:14:18 PM PST by pax_et_bonum (Never Forget the Seals of Extortion 17 - and God Bless America)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: MadMax, the Grinning Reaper

Great questions:

That may have been the reason for the second shot into the carpeting — to get the gunshot residue on her hands and her fingerprints on the gun.

The weapon was kept in one of those secured holsters that the ME couldn’t even figure out how to unlock.

I think they did say that the cop’s fingerprints were not on the weapon — which would be strange since it was his. And apparently they never checked his hands for gunshot residue.


27 posted on 11/28/2013 8:22:04 PM PST by Uncle Chip
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: NoCmpromiz

Dunno.
That falls under paragraph 4 subsection zz “necromantic communication arrays and semibiotic transpecies symbological meaning conveyance”.
Arcane things best left to the very lucky or the very foolhardy.


28 posted on 11/28/2013 8:26:36 PM PST by Darksheare (Try my coffee, first one's free..... Even robots will kill for it!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: VerySadAmerican
Cops are criminals. I know not all cops break the law. But most cops won’t go after those who do.

your statement barely reaches the asinine level....total nonsense at best and insulting besides....

29 posted on 11/28/2013 8:34:48 PM PST by terycarl (common sense rules overall)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: MadMax, the Grinning Reaper

The other thing that stood out to me was what she was doing with 50 of his Oxycodones in her pocket leaving his prescription bottle empty.

Was he an Oxycodone freak???

Was his wild behaviour linked to his abuse of Oxycodone???

And so she hid the pills from him and that set him off???

And in a wild rage in need of his fix he puts a gun in her face and demands his pills back — then bang.


30 posted on 11/28/2013 8:47:47 PM PST by Uncle Chip
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: VerySadAmerican

my mom’s ex was a cop and was a passive-aggressive. he would never have gone after her because i believe he knew i’d hunt him down and deal with him.


31 posted on 11/28/2013 11:33:45 PM PST by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; Not averse to Going Bronson.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Uncle Chip

The Cop should work for the CIA and NSA, this sorts thing happens all the time where people they are “investigating” shoot themselves in the head multiple times or their car explodes because it has has tapped into a tree...


32 posted on 11/29/2013 12:59:33 AM PST by GraceG
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: vette6387

[ “Yep, when it comes to crime, cops are as bad as any other criminal when it comes to the covering up for other cops.”

If you want to test this theory, just file a written complaint against a cop like I did a couple of years ago. In exchange for my very detailed written complaint, I received a letter from a Lieutenant advising me that if my complaint were proven false, that I would be prosecuted. I finally had to write to the Town Council about the situation before the PD decided that they had better “investigate.” They called me in, put me and my wife (always have someone with you) in an interrogation room with no windows, a cop and a tape recorder. Then he proceeded to try and trip me up by asking that I repeat everything I wrote. I simply told him that the complaint was accurate, and that I would only answer any questions that he had. Then he launched into his mantra about out put upon all cops were and wondered what it would take for me to withdraw the complaint because it was going to go on the cop’s permanent record. At the end of the day, the Chief “found” that the cop had acted within the law. Case closed!
The only good news is that in this instance someone had not lost their life. but the coverup process was exactly the same. We are The Law, we answer to no one! ]

You are a complete piece of crap, you should be ashamed, trying to exposed the truth about law enforcement, you should know that power doesn’t corrupt ANYONE at all. Get in line with all of the other “Law and order” Bootlicking freepers....

/This is Sarcastic, I agree with you 1000%

This is why I trust the county sheriffs more than City Cops. Sheriffs have to be accountable to the voters, a city Cop doesn’t.


33 posted on 11/29/2013 1:02:49 AM PST by GraceG
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: terycarl
Cops are criminals. I know not all cops break the law. But most cops won’t go after those who do.

Your statement barely reaches the asinine level....total nonsense at best and insulting besides.

I see nothing wrong with his statement. Because you can get away with it is no absolution.

34 posted on 11/29/2013 4:08:22 AM PST by Anton.Rutter
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: Uncle Chip

there has been 3 investigations into this, the facts being presented by PBS , hell this is PBS since when do we now think they tell the truth for crying out loud .


35 posted on 11/29/2013 5:32:38 AM PST by manc (Marriage =1 man + 1 woman,when they say marriage equality then they should support polygamy)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

Question after question that Sheriff David Shoar would not answer in the New York Times were answered in detail in the documents Shoar posted on the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office website Monday.

One of the questions was how Deputy Jeremy Banks gained access to the investigative file before being interviewed by a detective.

The sheriff answered, “No one was disciplined for “allowing” Banks to view the report because at the time he accessed it there were no restrictions placed upon it.”

The sheriff added, “This was actually a lesson learned for us and now it is standard procedure to restrict access.”

http://www.news4jax.com/news/st-johns-county-sheriff-responds-to-oconnell-death-investigation/-/475880/23158356/-/xjvt66/-/index.html

Does anyone on planet earth believe this sheriff???

In this sheriff’s office during all the years that he has been there homicide suspects were permitted to view the investigative reports before their interviews. Is that what he is saying??? Is that what he is saying was SOP in his office???

Ohhh but now a lesson has been learned and it is now standard procedure to restrict access and not allow suspects to read the police file ahead of time.

Who is he kidding.

People of St Augustine, you got a problem and his name is Shoar.


36 posted on 11/29/2013 5:34:48 AM PST by Uncle Chip
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: MadMax, the Grinning Reaper

I live here and the media are blowing this up like Trayvon Martin episode.
There;s been 3 investigations , there has been a series over times over questions asked and it is the family of the young woman who can’t accept their daughter killed herself

Course now NY Times and PBS amongst other left wing networks for some are now telling the truth ARFa, it is amazing how some people will believe what ever they want to from the media


37 posted on 11/29/2013 5:36:28 AM PST by manc (Marriage =1 man + 1 woman,when they say marriage equality then they should support polygamy)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: Uncle Chip

yes I do because I;ve met him a few times as my town is a small town so if you want your conspiracy crap from the lame stream then fine. No matter what is said then you have your mind made up but remember I;m here and this is big news and most people know the truth and facts.


38 posted on 11/29/2013 5:39:31 AM PST by manc (Marriage =1 man + 1 woman,when they say marriage equality then they should support polygamy)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies]

To: manc

Facts are facts — the fact that PBS has to bring them out casts aspersion upon the LE in Florida once again.

One of those investigations [FDLE] called for Banks to be indicted.

In another one the Special Prosecutor, like Angela Corey, chose not to present his findings to a Grand Jury to determine if charges should be brought. What do they have against grand juries in Florida???

The ME couldn’t even get the service weapon out of the holster. If he couldn’t then how do you figure that she could.

The sheriff allowed him to read the confidential crime scene file before he was interviewed and then has the audacity to claim that there was no rule against it at the time — and the people of Florida believe that nonsense. [Post 36]

The sheriff should be indicted for obstruction of justice.


39 posted on 11/29/2013 5:50:37 AM PST by Uncle Chip
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies]

To: Uncle Chip

we’ll go back and forth so let me remind you that I know the sheriff, and many in LE here , I live here and the way the Lame stream wants people to think it working again, so now the PBS far left network tells the truth, got it.


40 posted on 11/29/2013 5:54:29 AM PST by manc (Marriage =1 man + 1 woman,when they say marriage equality then they should support polygamy)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-50 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson