I show dogs, and have many friends that show as well. If someone is familiar with you from that hobby, and poses as someone else on a message board there is no way you could protect yourself. I guess the moral of the story is NEVER let someone you don't know into your house if you are home alone.
I agree, there was NO way Bobbie could have known what was going to happen! Not only had she "known" Lisa Montgomery from the message board for a long period of time, Bobbie had also been involved with dog shows with Lisa. This link shows a photo taken of a group of people after one of these dog shows: http://imageevent.com/happyhaven/ukcshows/abilene42004?n=0&z=2&c=4&x=1&m=24&w=0&p=0
Lisa Montgomery is shown 2nd from the left, with Bobbie and husband Zeb on the far right. Even though Lisa contacted Bobbie to come to see her puppy as a "Darlene Fischer" when Bobbie saw her "friend" Lisa at the door (and knowing her for some time in person, as well as the message board) I'm sure she would have opened her front door with open arms to her "friend?" That is what makes this crime so extra horrifying!
As far as I can see, the only thing that would have saved Bobbie from what happened to her would have been a "rule" to never meet a customer alone. But... with all the planning Lisa put into this, and Bobbie "knowing" Lisa, I can't even see where she would have had a chance. Lisa as "herself" had already gained Bobbie's trust... all on her own... and Lisa had no reason to NOT let Lisa into her home!
I am sending a link to a memorial album set up for Bobbie's family for anyone interested in helping the family:
http://imageevent.com/bdoglvg/inmemoryofbobbiestinnett
Sincerely,
Karen Goodale
I guess the moral of the story is NEVER let someone you don't know into your house if you are home alone.