PCs seized in missing Ga. bride-to-be case

sacbee ^ | 4-29-05

[LouAvul]

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) - Investigators have taken several computers from the home of a missing bride-to-be to examine e-mails for clues to her disappearance, police said Friday.

Jennifer Wilbanks, 32, was reported missing Tuesday night by her fiance, John Mason, who said she did not come home after her nightly jog in this Atlanta suburb. He said she left with only her radio and the clothes she had on.

Police found Wilbanks' keys, cash, credit cards and identification in the home she shared with Mason.

Chief Randy Belcher said investigators took three computers from the home and were reviewing e-mails.

Officers who searched Wilbanks' neighborhood were also testing several sweat shirts for any connection to the case, though the police chief seemed doubtful. "We've picked up pieces of clothing all over," he said. Authorities said they considered the case a criminal investigation, but police gave mixed signals about whether they believe Wilbanks may have gotten cold feet.

Maj. Don Woodruff said authorities did not believe Wilbanks was a runaway bride. But under questioning from reporters, Belcher later said: "It's a very real possibility she did get cold feet. I mean, how many husbands have gone out for a pack of cigarettes and not come back?"

Belcher said Mason had told authorities he would decide Friday whether to take a polygraph test.

[Buck72]

Grave's disease I'd bet. Hyperactive thyroid condition.

[johnb838]

Yeah, there's more going on with that Ashley Smith too... she wouldn't look anybody in the eyes either. I think she made that whole "purpose driven life" part of the story up so she wouldn't have to tell the part about how she was f'n as if her life depended on it and then she made him breakfast.

[Paradox]

IMO, that is absurd.. to be afraid to take a polygraph test when you know you didn't do it.

And yet, it is often the case, especially when it is your life on the line. I'm not saying I think he is innocent, I dont like the "way he looks" either, but I can understand his mistrust of the polygraph. Its not what most people here think it is.

[isthisnickcool]

It's not exactly like that; he has agreed to take the polygraph but he wants it videotaped and in a neutral place.

Then that makes things tip towards the side that says he has something to hide. Occam's Razor, parsimony, whatever you want to call it applies.

If it was me and most other men I know we would be standing in the front yard asking her to come home and begging everyone for help. Then we'd say "fine, give us the test and invite the damn media to watch if you like".

[johnb838]

Ran off with just her sweats and then left them in the woods.

[Marysecretary]

She was 5ft. 8 in. and 120 pounds. She was thiiiinnnnn. He looked a little strange to me and I had a feeling he did it but my husband says no, he's innocent. So, we wait and see, I guess.

[SunnySide]

good grief.......

[monkeywrench]

I was addressing the fact that they want to be the only ones to interpret it. It's going to read according to whatever outcome they want.

I did some research some time ago on polygraphs, and I wouldn't take one on a bet.

[Fudd Fan]

"this is not the facial expression of a person distraught"

BINGO!

[uncitizen]

We're not lynching Mason. But we think he needs to be thoroughly vetted before being ruled out as a suspect. And if (or more likely when) they determine he's the guy, we'll be following his trial by jury.

[ShandaLear]

That picture is downright creepy!

[sissyjane]

That photo of John Mason reminds me so much of the pictures of Scott Peterson at Laci's candle-light vigil. Creepy !!

[johnb838]

Nobodies talking about lynching him. We just think hedunnit, and the evidence will come out supporting that.

[uncitizen]

I know what you meant. And i'm saying, that the private polygraph test is basically useless to the cops. The cops must perform their own polygraph on Mason in an effort to try and obtain useful information to help solve the case.

[Drammach]

Do the british even allow the use of polygraph?

I did some quick google checks..
While the polygraph is most commonly used in the U.S., it is within the law of many other nations, including Great Britain..
It is presently being promoted for testing of all sex offenders before release from prison.. the idea is receiving favorable comment, and looks like the law will pass..

Britain and their commonwealth nations do not use the polygraph as extensively as american law enforcement, but it is gaining some acceptance in certain areas, especially security..
It's use seems to be dictated by circumstance, as it appears, from what I have been able to find, that it is a legal measure of law enforcement..

[johnb838]

Exactly. Greta asked him "What do you think happened to her, John?" He just shrugged his shoulders and said "Dunno."

[tfecw]

That's because you can't get your hands on him and don't have the ropes. You are purely speculating. The only "evidence" is that in most case's it's the partner. I'm not saying he didn't do it, but I'm not so quick to speculate on nothing. I like evidence of any sort, other then speculative guesses based on "the way he looks"

[Drammach]

Like I said earlier, I watched that Greta interview and didn't like his response to the situation one bit..
He sounded like he really didn't care one damn bit she was missing..

[AnnaZ]

I think she made that whole "purpose driven life" part of the story up so she wouldn't have to tell the part about how she was f'n as if her life depended on it and then she made him breakfast.

Really? And that's what made a psychotic murderer completely change character and surrender? Must've been some nookie.

[bikepacker67]

Doesn't everyone remember that Jessica Lynch's Grandmother had "questions" regarding her lie detector test?

How'd that one turn out?