Body in car identified as license examiner - Update on Memphis, Tennesse License Examine

Memphis Commercial Appeal ^ | February 13, 2002 | Bill Dries

[Brownie74]

There was little reported collision damage to the car.

This is what caught my eye in the first piece I read. I have seen some horrible accidents in my travels but very seldom have I seen "firey" accidents. Especially at low speed where the gas tank was not ruptured.

Keep an eye on this one.

[Dog]

I want you guys to flag me to anything on this you see or hear....

Thanks!

[Shermy]

Watch the video at this link: Body in car is identified

Video shows accident site. Video says Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has now joined the FBI investigation.

There was little collision damage, and the fuel tank AND engine were not the sources of the fire.

[Shermy]

Tell me what Fox says, and if they have any video. No pic of the car anywhere yet.

The ATF has now joined - would that mean there is a bomb concern???

[Ken H]

If this was not accidental, what is the motive for getting rid of her?

Terrorist cell exposure?
Vote fraud scheme discovery?
Part of a large or nationwide operation of license fraud exposure?

[nicmarlo]

Terrorist cell exposure?

That might be only part of it; the exposure part, well that was already done---those men were arrested. She probably knew other things and were afraid she'd talk.

[arete]

All you need to know is that she was about to talk and now she isn't. Case closed.

Richard W.

[Map Kernow]

Definitely suspicious, quite possibly the result of a malign terrorist conspiracy.

But how come no one's posted the usual "tinfoil hat" rhetoric on this one, I wonder? :)

[aristeides]

At Monday's hearing, federal prosecutor Tim DiScenza described Smith's death as "most unusual and suspicious." He also said two of her co-defendants had "connections" to the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Looks as if the U.S. Attorney's office is aware of the problem.

[Zorobabel]

Local news here in Nashville is now reporting that gasoline was found on the deceased body and remnants of clothing, and also witnesses are saying that they saw the car on fire before it crashed. The body was so badly burned that there were no arms or legs attached to the torso when found.

[aristeides]

I can't think of any innocent explanation for gasoline being on the body and clothes, given the other facts.

[Shermy]

One guy had a pass for the WTC dated a few days previous. He said it was for plumbing, he was fixing the water sprinkler system.

[testforecho]

This was a hit, pure and simple. Was she more complicit than she let on? She knew one of the men for years. She bought the car she was "driving" at the time from this Middle Eastern man. She told prosecutors that she had given him other licenses in the past. What else had she not told them/told them that meant she had to go? This is what is stumping me: why would a 50 yr old woman, low-level state employee be the target of a very thorough murder. The terror angle is a very tempting explanation.

[testforecho]

link to page with video of suspects going to court

[Shermy]

Gas? Witnesses? I'd like to know when they saw the car--before leaving the road?

Remotely exploded gasoline device or molotov throw from a passing car?

[Zorobabel]

The Tv reporter said witnesses reported seeing the backseat in flames just before the car left the road. They are calling it arson.

[motorhead]

Yep, worst case of suicide I've ever seen.

[Shermy]

Veddy interesting. Molotov? Was she asked to deliver a package, perhaps???

[motorhead]

The formerly Republican Gov. (don't think he's claimed now) and Democratic legislature has shown great foresight in loosening restrictions on Tennessee drivers licenses. An ongoing scandal has been the ease with which cross-border illegal aliens are able to get licenses in TN. Chickens coming home to roost?

[Selara]

Well, she won't be testifying to anything now....or ever.

Looks like Memphis is NOT the place to be these days. Scientists jumping off bridges for no reason, and low level state employees, having a lethal accidents the day before testifying in a terror related trial.

Gee whiz.