Thursday, October 14, 2010

No Justice in Oklahoma

by Susan Murphy Milano

For more than a decade, the Oklahoma Medical Justice For The Dead is the tip of the iceberg of what families have endured, going back to the year 2000 and the unsolved murder(s) of their family members. Autopsies are stamped "suicide" as if the medical examiner's office is branding justice for victims as if they were cattle.

One by one, the crime scene photos tell each victim's story. The blood-spattered walls, the entry and exist wounds of bullets, an appliance cord around a neck to burn patterns, and body position upon entry. The Examiner's Office has practiced a brand of cover up and corruption without regard for truth and justice.

Chanda Turner, just 23 years old, was shot to death at her home in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, on July 12, 2000. Her boyfriend claimed she shot herself while he slept through the sound of gunfire and later found her outside on the back steps after she was dead. Crime scene photos depict blood throughout the inside of the home, including on the mattress he claimed he was asleep on. The mattress had been stripped of sheets; no one asked where they went. There were more signs of cleanup in the bedroom, including a bottle of cleaning solution on the floor. The boyfriend had fresh scratches on his arms, and Chanda was covered in bruises. There were signs of a struggle in the living room, including broken furniture.

On January 6, 2004, Sheila Deviney's mobile home (fire photo, right), located about one mile east and one mile south of Maysville, Oklahoma, burned to the ground. Deviney, 30, was murdered. It should be no surprise that Sheila Deviney had been married to an abusive, controlling man. They had a court date about past-due child support scheduled for the next day. According to eye witnesses, her ex-husband was at the home, although, by law, he was not allowed on the premises. He and another friend destroyed evidence and took items from the home. And, as of last week, the medical examiner's office has set a deadline in 2012 regarding the destruction of Sheila's tissue samples. And there is a $50,000 reward being offered by Oklahoma business people in this case.

Tom Horton (left) had been a beloved and respected teacher for twenty five years in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, before he was killed by a shotgun blast in his home on December 10, 2008.

Many family members sounded the alarm of foul play, they pointed out obvious evidence of a homicide to local authorities which fell on deaf ears.

Medical Investigator John Miller, who is not a physician and who also obstructed the performance of an autopsy in Chanda Turner's case, classified the death a suicide. No autopsy was perfomed, despite Tom Horton dying of an unattended, violent death by firearm. The family's repeated requests for an autopsy were denied. Without benefit of an autopsy or other direct scrutiny by any pathologist, Horton’s death remains incorrectly classified as a suicide. The family called attention to physical evidence in other areas of the dwelling corroborating homicide, all of which the ME's Office met with hostility.

Faced with an overwhelming number of inconsistencies and physical evidence, five individuals from Wynnewood, including two of Horton’s sons, two family friends and a former student, began the arduous task of seeking justice in Garvin County, up to and including the petitioning for a grand jury.

Landon Edwards, or "Hopper," (pictured, right) was just 26 years of age when he was found murdered in Guymon on August 30, 2008. The autopsy photos in this case tell a much different story than what the Oklahoma ME's office listed on his death certificate.

At the time, according to family accounts, "[Landons'] girlfriend claimed to have found him upon awaking at 8:38 a.m." Supposedly, Landon hung himself less than 10 feet from where she slept, in a room that had no door between her and the victim. The facts speak for themselves. The victim's position at the scene did not support that of a self-induced death, or suicide.

As you are reading this, I am in Oklahoma, under what many consider a hostile environment. Threats have been implied that I will not leave the state in anything other than a body bag. During my ten days in Oklahoma, I will be visiting crimes scenes with family members, participating in press conferences, legislation and meeting with various officials.

The Roth Show will be taking daily reports live from me as I make appearances in and around Oklahoma. Dr. Laurie Roth and her associates have committed themselves to helping keep me safe while I'm there.

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

How is all this possible. My god! Lazy? What is their motive for not investigating, etc. Thank goodness they have you and others to help the families.

Sylph said...

*echoing Anonymous's sentiment* The goal is to "close" the case vs "solve" the case? Frustrating and infuriating.

Stay safe and please, keep up the excellent work.

ariaes said...

Susan,
Thanks for all you do. You are the voice for these people and to keep pushing on despite the threats you have received, is honorable. It shows the determination that lies in your heart. Expose Oklahoma and all it's cover up. Let the world know it. This is wrong. These families deserve Justice for their loved ones.
God Bless!

THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT said...

Susan, the good people of Garvin County (the vast majority of them) await you and your expertise. They can't wait to eject the few bad apples who've spoiled the pie for so long. It's been a long time coming, but this is a reckoning.--XI

Anonymous said...

Susan, the same thing is happening in TEXAS too!!! It's so terrible and frustrating at the way these cases are invesigated...or as I usually say...NOT investigated!
My Son,s Daniel Underwood,FaceBook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111596418855060

Bill said...

Susan, Please be safe and very careful and keep up the fight, you are fantastic and strong and there are so very many with you, Thanks so much for all you are doing, Bill

Sam said...

Stephens County, Garvin County, Murray County--It's all the same. Drugs, money and murder. Why won't the FBI do something?

TigressPen said...

Stay safe, sure of your belief in Chanda, Sheila and Tom's cases and be hyper vigilant. What you are fighting is a much needed battle and a commendable action on your part.

Sandra L. Brown, M.A. said...

This is an excellent example of what The Institute (whom Susan is a part of) has tried to offer the public which is Pathology Education. While the persons who murdered these victims are most likely seriously pathologically disordered (narcissists, antisocials or socio/psychopaths), what is often missed is that entire sytems can also be pathological especially is those at the highest levels are also disordered producing the 'fish stinks from the head down' effect. Entire systems have and are pathological (we only need to remember the holocaust or Jim Jones), etc. to see pathological systems in action. When we ask 'Who does that?' it helps us focus on pathology in action--the finger prints of disorders that 'do' unbelievable actions w/o conscience. 'Who would make these many 'mistakes' that now appear to be cover ups?' 'Why would someone want to make sure that murder is covered up?' 'What kind of mental health would one need to have in order to do that?' "What kind of blind system would need to be in place for this to happen repeatedly?' "What kind of leadership in a system like this would allow, perpetrate or even look away?" When we expand our vision and scrutiny to look at systems and those at the top as potentially as pathologically disordered as those that perpetrated the crimes, we begin to see pathology in high places that effect communities, cities, states, and whole countries.

Kathryn Casey said...

Susan,

We're incredibly proud of you here at Women in Crime Ink. Stay safe and report back to our readers when you return!

Hugs,

KC

Leah said...

What is the ME's office getting for all this?

Stay Safe Susan and G-d Bless!

Jillian Maas Backman. said...

"Bravery is Susan's challenge, Protecting Her is Ours!

There is "no accident" she is going to the center of our country to spread the message of compassionate justice. Her pilgrimage to Oklahoma is necessary to bring peace to the families, communities, state, and ultimately, America.

Bless you on your travels. Please post and let her know there are thousands illuminating her path with light. Jillian Maas Backman

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all you do to expose legalized murder in America. Call for back-up if you need assistance. I know you are not leaving in a body bag if your friends have any influence in the situation. Anchor down. Gun Toter.

Donna Pendergast said...

We are all watching with great interest Susan

Anonymous said...

We are all going to be there to help Susan. we will watch her back!!! We will all come together. JUSTICE FOR ALL!! We will have justice for all!!!

pattydiva said...

You go girl!!! God bless you for your bravery and concern. You know, it wouldn't surprise me one bit to find that there's a LE connection to all this. A child of some official, or relative of some sort. I wish the national news would do a story on this, then it would be even safer to be there with that kind of exposure. Godspeed to you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan, thank you for investigating, writing and sharing this. Thank you for telling the story. I just saw a bumper sticker of all things this week that popped into my head reading of these cases: "Three things are not long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth - Buddha." Thank you for shining the flashlight into a dark room for people to now see!

Jesse Tovar said...

Susan, after hearing the radio show about my dear lost friend Hopper I was sadden to hear the story directly from Carla but at the same time glad to hear his story being told. Justice has not been served in Hopper's case. The complete lack of willingness to continue to investigate anything else but a suicide on Hopper's case is an outrage! So glad to hear that there are people like yourself that are helping families like Hopper's to get justice and to get answers that they deserve. Continue the good fight!

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for all that u are doing for our loved ones. Somethings got to be done about the M.E. and the justice system in oklahoma.thers no way hopper could have possibly done this to himself and and the effort osbi and local police department was non existant. Thank you

Brandon Edwards said...

Susan this is Brandon Hoppers brother i wanted to thank you for all that you doing to bring justice to my brothers case and hopefully some peace to our family.The OSBI has ignored us time and time again you are the only person that is listening to our story and trying to do something about it.Thank You

Sarah Hines said...

Thank you Susan for getting Landon "Hopper" Edwards story out to the masses.Obviously the justice system in Oklahoma has failed him and many others.He was an awsome person and deserves justice!

Johnna Terry said...

Thank you so much for all that you are doing to bring justice to Hoppers case and also for the family! We all loved Hopper dearly and know in our hearts that he would never commit suicide. His mother has continued since his death to find justice but with no results. Hopefully with your voice, the families voice and friends voices, Hopper will get the justice he deserves. Thank you!!

Toya Benton said...

This is Toya, I was Hoppers Sisgter in law at the time. I Went throught the house days after the murder and I can tell you that this was not a suicide scene. Carla has been trying to have her voice heard for a couple of years and so far you are the inly one that has listened, i am overjoyed at your interest in justice and disgusted at law enforcements ignorance and dismissal of this evident homicide. i support yu and your cause all the way thank you for giving us a voice.

Anonymous said...

I would like to thank you for helping Hopper's family find justice! There are not too many choices in a small town like Guymon Okla. when the police, sheriff, and OSBI wont help or just turn their heads bc it does not involve one they love or care about! Well anyone that knew Hopper LOVED him and loved their friendship with him, so thank God for people like you! Good luck and thank you again!

Anonymous said...

Im at a lost to understand how something so horrible can be passed off as a suicide.This man needs justice.He deserves to rest in peace and my prayers are with him.The case needs to be reopened and evalualted properly so that justice can be served.I prey that god steps in and lends a hand to the men who seek this man justice!!!

All my hope and prayers
Elizabeth

karen said...

Susan thank you for helping bring justice for Hopper he was truley an amazing young man he would do anything he could to help others, and bless you for your help. His family deserve to know the truth and have justice and closure for his death. Karen one of Hoppers greatful friends

Donna Glover said...

Hopper was a good man who loved life and loved people. We know he did not commit suicide! Not only has his Murder been a great distress to his immediate family but also his extended family and friends. With few resources and no cooperation from the (Powers that be), the mishandling of his murder has angered us all. Not only does Hoppers case need to be investigated but also the different departments and positions of the (Powers at be)in order for justice to be brought to not only Hoppers case but also to the other families of murdered loved ones in Oklahoma. We appreciate all the support we can get from anyone anywhere!!! Thank You!!!

Anonymous said...

thank you for yor interest in this case i am impatiently awaiting a verdict in the favor of justice

Anonymous said...

I find it amazing how law enforcement finds a way to make it convenient to cover up or make light of a young man's death just because it may be a little bit more foot work than they care to do. I am a daughter of a homicide dectective (passed) and I have heard my own father say just sweep under the rug. Only because he couldn't close in 48, cmon guys just do your job and give this family peace of mind

Anonymous said...

please reopen this investigation so that hoppers family can find justice inthis case. thank you for your interest i this investigation and may landons family find peace in this investigation

Anonymous said...

i hope this opens the eyes of the police to see how not following threw and going the distance in an case can cause harm and pain to the love ones of this man!! Find this man justice and put his soul to rest.
In gods name i prey

Anonymous said...

I can say from experience that All cops are Lazy incompetents that look for the easiest way out. I would suggest that if you really want to Make them do anything Write your congressman. Explain how the local police department dropped the ball, and explain what you want him/her to do on your behalf. Good luck. And yes I knew hopper, he came to my house with his brother many times and to be truthful, He never came off as a weak minded individual that would commit suicide.

Anonymous said...

tx county is a joke thay should be the one brought to justice hoppers murder should have been solved in the first few weeks after his death if it wuz one of their own thay would have raised hell about it go n find his x girlfrend she knows what happend and who did it shes as guilty as the ppl that did it hopper will have justice that i promice...

Delilah said...

Many speak for justice, but few have the courage to actually face down the devil in it's name.

While Susan walks through this firestorm in Oklahoma, it's good to know she has the prayers and support of many good people, especially the Women In Crime Ink team.

Lorraine Tipton said...

We are here too supporting and will also speak out against the injustice and corruption in Oklahoma. We have power in numbers and we will never give up, shut up or go away!

Anonymous said...

They have implied that Susan will not leave Oklahoma alive. When person in the police department or the court system makes these sorts of threats, they must be taken seriously. Threats of murder are not an uncommon occurrence for a lot of us who speak out on corruption and must be taken seriously when the other guy has the gun. Stay safe Susan.

Maureen said...

A few years back I would have been shocked by this but after my dealings with Oklahoma's sham of their legal and court system what has happened in these cases doesn't surprise me a bit. Susan stay safe ... I'm only a few hours away if you need me to rescue you. Run to Kansas!

Teardrops4katelynn said...

Susan be vigilant with your safety remember your voice is important you speak for thousands:-) That said kick butt;-)

Anonymous said...

I went to school with Sheila Deviney and knew her for years. She was a wonderful mother and only wanted the best for her children. It's so sad that many people in this town know she was murdered but nothing is being done about it. Sheila, her children, and her parents deserve the truth. I pray the horrible sick man who did this will pay for his crime. Along with anyone who knows about it but keeping the secret. Justice will be served, Sheila!!!

hokiedokie24 said...

Susan, you are truly one of my heroes. I admire what you are doing more and more everyday. Hang in there girl!!

Anonymous said...

The 'pathological' are at the root unethical and immoral in our society, in my opinion. Our average 'Joe Humans' have a conscience to follow along with empathy/sympathy for others, feelings about life's occurrences, and the ability to bond with other humans.

It takes a sociopath/psychopath/narcissist to do something as unconsciencous as to knowingly allow a murderer (vast majority of the time, a fellow sociopath/psychopath/narcissist) to roam free and continue to prey in our society.
Please note that even if this 'type' isn't slaughtering the flesh of their victim, they are most certainly slaughtering the lives of their victims via systematic destruction of their emotional and mental existence. This 'type' is a predator that cannot be reformed, in my opinion. The lack of conscience affords them the capacity to commit any and all unthinkable and horrifying acts against humanity without a shred of remorse or regret.

I had never before experienced the corruption of a small town. The level of oppression of the average citizen is, quite literally, unbelievable. If only there were a way for the residents (who all state that nothing can be done about the corruption) to make a difference. All humans deserve for their human rights to be treated with respect and value.

Thank you, and please continue to keep us informed on how to replace the unjust and unconsciencous people who manage to claw their way to the top (often at tremendous expense to others) in the small towns of America! We truly need to maintain the integrity of our country, whether it begins in the big city or a small town!

Anonymous said...

Just want to let people know Susan and the roth show is all anyone in several towns has been talking about since she arrived. She is doing and says what folks here all belived, Chanda Turner was murdered.

God bless you Susan for having the courage and bringing justice for all those families. I'm sorry about your loss and everything you had to go through but you are here on the wings of angels. Your mother is looking down on you in this war zone and protecting you on your mission.

THANK YOU!!!!!

FleaStiff said...

The cheapest and easiest solution to a crime is to make the crime itself disappear. Campus rape statistics can be kept low by recording it as consent. Chambers of commerce can be kept happy. Often tourist areas have strange crime statistics. One can easily find a small town that is utterly crime free ... just look at a cruise ship.

When you add in an incentive to avoid the time and expense of a pathologist, sure you get skewed statistics. Offend some flatfoot and the penalty just might be "suicide".

Anonymous said...

Oh my God I hope someday somehow OKLAHOMA cops, Medical examiner's and POLITICANS have to answer big time for all of this not to mention the criminals that committed these crimes. The officials are worse than the criminals because they hide behind badges and titles.

harleyquinharley said...

I sorely wish that I had run across this blog much sooner. I have been investigating a "wrongful death/manslaughter/murder by cop for several months in Tulsa, OK. The death has affected hundreds of people all across the nation and children. We have approached numerous lawyers only to be told " these cops have been doing this for years and no one is going to help you, despite your evidence, the whole legal system in Tulsa is corrupt and we all know it" We have boxes of evidence (so ridiculous a common sense people we have shown some of it too that never even knew the man automatically say "cover up". We are being ignored (return receipt certified letters) by the FBI, homicide and ME office. We have had previous ME and law enforcement confirm what we suspect. We also only have until Apr 9 to file anything. We have contacted FBI headquarters in DC recently as well as Senators. They are blocking Oklahoma Open Records Act. etc. etc. etc. We are told that it would take to much time and money to investigate by lawyers, although there would be a huge amount to gain. Well, how much is a persons life worth? And it isn't even the money we want. One of the officers involved in the shooting has ongoing cases for excessive force, appeals cases for the same, and is involved in the same scenarios the Tulsa Police Department is now being indicted for. We have been told that we are going to end up framed or dead. We DO NOT want another innocent person prosecuted, harmed or dead by these ridiculous antics. Yet we keep being told there is nothing we can do and we are never going to get past the point that the man killed, rode a motorcycle and was associated with some bad people. He was a Teamster also! He was shot in the back in bed for Gods sake. Even the newspaper articles from police interviews changed daily. The comments from the general public were outraged on these articles. The newspaper was contacted for a counter story and of course ignored. It is ridiculous. We were told we would have to go out of state to get anything done. So if you don't have 25K to 50K (price we were given to retain legal representation to do the case were we forced to pay and not done on contingency) then you just let it go and it continues.!? The book is very rightly titled. There is NO JUSTICE IN OKLAHOMA.