Jasmine Lowe

More Questions as the Investigation into Jasmine’s Death Continues by: Aria Lightfoot

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Jamine Lowe-murdered

Today marks only eight days since little Jasmine has been gone and the country is plagued with so many other homicides that Jasmine’s may become a fading memory to some.  The trail has seemingly gone cold as the entire investigation seemed focused on a white taxi that turned out to be a dead end maybe. Rumors are swirling of a new focus in the investigation. Could the police be pulling at straws?  Additionally, according to Plus TV, someone burned the area where the body was found undoubtedly burning away crucial evidence in Jasmine’s case, especially if some expert decided to go back and restart the process.  However, I want to go back and review the information that we actually know.Jasmine went missing on June 4, 2012 at around 2 pm.

Jasmine body was discovered on June 6, 2012 in an advanced stage of decomposition.

The fact that her decomposition was described as advanced after only two days have my brain in knots.   I did some research online and found some information from a forensic research lab called the body farm.  The research facility is geared at creating a body atlas for law enforcement to help them determine the time of death based on decomposition of the body.   See more at http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/chemistry/news-afterlife-human-corpse-stages-decomposition?image=0  (Be warned the graphics are graphic).

Here are some questions I have regarding the investigation.

  1. What hour was Jasmine actually last seen by her parents?  Did mom check to see if she was at home before she left for the day?  Many times parents walk out assuming the child is safely and soundly sleeping.
  2. Did anyone see Jasmine leave home?
  3. Did Jasmine actually leave her home and walk the path described, or was she just supposed to walk that path?
  4. Is it possible she was offered her a ride to her destination and she was picked up at home?
  5. Is it possible she took a different path that day?
  6. Could she have stopped to visit a “friend” along her journey?
  7. Did she ever complain of getting unwanted attention from some adult?
  8. The people who claim to have seen her that day; could they be mistaken with the time of day?
  9. Is it possible she died earlier than stated?
  10. How long was she away from all supervision?
  11. Is it possible that the abductor rode around with her in the trunk while creating an alibi?
  12. Did anyone check her phone records?
  13. Did the police walk the same path she was supposed to take and take note of the regular faces along her path and question all the potential witnesses that would see her take that route the day?
  14. Will the police get any international expert help in this case?

I realize that the police are overwhelmed by the deteriorating crime situation in Belize and they have limited resources.  I also appreciate that we have limited facilities to help aid with this investigation; however, the life of a child is gone. There is a predator out there.  If we create a chart with all the missing young girls and the areas along the western highway where their bodies were dumped, maybe a pattern will start emerging of a possible serial killer who moves with invisible dangerous stealth along the highway looking for a moment to strike at a vulnerable young victim. We need to start asking, who among us can move and pick up young girls without creating an air of suspicion?

Consider this serial killer in Columbia, who after this story was written, was released from prison and remains at large today.  Get an insider view as to how a serial killer hunts their victims:  http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/pedro_lopez/1.html

Daily Dingleberry 06-11-12 Don’t Hang Capital Punishment On This Little Girl

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While I absolutely understand and appreciate the public’s reaction to the case of Jasmine Lowe, I feel the need to caution those of you hollerin’ about “Hang them!” “Bring back capital punishment” “Flog these monsters in the town square!”.That is an “end to the story” consideration…there is so much we have to do to get there.

The Jasmine Lowe case is about firstly, cultural issues. We have to address the fact that girls are extremely vulnerable in our society because of many issues surrounding how parents talk to their children about predators, sex, violence, self defense. We continuously treat sexual abuse and violence against women and children as taboo and “not my business”. The victims are avoided and shunned while the abusers continue to hold their position in society and walk around free.

Secondly, it is about immigration issues. Our communities have changed dramatically because of the influx of immigrants. Someone pointed out that half of our cab drivers are immigrants. That means that we don’t know our neighbours anymore and as such, there must be other ways to ensure safety.

Which brings me to the third point. We have to stop accepting archaic laws and stop fighting attempts to modernize our laws and policies. I understand that the issue of registering/licensing cabs/drivers was already addressed and that it was met with refusal and outright defiance. The cab drivers cited cost as their main reason.

This brings me to my fourth point: we need to stop being so damned MYOPIC. Yes that was one aspect of changing the law: cost to the cab drivers BUT did you consider that it is a public safety issue? We have to be able to accurately identify “friendlys” from enemies and predators.  And Jasmine’s case clearly points to how children become victims but what about the elderly? tourists? and the cab drivers themselves who are exposed to danger when criminals use them to commit crimes disposing of them when they are finished? If there were better tracking devices/practices we can deter people from victimizing cab drivers themselves and when they do it anyway, we can better pin point who is the responsible criminal.

Along these same lines: why do we always find reasons to NOT do something? When Mary K Cariddi proposed the Jasmine Taxi Law, people attacked it for all kinds of reasons and yes there are valid considerations BUT the underlying message was: “why bother trying? It will never pass.”  Well crap! If you think like this? Sure it wont get passed! Nothing wrong with examining obstacles BUT only if your intent is to find ways around them….That was NOT what I saw happening…What I want us to do from now on is appreciate someone’s good intentions. Stop nit picking things to death and find ways to OVERCOME limitations. Stop being so negative and narrow minded. That is why Belize is stagnating swamp of a place…our goddamned attitude.

So then…here’s the fifth point: Jasmine Lowe’s case is about INVESTIGATIVE PROTOCOL. We can’t talk about bringing back capital punishment when we can’t even collect evidence, determine cause of death, arrest a suspect, prosecute him/her then finally get to the sentencing part???????? HOLY JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH! For me, the salient point to alllllll of this outcry about Jasmine is: We have been sold a bill of goods. We were told that we could hope for justice because we have a police force dedicated to its job of protecting and serving. BUT that just wasn’t true and the friggin powers tht be knew it ALLLLLLLL along. The main character in any investigation into any violent crime is your goddamned medical examiner…and this mudderfucker has been giving us NOTHING for years. You can’t convict anybody without proof people!

I am stunned  that this injustice has been perpetuated for decades…and I will accuse the entire justice system, any and everybody who works in it of being an accomplice. No wonder defense lawyers have such an easy time getting off alllll their friggin clients?! And shame on you for letting it go on….lawyers, police, magistrates…you all knew something was wrong and you didn’t address it…Anyway…now it’s out…and we need him out…so I need your help…You owe us…

Which brings me to my final point: YOU WORK FOR US. ALL OF YOU HAVE A JOB BECAUSE OF ‘WE THE PEOPLE”.

This divide between law enforcement and the public has to be bridged. The public is afraid of you, does not trust you and with good reason. We feel hopeless and frustrated with the dismissive way we are treated by the police. There are many stories of abuse and misconduct. I have been through it myself and it is awful. Even when citizens are trying to do their duty, you make it so difficult. You have taught us not to depend on you and you are cultivating a culture of vigilante justice.

So I hope I have made my point very clear: Jasmine Lowe is NOT about capital punishment….so please stop yellin about it….now is not the time…I know you are angry and feel this is an answer but at this point, it is only detracting from getting real solutions to the real problems…

The Mishandling of Jasmine Lowe’ Investigation Part 2 by: Aria Lightfoot

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Jasmine Lowe

I spoke to my source close to the investigation last night to get a feel of what is happening now. The pathologist (not forensic pathologist) could not determine a cause of death.  Not surprising, he is not an expert in that field of forensics, so I learned last night.  And BTW, Belize law does not require a forensic specialist to examine murdered bodies; only a medical doctor is needed. Meaning, he was never trained to determine cause of death that is not obvious. I feel like my head is spinning. I feel like screaming WTF.  Can this murder even be solved, if they cannot establish a murder even happened? Everything following that evaluation seems to be a big waste of time.

According to my source, the police are looking for blood and fingerprinting evidence in the car they impounded to find clues that may link little Jasmine presence in the taxi.  Sounds good right? WRONG.  Let me remind you that they didn’t take any evidence from Jasmine. No fluids or fingerprinting, no rape kits, nada so making that link would be a feat even gods would find impossible. Not to mention, as Faye stated in her dingle berry,  the investigating officer is making wide assumptions about what happened based on observations he can neither prove nor disprove.

So now they have a “suspect” who may or may not be the murderer. The public fears are somewhat alleviated. Please don’t let your guard down now. At this stage, the public need to be very cautious and aware as to the person the police presents to them.  The police is desperate for a solution making the environment ripe for a scapegoat.  Criminals in Belize laugh at our poor investigative skills.

So we reach the point where we take the defendant to court. Enter the defense attorney.  Remember, a person is innocent until proven otherwise. It is the State’s job to prove him guilty.  The state cannot even establish a murder happened. According to the pathologist, he cannot establish a cause of death.  How do we know how she died? She could have died from a sunstroke! I don’t mean to be facetious but in court, it is not what you know, it is what you can prove.  The most essential part of the case is ruined unless they can determine conclusively that she was in fact murdered.

My Belizeans, it is not only about attending the vigils and crying and complaining. It is about asking the right questions, demanding action and becoming an active and vigilant member of society. Political will comes from the people.  When people are arrested for murders, find out what the pathologist did; what evidence and procedures were followed. Ask the police what protocols they followed. Find out the applicable laws. We cannot allow “professionals” to be beyond reproach anymore, since I recently discovered the man reporting on’ causes of death’ is no professional in forensics. Our children, families, neighbors and fellow citizens’ deaths are turning into sad unresolved statistics.  Your family WILL be next  if this continues unabated.

I make a desperate plea to members of the Belize Bar Association with police background to come on board and help fix our broken system.  I call on all politicians to take off their political hats and put on their Belizean one to solve this crisis. As I write this, two more bodies have been found, possibly the two teenage boys missing. Their cause of death will be obvious, since it appears they were shot. What about little Jasmine?  We still have no idea how she died and what she endured.

We are a part of a greater plan in this world, even if we don’t know our purpose.  It seems that it took the murder of little Jasmine to move us as a nation; she is the sacrificial angel we needed to realize that our antiquated laws do not equip the police and prosecutors to fight these murderers who rein free in Belize. I am mad at everyone, including myself, to be in slumber for so long, but finger pointing causes this. It takes away your personal responsibility and cast it elsewhere.  Please do not lose sight of this movement for Jasmine.

Tonight the nation will mourn collectively as vigils all over the country are taking place. All will begin at  6pm. Everyone is asked to bring a candle and a white T-Shirt to show solidarity. Let the conversations begin there.

San Ignacio/Santa Elena – in front of Police Station

Belmopan – National Assembly

Belize City – Battlefield Park

Punta Gorda- Central Park

Placencia – in front of Police Station

Belize City Will Have A Vigil For Jasmine Lowe

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From the archives of Channel 7 News Belize

 

 

Candle-Light For Jasmine In City As Well
posted (June 8, 2012)

On Saturday night, the Cayo community will have a vigil for Jasmine Lowe – the 12 year old girl who was murdered earlier this week. The disturbing murder has left many Belizeans in shock, and paralyzed by fear. But it has spurred one citizen into action. Dianne Finnegan stopped by our studios today to encourage Belizeans to stand in solidarity and protest against the violence. She told us how you can do your part:Dianne Finnegan 
“When I heard the announcement about the vigil in Cayo, even though the outcry is tremendous nationwide, all of us won’t be able to go to Cayo and so what better way of expressing our solidarity than right where we are at.”

“I am asking that countrywide you go to your nearby park – you choose a place that you would like to hold this vigil. Come out with your candle and t-shirt. This is not just about Jasmine, this is about standing in solidarity and saying we’ve got to do something and I think we’ve been settling for too long.”

“If we don’t do something now I think what we are doing is actually inviting and saying it’s okay we can deal with, it’s going to last just a few days and then we go on as business as usual. No, as a mother, for me the sadness continues – the cry continues that we’ve got to stand in solidarity with parents, with mothers who are out there really feeling this hurt.”

The candlelight ceremony in the Belize district will begin at 7 tomorrow evening at the Battlefield Park to coincide with the simultaneous candlelight vigil in San Ignacio Town.

Daily Dingleberry 06-09-12 Just when Mary K Cariddi Was Talking Me Off The Soapbox, THIS ISH HAPPENS!

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Ok…so Mary K Cariddi or Aunt Kathy to me, sort of “put me to rights” yesterday when I decried the incompetence of our police force. She was quick to point out that there are many good, honest, “want to do the right thing” police officers out there who can’t because they lack training, leadership and proper funding/resources. I agreed because that is true and I wasn’t actually talking about individual police officers. I was talking about the whole system. Ok so we came to that place where we could both see that we were on the same page.

BUT THEN……..

I read the transcript from Channel 7 News and my ire went right back up. Sorry Aunt Kath but I do have to go after an individual police officer and yes I know that he is not all etc……

Reporter
“With respect to speculations; the girl may have been rape. That was also inconclusive as well?”

 

Senior Superintendent Chester Williams
“Yes that was also inconclusive but I doubt pretty much that she was rape because I don’t see a rapist raping a child and then putting back on her clothes so perfectly because her clothes was totally intact. It doesn’t seem to have been tampered with. I am not saying that she was not rape but I doubt she was.”


 

 

HOW CAN HE SAY ANY OF THIS WITHOUT SOLID FUCKIN FORENSIC PROOF????? O wait..WE DON’T HAVE ANY!!!!!!

Look Mistah Senior Superintendent Chestah Williams…I have no doubt that you are sincere and that you mean well but pretty please…don’t speculate. People are very angry and worried and fear for the safety of their children. Don’t come on here with no real evidence and give false hope, ok? And the powers that be, please train these people to know what t say and what not to say?!

Aye Yai Yai…..breathing…..

For full transcript: http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=22649

 

Mary K Cariddi Pushes For New Law

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Mary K Cariddi, a long time volunteer and activist, is calling all Belizeans to please help her to get a new law passed. Jasmine Lowe, the little girl who was found murdered on Wednesday, was last seen getting into a taxi on Monday afternoon. She was supposed to go to her mother’s salon to get ready for that evening’s Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

The fact that there is no uniformity in taxi cabs in Belize made getting an accurate description difficult. Mary wants to ensure that this sort of thing is never an impediment in an investigation ever again. She wants to make sure that we can be assured in knowing that we are dealing with honest, real cab drivers and not predators posing as one. Here is her proposal for Jasmine’s Taxi Law.

UN Guidelines On Handling Cases Involving Children

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Justice for All Children

Emotions are running high as people grapple with Jasmine Lowe’s brutal murder and now they shift into high gear as it seems that justice will not be done. As a result, many citizens have decided to take matters into their own hands as they form groups, propose legislation and draw up petitions. This is bringing into question just how does one go about that as we try to respect Jasmine’s memory, her family and her community while still aggressively pursuing the perpetrator? Following is the UN Guidelines provided us by fellow blogger CayoBuay from FiWeBelize.

Thanks CayoBuay for sharing this with us:

http://fiwebelize.com/2012/06/08/un-guidelines-on-justice-in-matters-involving-child-victims-and-witnesses-of-crime/

Vigil For Jasmine Lowe On Facebook

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For Jasmine Lowe and all other beautiful spirits touched by violence

There are two vigils and a memorial service being held for Jasmine Lowe:

Vigil: 06-08-12 at 6pm in front of the Police Station in San Ignacio

Memorial Service: 06-09-12 at 4pm Shining Light Baptist Church, Georgeville

Vigil: 06-09-12 at 7pm in front of the Police Station in San Ignacio

 

As an entire nation mourns the loss of this beautiful spirit, we are compelled to show our support for her family and community. Many of us are unable to attend because of living abroad or illness. It is with this in mind, that I ask all of you to join me in putting this picture of a burning candle as your profile picture.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/424983814199853/