View Full Version : KS - Arrest made in '48 Hours' cold case murder
wfgodot
07-25-2011, 02:24 PM
It took 9 years and 18 days, but an arrest has finally been made - of the woman they all thought had done it all along:
Authorities arrest ex-wife in 2002 slayings (http://cjonline.com/news/2011-07-25/authorities-arrest-ex-wife-2002-slayings) (Topeka Capital-Journal)
DUNCAN, Okla. — Dana Chandler was arrested Monday morning in the parking lot of an Arby’s fast food restaurant next to a busy street in Duncan in connection with the 2002 cold-case slayings of Karen Harkness and Mike Sisco in their southwest Topeka home.
Chandler, 51, is the ex-wife of Sisco
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A half-dozen officers had their guns drawn and pointed at Chandler’s Lexus automobile and shouted orders to her to surrender.
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On July 7, 2002, Harkness and Sisco were asleep in bed in Harkness’ town home in the 2200 block of S.W. Westport Square when they were shot repeatedly with a 9mm semiautomatic pistol.
Harkness was shot five times, and Sisco had seven gunshot wounds
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(more, plus many related links, at Capital-Journal link above)
Here's the '48 Hours' (http://tiny.cc/fl04w) ("Haunted") which documents the case as of two years ago. Well worth watching.
joe jones
07-25-2011, 05:23 PM
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=4&sqi=2&ved=0CCgQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcjonline.com%2Fnews%2F2011-07-25%2Flocal-reaction-chandler-arrest-happy-news&ei=g94tTqr2FInLswa4r8XaCg&usg=AFQjCNG7403x_wnxJedobTcxZs7aiclELg
local news reaction to arrest
I remember this case. I usually watch this show. I'm glad that they finally made an arrest. The reason I remember it so clearly is that her daughter was so afraid of her.
The full episode can be found on the show's website. I tried to link but it wouldn't work.
wfgodot
07-25-2011, 08:25 PM
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Officers had located [Dana] Chandler, who was the manager at the Arby’s, and followed her Monday morning as she turned into the fast food restaurant parking lot.
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Chandler will be held in the Stephens County Jail in Duncan awaiting extradition hearings before she can be returned to the custody of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.
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Updated info from the C-J article, plus pictures of arrest, at link: http://cjonline.com/news/2011-07-25/authorities-arrest-ex-wife-2002-slayings
One of the pics (http://cjonline.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/7691623.jpg).
Fairy1
07-25-2011, 11:33 PM
Updated info from the C-J article, plus pictures of arrest, at link: http://cjonline.com/news/2011-07-25/authorities-arrest-ex-wife-2002-slayings
One of the pics (http://cjonline.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/7691623.jpg).
I've seen that 48 Hours episode a couple of times now and all I can say is , IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!
Kateyes
07-25-2011, 11:33 PM
Anyone here watch ID -Investigative Discovery? It is about this case to tonight least on my ID channel. Could be a repeat, because nothing about an arrest of DanaChandler. Thought the timing was almost eerie -much suspicion on Dana Chandler acording to this show.
darnudes
07-25-2011, 11:41 PM
This is incredible, well done to the FBI for reviewing the case. Both families must be thankful of an arrest finally of the obviously guilty party.
travelgal
07-25-2011, 11:55 PM
This is such great news. I live 1/4 mile from the townhouse where the couple were killed in cold blood. I have known Karen's family for years and am so pleased they have finally received some solace in knowing that awful person is arrested.
Thanks, wfgodot! I haven't paid much attention to local news the past few days. Funny how WS brings my local news to my attention. Where do you live?
This is incredible, well done to the FBI for reviewing the case. Both families must be thankful of an arrest finally of the obviously guilty party.
Not trying to be nit-picky, but just so the right agency gets their due credit, I believe it was the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. :)
Chandler was arrested in Duncan, Okla., by Oklahoma law enforcement officers, Topeka police officers and Kansas Bureau of Investigation special agents on a warrant charging her with the 2002 shooting deaths of Harkness and Sisco.
Source:
http://cjonline.com/news/2011-07-25/local-reaction-chandler-arrest-happy-news
Good job by LE. Let's just hope the justice system works better than it did in the infamous Anthony case.
RJA00
07-26-2011, 04:29 AM
Anyone here watch ID -Investigative Discovery? It is about this case to tonight least on my ID channel. Could be a repeat, because nothing about an arrest of DanaChandler. Thought the timing was almost eerie -much suspicion on Dana Chandler acording to this show.
my husband was channel surfing a couple of weeks ago and found id channel he is now addicted to the id channel
when I got off of work tonight, He talked about this case all night, wait until i tell him she was finally arrested
oceanblueeyes
07-26-2011, 08:54 AM
This case from the very beginning pointed to Dana the ex-wife yet the detective working the case at the time looked everywhere but at the very one that was most suspicious.
I believe that was because she happened to be an adult female. Not one with a male accomplice but capable of doing this all on her own and the detective just couldn't get it in his head how evil and vindictive some females can be or what lengths they will go to .........to get even.
I think there are many other unsolved crimes that were committed by females where LE never put them on the potential suspect lists when they should have been front and center all the time.
It irks me to no end to know this POS walked around for 9 years free as a bird.
Thank God for a new set of eyes who were willing to look at the evidence and know it only pointed to one devious evil person.
Its so sad that both sides of the victims family members knew all along who had done this and had to sit there for years knowing she wasnt brought to justice until now.
IMO
Stella5
07-26-2011, 11:51 PM
that is GREAT news! I just watched this on ID... strange coincidence!
defense101
07-27-2011, 12:27 AM
that is GREAT news! I just watched this on ID... strange coincidence!
Me too, I felt so sad for the son and daughter, I'm so glad they went ahead with arresting her.Next thing will be to get a conviction which unfortunately may tough with the lack of proper forensics done at the scene, another circumstantial case....
SuziQ
07-27-2011, 11:23 AM
This case from the very beginning pointed to Dana the ex-wife yet the detective working the case at the time looked everywhere but at the very one that was most suspicious.
I believe that was because she happened to be an adult female. Not one with a male accomplice but capable of doing this all on her own and the detective just couldn't get it in his head how evil and vindictive some females can be or what lengths they will go to .........to get even.
I think there are many other unsolved crimes that were committed by females where LE never put them on the potential suspect lists when they should have been front and center all the time.
It irks me to no end to know this POS walked around for 9 years free as a bird.
Thank God for a new set of eyes who were willing to look at the evidence and know it only pointed to one devious evil person.
Its so sad that both sides of the victims family members knew all along who had done this and had to sit there for years knowing she wasnt brought to justice until now.
IMO
After the Sandra Cantu and Jonathan Foster cases, I have felt that many cold cases especially involving children, could be solved by taking a closer look at female associates.
Indianagirl
07-27-2011, 04:24 PM
IIRC, wasn't she the one the victims' found jumping on their trampoline in the middle of the night in the previous months before their deaths? That really creeped me out... I'm glad she has finally been arrested.
wfgodot
07-27-2011, 04:26 PM
IIRC, wasn't she the one the victims' found jumping on their trampoline in the middle of the night in the previous months before their deaths? That really creeped me out... I'm glad she has finally been arrested.
Yep, she's the one.
That's the image that sort of sets this case apart - a stalking ex- on the trampoline in the wee hours.
I remember this case. I usually watch this show. I'm glad that they finally made an arrest. The reason I remember it so clearly is that her daughter was so afraid of her.
The full episode can be found on the show's website. I tried to link but it wouldn't work.
I couldn't place the case until I read your post. And then I knew exactly which one it was.
oceanblueeyes
07-27-2011, 06:55 PM
After the Sandra Cantu and Jonathan Foster cases, I have felt that many cold cases especially involving children, could be solved by taking a closer look at female associates.
I agree Suzi and these women who have murdered have taken full advantage of the fact that even LE doesn't look as closely at females as potential suspects.
Remember the case in California where the detective's wife or ex wife was horribly murdered and his lover was another police officer? She was tortured including bite marks on her body. It took LE 23 years to finally arrest the female officer for murder and she should have been on the radar from day one.
I think there are a lot more female sexual predators too out there uncaught.
If these victims are going to get any kind of swift justice then the blinders have to come off when it comes to female murderers/predators by realizing what they are capable of doing.
No way should it have taken 9 years to solve this case.
IMO
passionflower
07-27-2011, 07:44 PM
let's hope the jury pays attention!!!
wfgodot
07-27-2011, 08:05 PM
Chandler waives extradition from Oklahoma to Kansas (http://cjonline.com/news/2011-07-26/chandler-waives-extradition-okla-kan)
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For survivors of cold-case victims, the list of law enforcement agencies involved in the Chandler case reflects "cooperative spirit and tenacity and should inspire people to have hope, that their local law enforcements agencies don't forget. These cases are a priority and will continue to be," [Shawnee County DA Chad] Taylor said.
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During the news conference, Taylor was asked whether Chandler was hiding out in the Oklahoma city, which has a population of about 22,500.
"I wouldn't call it hiding out," Taylor said. "It was existing."
When arrested, Chandler had been living in a tiny pull-behind trailer when the temperatures in southwest Oklahoma have been 100 degrees or hotter for at least 40 days in a row.
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(much more, plus "62 exclusive photos" of the arrest, at Topeka Capital-Journal link above; the arrest was also taped for "48 Hours Mystery")
Key photo. (http://spotted.cjonline.com/images/100023/photos/2011/07/26/gallery/5145478.jpg)
Gozgals
07-28-2011, 04:16 AM
Thanks for the update. This is wonderful news. Sad it took so long but thank god she has been arrested.
Reminds me of the Laurie Bembenek Story except I feel she was innocent.
Also, Betty Brodrick, who is guilty and serving time.
Goz
darnudes
07-28-2011, 07:54 PM
Not trying to be nit-picky, but just so the right agency gets their due credit, I believe it was the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. :)
Source:
http://cjonline.com/news/2011-07-25/local-reaction-chandler-arrest-happy-news
Good job by LE. Let's just hope the justice system works better than it did in the infamous Anthony case.
My apologies! :) You're correct about the agencies - well done to them, awesome job.
OneLostGrl
07-29-2011, 04:52 PM
Wonderful news! Great job LE!!!
defense101
07-31-2011, 02:08 PM
This case is on ID right now.
Truthful Lies
11-26-2011, 08:07 PM
Just watched this...glad she was arrested!
Steely Dan
02-12-2012, 01:40 PM
that is GREAT news! I just watched this on ID... strange coincidence!
I saw it on ID last night and I had to call my brother today to ask him about it. My father and brother know the fiance's brother. They didn't know it until the murders happened. My brother met her brother at a trade show with his boss who knows the brother fairly well. My father knew him because, IIRC, the brother and possibly the father attended my father's church at the time.
Her brother is the one who removed the wine bottles from the closet and he feels horrible about having done that. He realized later that her fingerprints and DNA were probably on those bottles. Hopefully they'll be able to convict her without that evidence needed.
Me too, I felt so sad for the son and daughter, I'm so glad they went ahead with arresting her.Next thing will be to get a conviction which unfortunately may tough with the lack of proper forensics done at the scene, another circumstantial case....
Here's an article about the latest in the case. Her trial begins March 5th.
http://www.wibw.com/crime/headlines/Evidence_Thrown_Out_Of_Topeka_Double_Murder_Case_1 39114104.html
Posted: 2:59 PM Feb 10, 2012
Evidence Thrown Out Of Topeka Double Murder Case
It's a powerful statement that jurors in a Topeka double murder case will never hear.
Reporter: Suzie Gilbert
Email Address: suzie.gilbert@wibw.com
...Parrish did allow the state to admit Chandler's phone records as evidence, as well as some statements Chandler made to her two kids, that were recorded.
On Friday, prosecutors said investigators removed the seats from Chandler's car, but didn't find any blood or hair.
Prosecutors say they're still waiting on lab results to come back for a hair found at the murder scene.
The state has endorsed, and could call 350 witnesses to the stand. The jury trial starts March 5th.
She's a wackadoodle and I hope she gets the maximum she can get. My brother was happy to hear about this and I told him I'd keep him updated on the case.
Steely Dan
02-12-2012, 01:50 PM
http://cjonline.com/news/2012-02-10/chandler-jurors-hear-cell-phone-testimony
Chandler jurors to hear cell phone testimony
Posted: February 10, 2012 - 11:12am
...Deputy district attorney Jacqie Spradling said the cellphone records were obtained during an inquisition that included subpoenas.
The Supreme Court ruling in January doesn't apply to phone records, Spradling said. Parrish denied the Chandler motion to suppress the cellphone records.
The judge also denied a defense motion to suppress a taped statement of Chandler when Hailey Sisco, the daughter of Chandler and Mike Sisco, wore a wire as she asked her mother questions. Hailey Sisco questioned her mother on Oct. 1, 2005, inside a Denver restaurant....
CanManEh
02-13-2012, 12:28 AM
It's Strange that i saw this just friday or saturday night and thier was no update in the 48 hours episode .In a matter of hours they can do one of whitney houston dying and in 9 years they can't throw in a written update in this case ..
Steely Dan
02-13-2012, 02:15 AM
It's Strange that i saw this just friday or saturday night and thier was no update in the 48 hours episode .In a matter of hours they can do one of whitney houston dying and in 9 years they can't throw in a written update in this case ..
If you saw it on ID it's probably the same one I saw. The part about her being arrested was silent with a black background at the very end of it. That's what compelled me to call my brother.
CanManEh
02-13-2012, 02:31 AM
Oh Makes sence..I wasn't watching ID though I seen it on actually i forget lol but it's the same thing they do every saturday they re'run a whole bunch of cases all day like a marathon.. It was prolly just a old copy of the show before it's been updated at the end..Oh Well glad for that one daughter exspecially the one that taped all phone calls she seemed like she was still having a hard time with it so i hope it brings some kinda closure ..
Steely Dan
03-01-2012, 02:49 PM
http://cjonline.com/news/2012-02-28/judge-rules-what-jurors-can-hear-chandler-trial
Judge rules what jurors can hear in Chandler trial
Posted: February 28, 2012 - 5:48pm
...Parrish found that prosecutors could present evidence of:
■ The following and harassing of Sisco and his obtaining a protection-from-abuse order in 1998.
■ The entering of the Sisco home.
■ Arguing with Sisco and Harkness.
■ Peeking into the Sisco home.
■ Frequent phoning of Sisco and Harkness.
The prior crimes were more probative than prejudicial to Chandler, the judge wrote.
Parrish denied allowing prosecutors to present evidence:...
Steely Dan
03-01-2012, 02:54 PM
This page has an archive of articles; http://search.cjonline.com/fast-elements.php?querystring=dana%20chandler&profile=cjonline&type=standard
Fishee
03-07-2012, 05:30 PM
I hope they've got (a LOT) more evidence than what they've released.:nerves:
http://www.ksnt.com/news/local/story/Chandler-rolls-eyes-at-lead-detective-in-murder/qQR8XIZr50CahJHSAy7evw.cspx
March 19, 2012 - 5:18 PM
Chandler rolls eyes at lead detective in murder trial
State has rested.
Defense Attorney Mark Bennett expects to call his first witness Tuesday.
More at link. This is one scary woman. JMHO.
Steely Dan
04-05-2012, 12:37 AM
http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/DA_Seeks_Maximum_Sentence_In_Dana_Chandler_Murder_ Case_144044926.html
Posted: 6:34 PM Mar 23, 2012
DA Will Seek Maximum Sentence In Dana Chandler Murder Case
Prosecutors say they will seek the stiffest possible punishment for Dana Chandler, convicted in a nearly ten-year old double murder case.
Reporter: Giang Nguyen
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Prosecutors say they will seek the stiffest possible punishment for Dana Chandler, convicted in a nearly ten-year old double murder case.
Jurors delivered the verdict Thursday, finding Chandler guilty in the murders of her ex-husband Mike Sisco and his fiancee Karen Harkness.
Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor said prosecutors will seek two life sentences to run consecutively. A life sentence carries a minimum of 25 years, for a total of 50 years Chandler would have to serve before being considered for parole....
Anyone know when the sentencing is to be given?
CBTampa
04-08-2012, 07:31 AM
Anyone know when the sentencing is to be given?
June 1st.
Steely Dan
04-08-2012, 09:43 AM
I hope it's fifty and she dies in prison so her kids don't have to worry about her anymore. JMO
Steely Dan
07-17-2012, 07:22 AM
She'll be sentenced on August 20th
http://cjonline.com/news/2012-05-18/chandler-cold-case-killer-be-sentenced-aug-20
Steely Dan
08-20-2012, 08:40 AM
I believe her sentencing is scheduled for today.
Coldpizza
08-20-2012, 01:54 PM
Judge gives Chandler maximum penalty in cold case killings
After a short break, Parrish handed down the maximum penalty of two Hard 50s.
http://cjonline.com/news/2012-08-20/judge-gives-chandler-maximum-penalty-cold-case-killings
Steely Dan
08-20-2012, 02:16 PM
Judge gives Chandler maximum penalty in cold case killings
After a short break, Parrish handed down the maximum penalty of two Hard 50s.
http://cjonline.com/news/2012-08-20/judge-gives-chandler-maximum-penalty-cold-case-killings
:woohoo:
nervous_nellie
08-20-2012, 03:31 PM
bet her poor kids will finally feel safe from her... i hope she lives to a ripe old age living every last day in prison and that her kids never come to see her.
Coldpizza
08-20-2012, 08:26 PM
:woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo: back at ya
Thanks for keeping this case up to date!!
Are ya READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!
sorry for the ot all
Steely Dan
08-20-2012, 08:36 PM
:woohoo::woohoo: back at ya
Thanks for keeping this case up to date!!
Are ya READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!
sorry for the ot all
Yeah, I'm a little worried about Miami since they have Chad Ochocinco now.
Steely Dan
08-20-2012, 08:37 PM
:doh: I'm sorry, I forgot. :innocent:
Blondie in Spokane
09-30-2012, 01:08 AM
This story is being featured on 48 Hours right now.....
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