Pregnant Mother Murdered in NC

[SewingDeb]

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/506473.html

RALEIGH - A young pregnant mother found dead in her home on Friday afternoon was the victim of homicide, according to sheriff's investigators.
A family member discovered the body of Michelle Marie Young, 29, on Friday just before 1:30 p.m. in her two-story brick home at 5108 Birchleaf Drive. Her husband was out of town, and their 2-year-old daughter was in the house but unharmed.

"It was a violent death," said Phyllis Stephens, a spokeswoman for the Wake County Sheriff's Office. "We do not have a cause of death." Investigators must wait for a medical examiner's report to learn exactly how Young died and how far along her pregnancy was. Stephens said she could not comment on whether the house showed signs of forced entry.

[michelle]

That is terrible!:(

[SewingDeb]

It really is. What a shock to her husband who was out of town when it happened.

[cappuccina]

...he hired someone to do it...

[michelle]

...he hired someone to do it...That thought crossed my mind.

[SewingDeb]

That has crossed my mind, Cappuchina. I am so hoping it is not the husband yet again.

[SewingDeb]

That thought crossed my mind.


I think we posted at exactly the same time. GMTA...lol.

[michelle]

I think we posted at exactly the same time. GMTA...lol.I think we did. :D

[Sabal]

http://www.wral.com/news/10246259/detail.html

[wufdude]

I've been lurking for a while and rarely post but this crime happened about 10 minutes from where I live. Very few details have come out yet except for LE's statement that is was "likely not a random crime." I'm just a little baffled that this could be said so soon after the incident unless circumstances at the house, which we know very little about, were so obvious. A news article I read also brought up an incident that happened to the couple where they ran off the road into a river (or stream?) back in May, out in western NC near the husband's parents.

I'll be very interested to see what else we find out today.

[Malapoo]

Did I read right that the husband called the sister to go to the house and get something? That sounds fishy to me right there. Why not call his wife at home or work, and what was the sister supposed to do with whatever it was she was getting? Why have HER get it? Sounds like he needed to be sure the body was found while he was gone. Dammit people D-I-V-O-R-C-E.

[Shadow205]

I've been lurking for a while and rarely post but this crime happened about 10 minutes from where I live. Very few details have come out yet except for LE's statement that is was "likely not a random crime." I'm just a little baffled that this could be said so soon after the incident unless circumstances at the house, which we know very little about, were so obvious. A news article I read also brought up an incident that happened to the couple where they ran off the road into a river (or stream?) back in May, out in western NC near the husband's parents.

I'll be very interested to see what else we find out today.
Also from the article posted by wufdude:

"Investigators said they know about the accident but would not say whether it is part of their investigation"


hmmm, hinky meter going off here. I think the hubby might have some explaining to do. I agree that it sounds a little strange that he called the sister to go to the house. It sounds to me like she was supposed to find the body. I might be wrong and hope that I am for the sake of the 2 year old child but it just doesn't sit right with me.

[cynpat2000]

Did I read right that the husband called the sister to go to the house and get something? That sounds fishy to me right there. Why not call his wife at home or work, and what was the sister supposed to do with whatever it was she was getting? Why have HER get it? Sounds like he needed to be sure the body was found while he was gone. Dammit people D-I-V-O-R-C-E. I agree that is very fishy. Why not just call his wife, and what would he possibly need for her to get ? It does sound like he wanted someone to find the body while he was gone,obvious hitman. so tragic and the child in the house, hope they didnt see anything.:mad:

[wufdude]

I'd be interested to know more about this "accident" they were involved in in May.

Definitely sounds fishy and as I said, for LE to come out and say that the crime did not appear random only a day after finding the body, when they made the point of saying it was a large house and would take a while to do a thorough search, really baffles me.

And to call the sister? If he wasn't involved, maybe he did try the house and didn't get his wife for obvious reasons and then called the sister? But to say he called her to go get something, as opposed to go check on his wife?

btw, the development the family lives in is very, very nice and very populated.

[concernedperson]

Yes, this one sounds fishy. How far away do his parents live from the house? Is it drivable in 5-8 hours? I hope they check his car for trace evidence.

[wufdude]

Transylvania County is out in western NC but yes, you could get there in probably 4 hours from where the crime occurred.

[Malapoo]

Yeah it doesn't say he called the sister to check on his wife, but to get something. Even if say he'd gotten his wife a gift and feared he hadn't hid it well, how does sis explain that when she shows up to rummage around? Even if it's something he was giving to the sister (or her husband if she has one), you call your wife and say I want to loan A & B my garden shears. I can't come up with any reason to intentionally bypass the wife especially with it being phrased as it was. Now LE may be misquoting and hopefully he was worried about his wife and sent someone to investigate, but as it's stated at this point, it really sounds like another spouse killing spouse even if not by his own hand.

Why, why, WHY do people think murder is a legitimate option? I know they don't want to lose money etc, but it's not like you'll lose everything. And that poor child (let alone the unborn one). Get a down and dirty divorce lawyer, but for goodness sake, how many spouses get away with this? If you're so smart you can get away with murder, you could probably hide a lot of your assets and "win" in a divorce.

[wufdude]

Purely speculation here so take it FWIW. Local rumors are huge gambling debts + large insurance policy. The rest can be filled in....

[Ang50]

btw, the development the family lives in is very, very nice and very populated.Hi there - good to have a local source. I assume by this you mean that random crimes are highly unusual in this area. And non-random crimes are probably pretty unusual too?

Gotta say - hubby or family member is what it looks like. What a tragedy.

[wufdude]

Yes, violent crimes in general, particularly random, are very unusual in this area.

[less0305]

http://www.newsobserver.com/167/story/506919.html

I'm really hoping we'll find out more on this tragedy soon.

[scandi]

Years ago I was drivng a car and the guy sitting beside me was drunk and mean. Out of the blue he grabbed the wheel when I was negotiating traffic on the freeway. Thank goodness I was on the ball and got the wheel back in control or I'd a been a goner!

Something like this could have happened in that accident. Once you've experienced something similar it is easy to understand how it could happen.

Sounds fishy to me too. He would have to have issues with anger mngmt or his temper to kill her though, and it was said it was a brutal murder, not like a hit one shot to the head job. Being in debt for gambling, I don't see this as a reason alone to murder someone for money.

Scandi

[knicksgal1]

This is another sad, sad story. I just listened to the 911 call from the victim's sister. She mentioned seeing the two year old daughter's bloody little footprints around the house. Heartbreaking.

[cynpat2000]

This is another sad, sad story. I just listened to the 911 call from the victim's sister. She mentioned seeing the two year old daughter's bloody little footprints around the house. Heartbreaking. Oh my gosh . I was hoping that poor child didnt see anything. but they had to of what with the bloody footprints. This is like you said truly heartbreaking.:mad:

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Husband's car confiscated...

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=local&id=4733493

[Malapoo]

Sounds fishy to me too. He would have to have issues with anger mngmt or his temper to kill her though, and it was said it was a brutal murder, not like a hit one shot to the head job. Being in debt for gambling, I don't see this as a reason alone to murder someone for money.

ScandiBut my guess is he had someone else kill her since they're saying she died Friday and he left Thursday night I believe. Anyone who would kill for hire isn't practical anyway and considering there was a small child in the house, unless the first blow rendered her helpless, I'm betting she fought HARD. As to hubby, he may be innocent, but anyone who would hire a killer isn't logical anyway. We can't look at people like this in the same way we would each other. It may turn out the husband is innocent, but at this point it doesn't look that way. Think of all the husbands we know who HAVE killed their wives - OJ and Scott Peterson didn't even really kill for money. OJ probably was just jealous of his ex having relationships and had that if I can't have her no one can mentality and Scott just wanted to screw around which he was already doing fairly successfully.

[Ang50]

I found the stats once, back when Christine Rudy was missing. Basically, when a woman is pregnant, the stats are overwhelming in that the husband/boyfriend/lover murdered her.

Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women.
http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2003/02/27/pregnancy_death/index.html

And similar articles have stated that women are murdered by their partner 33-42% of the time.

It's an epidemic, and we need to fix it.

[otto]

I found the stats once, back when Christine Rudy was missing. Basically, when a woman is pregnant, the stats are overwhelming in that the husband/boyfriend/lover murdered her.

Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women.
http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2003/02/27/pregnancy_death/index.html

And similar articles have stated that women are murdered by their partner 33-42% of the time.

It's an epidemic, and we need to fix it.

A little about the victim: http://rdu.news14.com/content/headlines/?ArID=93945&SecID=2

[SewingDeb]

But my guess is he had someone else kill her since they're saying she died Friday and he left Thursday night I believe.

They are very interested in what anyone saw between midnight Thursday and 6 am Friday.

[PrayersForMaura]

I wonder if part of the reason the husband's car was confiscated was to see if it had been driven recently??

Did he drive out of town or fly?
Seems so unlikely that just when he happens to go out of town, his wife is murdered.

[PrayersForMaura]

She is so beautiful :(

Prayers for her surviving child. :(

[SewingDeb]

I wonder if part of the reason the husband's car was confiscated was to see if it had been driven recently??

Did he drive out of town or fly?
Seems so unlikely that just when he happens to go out of town, his wife is murdered.

Good questions. Maybe we'll learn more soon.

[panthera]

Also from the article posted by wufdude:

"Investigators said they know about the accident but would not say whether it is part of their investigation"


hmmm, hinky meter going off here. I think the hubby might have some explaining to do. I agree that it sounds a little strange that he called the sister to go to the house. It sounds to me like she was supposed to find the body. I might be wrong and hope that I am for the sake of the 2 year old child but it just doesn't sit right with me.I also would like to know a little more about this "accident" earlier this year. From what I'm hearing about this murder, it appears there is a strong possibility that the husband is involved. It's coincidental she's murdered when he's out of town, but his phone call to the sister is what makes it really suspicious ~ as if he needed to make sure she was found while he had an alibi and the ME could determine TOD. The poor little 2-year old being there when mother is murdered. :(

[wufdude]

Someone asked whether he drove or flew. In all likelihood, he drove because Transylvania County is rural and there are no major airports around.

Did anyone else that listened to the 911 call think they heard the little girl say "daddy" when the sister asked her if she saw anyone in the house? Obviously she could just be wanting to see him but odd nevertheless.

[SewingDeb]

Someone asked whether he drove or flew. In all likelihood, he drove because Transylvania County is rural and there are no major airports around.

Did anyone else that listened to the 911 call think they heard the little girl say "daddy" when the sister asked her if she saw anyone in the house? Obviously she could just be wanting to see him but odd nevertheless.

I wonder where all he was while he was out of town. I took it that he was out of town on business and then he was visiting his parents in Brevard.

Young's husband, Jason Young, was out of town on business and visiting family in Brevard when she was killed, said Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison. (from one of the earlier articles linked)

Was all of his business in Transylvania county? Are there any flights from the Asheville airport into the Raleigh/Durham airport during the night (fly there and back and be there in the morning when Mom and Dad woke up?). I guess that's a little far fetched, but it's a thought.

[Floh]

I wonder where all he was while he was out of town. I took it that he was out of town on business and then he was visiting his parents in Brevard.

Young's husband, Jason Young, was out of town on business and visiting family in Brevard when she was killed, said Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison. (from one of the earlier articles linked)

Was all of his business in Transylvania county? Are there any flights from the Asheville airport into the Raleigh/Durham airport during the night (fly there and back and be there in the morning when Mom and Dad woke up?). I guess that's a little far fetched, but it's a thought.

Which no doubt is being checked by L.E. as records will certainly show any flights he may have made.

[wufdude]

Was all of his business in Transylvania county? Are there any flights from the Asheville airport into the Raleigh/Durham airport during the night (fly there and back and be there in the morning when Mom and Dad woke up?). I guess that's a little far fetched, but it's a thought.
I'd say this would be unlikely given a situation like this would be difficult to explain on his part however, you never know.

[Sabal]

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/507222.html

[otto]

I read a few reports about this last night. Apparently he asked his sister in law to go to the house to pick up a fax. That seems a little odd. What was she supposed to do with the fax? Why didn't he fax it to his wife at work and ask her to do whatever he needed done with the fax? Maybe he hired someone to murder his wife assuming that someone at work would check on his wife when she didn't show up for work, but when that didn't happen, he asked his sister in law to go to the house. He probably never expected his little daughter to be alone in the house for all that time.

I guess I'm assuming the husband had something to do with it. It just seems too strange to be completely random.

[wufdude]

I have heard from the rumor mill around here that the fax was something he did not want his wife to see (something related to a surprise gift maybe?). My thought, if he wasn't involved, was that he just assumed his wife would be at work and maybe the sister lived closeby and he just wanted her to go by and pick it up? I haven't heard mention of where the sister lived.

I still think it's very odd. I mean, in listening to the 911 call, the sister doesn't sound hysterical at all. Possibly she was still in shock but she just seemed way too calm to me.

I also wonder that, if the typical routine was for the wife to drop the daughter off at school and then go to work, would a daycare typically call to check on why the child wasn't there? Is that typical? I don't have kids in daycare, and I'm sure many work differently, but that's just a thought I had.

[2luvmy]

My daycare never called if the kids were not there for the day.


I wouldn't think it was odd for the husband to call the sister to pick up a fax. What if he was planning a surprise trip or something and the travel agent was faxing an itinerary. Hubby didn't want to ruin the surprise so he calls SIL to run over and pick it up. When my brother lived near me he had access to my house and I had him run over and pick things up or do things for me all the time.

I think the circumstances of his wife's death make the request seem a little suspicious, but if the wife hadn't been murdered, I wouldn't think it was odd.

[Elizabeth]

Like Wufdude, I live in Raleigh, too. I'm probably about 20 miles from the Young house. There is a lot of coverage here and I'm quite intrigued by this case. I followed the Laci Peterson case on this board (although I never posted) all the way through Scott's conviction.

Wufdude has been a great resource for ya'll so far and hopefully I can provide some information, too, as the investigation continues.

This case is just so sad, especially because of her unborn baby. I, too, am pregnant so it seems close to home to me (no pun intended).

[ISPTRAX]

I wouldn't think it was odd for the husband to call the sister to pick up a fax. What if he was planning a surprise trip or something and the travel agent was faxing an itinerary.

A surprise trip when she's 8 months pregnant with a 2 year old at home? Highly doubtful. Here we go again. The "perfect" couple, the travelin' salesman, the dog, etc. etc.

[kahskye]

If this fax was so important and possibly a suprise that he didn't want his wife to see, why wouldn't he have called the company who was faxing this and have it faxed to a place he could receive it? There are plenty of Mail Box type stores that have faxes available for a small fee. I know when my home office fax wasn't working, I went to one of these stores and called the company w/ the fax number from that store and had the papers faxed to me.

[cynpat2000]

A surprise trip when she's 8 months pregnant with a 2 year old at home? Highly doubtful. Here we go again. The "perfect" couple, the travelin' salesman, the dog, etc. etc. I was thinking the same thing. Except this one seems a little smarter than scott. This one at least has someone find the body when he is out of town, and doesnt put his self where the bodies wash up. Pregnant women dont stand a chance anymore.

[2luvmy]

A surprise trip when she's 8 months pregnant with a 2 year old at home? Highly doubtful. Here we go again. The "perfect" couple, the travelin' salesman, the dog, etc. etc.


Taken from the above article - "Michelle Marie Young, four months pregnant, was killed by blunt trauma."

A trip at four months wouldn't be all that uncommon.

[2luvmy]

If this fax was so important and possibly a suprise that he didn't want his wife to see, why wouldn't he have called the company who was faxing this and have it faxed to a place he could receive it? There are plenty of Mail Box type stores that have faxes available for a small fee. I know when my home office fax wasn't working, I went to one of these stores and called the company w/ the fax number from that store and had the papers faxed to me.


Just playing devil's adovcate here...

Why pay for a fax service when you have a fax machine at home, know your wife is at work, and someone who could have been helping you plan the surprise has access to your house could just run over and grab it?

I wouldn't pay for one.

[wufdude]

I think these are all valid points. Another thing I was thinking about. So he left Thursday night for a business trip and to stay with his parents in the NC mountains, leaving behind his pregnant wife and 2 year old daughter. He was at his parent's house on Friday afternoon when he supposedly found out. I wonder what type of explantation he may have as to why his family didn't go along with him for a weekend in the NC mountains this time of year. Obviously there could be a multitude of reasons why they didn't but it just seems odd to leave for a business trip on a Thursday night and then be at your parent's house on Friday afternoon?

[BhamMama]

Not really. At 4 months pregnant you are tired esp with a little one running around, she could still be having morning sickness etc. She also had a job right? Maybe she couldn't take off of work. And with a little one at 4 a quickie trip is more work than it's usually worth really. Then too, she could be like me and just not want to spend time with her in laws. I don't need to see them any time soon. Or, he was just in the area and took advantage of being able to see his family.

I also wouldn't pay for a fax and my brother, mother, mil and a friend all have keys to my house and have done quick errands for me when I was out of town and dh was at work and couldn't stop by.

[wufdude]

Not really. At 4 months pregnant you are tired esp with a little one running around, she could still be having morning sickness etc. She also had a job right? Maybe she couldn't take off of work. And with a little one at 4 a quickie trip is more work than it's usually worth really. Then too, she could be like me and just not want to spend time with her in laws. I don't need to see them any time soon. Or, he was just in the area and took advantage of being able to see his family.

I also wouldn't pay for a fax and my brother, mother, mil and a friend all have keys to my house and have done quick errands for me when I was out of town and dh was at work and couldn't stop by.

I agree with this as well. Just trying to get a mental image of what could have transpired. I still say the fact that LE was able to so quickly say that it was not a random case is just weird. There had to be something blatantly obvious especially since I believe the sister indicated that the house was in disarray. How could LE have determined so quickly that there were no valuables stolen, etc.?

[Elizabeth]

I agree with Wufdude - how did the police know nothing was missing? Just b/c a screen isn't cut or a door kicked open doesn't mean there wasn't a real intruder. I'm quite security conscious yet sometimes forget to lock doors/windows. I'd say that the police must have something really concreate to say it wasn't random. Like maybe the house WASN'T "tossed" like a real burglary would be? The sister DID say it was in disarray but she could mean something spilled in the kitchen, plus there WERE the toddler's bloody footprints all over the place. That certainly qualifies as disarray.... So what did the police see that made them say it wasn't random????

And if the husband DID do it, wouldn't he TRY to make it look like someone broke in? With no sign of a break in, of course they are going to look at him.

Keep in mind that I *do* think the husband did it. I don't get the overnight business trip. When was he supposed to/scheduled to return to Raleigh? If his young family wasn't with him, I would've thought he'd be back on the road to Raleigh, unless he was specifically going to hang out with his Mom for the day or the weekend. Too many unanswered questions.

AND - in that regard - where is the husband's plea for the public to come forward with any info so that the killer can be caught? If he stays mum and lawyers up, I think it'll speak for itself.

[Shadow205]

Jason Young doubled over when he learned that his 29-year-old wife had been killed in their home south of Raleigh, his stepfather said Monday.

"I met him in the yard and told him what happened," Gerald McIntyre, the stepfather, said from his home in Brevard. "He went plumb to his knees."

<snip>



When Jason Young arrived back in the Raleigh area, the sheriff's office impounded his sport utility vehicle with all of the luggage belonging to him, his mother, sister and brother-in-law, he said.

McIntyre said he told Jason Young to get a lawyer. He said he was afraid that police would pin the death on his stepson, regardless of evidence.

"I do not want my son to be talking to any type of investigators," he said. "They're not going to be trustworthy when they talk to him."

McIntyre criticized the sheriff's office for not immediately returning the belongings, which included medical prescriptions, purses and cell phones. The items will be returned once investigators are finished with them, said Phyllis Stephens, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office.

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/507222.html

I think the about bolded/underlined statement is a little strange.

[Shadow205]

I do find this an interesting twist to the story also:

Young (Michelle) worked at Progress Energy in the tax department. It is the second high-profile death of a Progress Energy employee in recent months.



In August, investigators say Cynthia Moreland was abducted from a downtown Raleigh parking garage. She worked for Progress Energy for more than 25 years. Her body was later found in Harnett County. Antonio Chance is charged in her death.
http://www.wral.com/news/10246259/detail.html

[Shadow205]

I did a little more research on Cynthia Moreland thinking there could be a connection. There has been an arrest made in her case.

Police say Chance, a convicted sexual offender, abducted Cynthia Moreland from a city-owned parking deck in downtown Raleigh on Aug. 22. Three days later, he was arrested and charged with kidnapping and using Moreland's debit card. He was charged with murder after Moreland's body was found in Harnett County on Sept. 1.

http://www.newsobserver.com/1330/story/485982.html

[cynpat2000]

I do find this an interesting twist to the story also:

Young (Michelle) worked at Progress Energy in the tax department. It is the second high-profile death of a Progress Energy employee in recent months.



In August, investigators say Cynthia Moreland was abducted from a downtown Raleigh parking garage. She worked for Progress Energy for more than 25 years. Her body was later found in Harnett County. Antonio Chance is charged in her death.
http://www.wral.com/news/10246259/detail.htmlThat is interesting. Wonder what evidence they have that chance is guilty? Might be a connection.I know im stretching, but maybe not.

[SewingDeb]

Like Wufdude, I live in Raleigh, too. I'm probably about 20 miles from the Young house. There is a lot of coverage here and I'm quite intrigued by this case. I followed the Laci Peterson case on this board (although I never posted) all the way through Scott's conviction.

Wufdude has been a great resource for ya'll so far and hopefully I can provide some information, too, as the investigation continues.

This case is just so sad, especially because of her unborn baby. I, too, am pregnant so it seems close to home to me (no pun intended).

Welcome to the forum!

I used to live about 30 minutes away from Raleigh and now live in Western NC, closer to Transylvania county. I followed Laci Peterson's case, too, and am very interested in this case.

Glad to have you and Wufdude local to the Raleigh area.

[lviola]

I wonder how long the trip was planned. I know when I make arrangements for my boss, his wife rarely goes and they have 3 small children. He'll visit his parents for the weekend but then again, we make the arrangements a couple weeks in advance. I wonder if he had plans to see his parents.



I think these are all valid points. Another thing I was thinking about. So he left Thursday night for a business trip and to stay with his parents in the NC mountains, leaving behind his pregnant wife and 2 year old daughter. He was at his parent's house on Friday afternoon when he supposedly found out. I wonder what type of explantation he may have as to why his family didn't go along with him for a weekend in the NC mountains this time of year. Obviously there could be a multitude of reasons why they didn't but it just seems odd to leave for a business trip on a Thursday night and then be at your parent's house on Friday afternoon?

[SewingDeb]

That is interesting. Wonder what evidence they have that chance is guilty? Might be a connection.I know im stretching, but maybe not.

I believe they have video of him driving out of the parking garage and he used her cell phone and credit cards. It has been awhile, but I think that's right.

[wufdude]

I believe they have video of him driving out of the parking garage and he used her cell phone and credit cards. It has been awhile, but I think that's right. I don't think these two cases are linked at all. The Moreland case was purely random and the guy arrested was supposedly strung out on drugs. It just seems to be a coincidence that the two women had the same employer. Also, Progress Energy is a large employer in the area.

[christine2448]

I don't think these two cases are linked at all. The Moreland case was purely random and the guy arrested was supposedly strung out on drugs. It just seems to be a coincidence that the two women had the same employer. Also, Progress Energy is a large employer in the area.
I agree, different methods of attack/murder also, IMO.

[Elizabeth]

SewingDeb, thank you for the warm welcome! I am so excited to actually post and I am anxiously awaiting more news on this case so we have more to discuss!

And I think I remember you from the Peterson board!!!!

[Shadow205]

Found an interesting comment on a local forum from a neighbor of Michelle Young.

<snip>

"Neighborhood residents have a collective suspect of their own. The Sheriff's Department has said that he is a "person of interest." This is NOT the husband, although he may also be a "person of interest" separately."
you can read the full comment posted by Author: BirchleafResident (http://forums.go.com/abclocal/WTVD/messages?username=BirchleafResident&forumName=Discuss the News&forumID=161) here : http://forums.go.com/abclocal/WTVD/thread?threadID=136961

[wufdude]

wow....that is interesting. Neighborhood hit man????

[lymom3]

Just playing devil's adovcate here...

Why pay for a fax service when you have a fax machine at home, know your wife is at work, and someone who could have been helping you plan the surprise has access to your house could just run over and grab it?

I wouldn't pay for one.
I wouldn't have it faxed while I was out of town if it was that important nor would I be planning a trip or a surprise gift while on business and visiting family. It would wait until I was home.

[Sabal]

http://www.wral.com/news/10267286/detail.html

[Malapoo]

The funeral arrangement article said she had company until about 10:30 pm Thursday night but not who it was. Hm.

I really hope it's NOT the husband because then at least the little girl has a parent.

[otto]

The funeral arrangement article said she had company until about 10:30 pm Thursday night but not who it was. Hm.

I really hope it's NOT the husband because then at least the little girl has a parent.

I read that in another article yesterday ... that there was company until 10:30 and that her husband left the same night. That means that the husband knows who was visiting when he left. I'm guessing the guest left before midnight because the time in question seems to be between midnight and 5 or 6 am.

[SewingDeb]

SewingDeb, thank you for the warm welcome! I am so excited to actually post and I am anxiously awaiting more news on this case so we have more to discuss!

And I think I remember you from the Peterson board!!!!

You're welcome. : ) I hope the killer left some clues...DNA would be nice.

My heart goes out to the poor little girl. She was alone with her mother for about 12 hours.

[SewingDeb]

http://www.wral.com/news/10267286/detail.html

Wow Sabal, that picture with the article reminds me of Laci Peterson.

[FFWifey]

I agree that the "pick up a fax at my house" thing sounds weird, but the neighborhood collective suspect from the local forum quote (if I'm repeating that correctly) sounds even weirder. Who would lots of neighbors know well enough for them all to consider this person a suspect? I can only think of another neighbor or a frequent visitor who the neighbors recognize.

Whoever it is (husband, neighbor, frequent visitor, random stranger even), how can anyone beat a pregnant woman to death in her own home with her child there? I know there's no rational answer to my question, but what is WRONG with people?

[StampnWendy]

This is my first post (been a lurker for a few years), so hope I'm doing this right...I also followed the Peterson case...something doesn't sound right here.

Looks like the 911 call has now been posted at WRAL. The sister Meredith sounds a little too calm for me after finding her sister...does anyone else notice that? If this was my sister and I found her, I don't think I would be that calm or even able to talk!!!!

[teonspaleprincess]

Maybe hubby and sister had something going on and planned this?

[Sabal]

SewingDeb - I totally agree. I thought the photo looked like Laci, mentioned that to my daughter today. I hope it isn't a repeat of a husband killing a beautiful wife, who is already a Mother, and pregnant - that just makes me sick. Why can't they ask for a divorce?

[SewingDeb]

SewingDeb - I totally agree. I thought the photo looked like Laci, mentioned that to my daughter today. I hope it isn't a repeat of a husband killing a beautiful wife, who is already a Mother, and pregnant - that just makes me sick. Why can't they ask for a divorce?

I have a feeling it's because they think they are taking the easy way out. Peterson found out it's not so. I wonder if he has any regrets now.

I really hope this little girl's father did not kill her mother or have the killing done while he was conveniently out of town. All too many times it is the spouse or boyfriend when it is not a random killing.

[Sabal]

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=local&id=4738284

[SewingDeb]

Maybe hubby and sister had something going on and planned this?

You never know.

[wufdude]

Maybe hubby and sister had something going on and planned this?
I thought this to. Something just seemed really odd about that 911 call.

[gardenmom]

I thought this to. Something just seemed really odd about that 911 call.
I thought she was really calm too, but maybe she was just trying to stay calm so not to upset Cassie, the little girl. As I listened though, I kept waiting for her to scream or something when she realized her sister was stiff. I am pretty sure I would have but more upset than she was, but I don't know if her reaction was so unsual either considering the daughter was there.

[wufdude]

I just think that, child being there or not, a typical reaction would be to just absolutely freak it if you found your sister dead and blood everywhere. It sounds like we may be hearing something soon in terms of what LE knows.

[Shadow205]

I am not bothered by the way the sister sounded on the 911 call. I have answered many 911 calls for every type of an emergency and her call did not sound unusual to me. IMO, you could hear in her voice that she was upset. No, she was not hysterical but she could have been minutes before she placed the call. We don't know that she wasn't screaming when she first found her. I think that she was trying to be as composed as possible for her niece. Some people can "keep it together" at the time of a crisis, then totaly loose it later.

[Beyond Belief]

Well stated Shadow. My dad told me years ago, I was great during the crisis but would fall apart afterwards.

[wufdude]

Good points Shadow. We really don't know how long after finding her sister she called 911, although the way she acted in not really knowing if she was breathing, dead for a while, etc. led me to believe she called rightaway.

[kittykat1]

What time of day did Jason call his SIL to pick up the fax? If it was during the work day, perhaps he tried to call his wife at work to see if she could go pick it up, but could not reach her. It obviously is a very important document for SIL to go retrieve. I am curious what the contents of the fax are. This will be thorougly investigated, I would hope.

I am not quick to point a finger at Jason.

[PrayersForMaura]

I wondered if the sister and husband had something going on, too. Just all seems too contrived. I hope I am very wrong. :(

[PrayersForMaura]

I agree that the "pick up a fax at my house" thing sounds weird, but the neighborhood collective suspect from the local forum quote (if I'm repeating that correctly) sounds even weirder. Who would lots of neighbors know well enough for them all to consider this person a suspect? I can only think of another neighbor or a frequent visitor who the neighbors recognize.

Whoever it is (husband, neighbor, frequent visitor, random stranger even), how can anyone beat a pregnant woman to death in her own home with her child there? I know there's no rational answer to my question, but what is WRONG with people?
Maybe the husband was having an affair and it was the other woman who did this?
Remember that story earlier this year about a couple in Florida who was murdered and it turned out to be the boyfriend of the girl the husband was sleeping with? It was later discovered through some posts on a local forum that the neighbors seemed to know hubby was having an affair.

It's possible ... but I guess at this point anything is possible. :(
Either way, it's all so sad. :(

[christine2448]

I wondered if the sister and husband had something going on, too. Just all seems too contrived. I hope I am very wrong. :(I hope yer wrong too, but I was thinking the same thing....is sis married?

What about the accident in the beginning? WHat info have ya'll gathered about that? Who was in it? What happened?

[wufdude]

I haven't heard any more details about the accident the family was involved in earlier this year.

I believe the sister indicated her last name in the 911 call. I don't recall for sure but I believe it was the same last name as what has been shown as the victim's maiden name. Maybe someone has a better memory than me.

[knicksgal1]

I feel so sorry for the sister in terms of the suspicion here. I believe she was in shock on that 911 call. Sometimes I wish we would wait for more info from LE before jumping to conclusions.

[englishleigh]

Maybe hubby and sister had something going on and planned this?

That's what I'm wondering. Gosh, Michelle had a beautiful, Laci-like smile. I pray her own sister didn't have something to do with this!!!

[englishleigh]

Listening to the 911 call now...the little girl is breaking my heart saying in the background, "Mommy has boo-boos everywhere..." The sister is waaaaaaaaay too calm. Waaaaaaaaaaay too calm. I hope it's just the shock. That poor little girl, though. :(

[Scout]

I can't believe that some of you are looking at her sister with suspicion. Open your eyes, people. The husband killed his pregnant wife and then took off on a supposed business trip to make it look like he was out of town when his wife was murdered. He set this poor woman up to discover her sister's body by asking her to run over to the house and pick up a fax for him. This man is just as disgusting as Scott Peterson and OJ Simpson. He used his sister-in-law to bolster his alibi (just as Scott tried to do with Amy) and left his sweet innocent two-old-daughter there to wake up to her mother's battered and bloody corpse (a la OJ Simpson). The child's footprints, stamped in her mother's blood, were all over the house. He's already lawyered up and won't be talking with police. And his parent's are wasting no time in accusing the police of treating him unfairly. Why some of you want to twist things around to absolve the husband and create insinuations and innuendo to direct suspicion at the sister is beyond me.

[Scout]

BTW, Sewing Deb, thank you for bringing this story to my attention.

In addition to what I typed in my previous post, one can easily throw Neil Entwistle into the mix. Like Entwistle, Jason Young ran home to Mommy's house after attacking his unsuspecting wife in bed.

[wufdude]

I can't believe that some of you are looking at her sister with suspicion. Open your eyes, people. The husband killed his pregnant wife and then took off on a supposed business trip to make it look like he was out of town when his wife was murdered. He set this poor woman up to discover her sister's body by asking her to run over to the house and pick up a fax for him. This man is just as disgusting as Scott Peterson and OJ Simpson. He used his sister-in-law to bolster his alibi (just as Scott tried to do with Amy) and left his sweet innocent two-old-daughter there to wake up to her mother's battered and bloody corpse (a la OJ Simpson). The child's footprints, stamped in her mother's blood, were all over the house. He's already lawyered up and won't be talking with police. And his parent's are wasting no time in accusing the police of treating him unfairly. Why some of you want to twist things around to absolve the husband and create insinuations and innuendo to direct suspicion at the sister is beyond me.


Let me first say that I also have a lot of suspicion of the husband and, while you may be correct, I think it's quite a jump to conclusions to immediately state this. Although we typically hear the same thing in similar cases, many people that I know, that also knew the couple, have stated that they would be shocked if the husband was involved. Time will tell I suppose.

[SewingDeb]

BTW, Sewing Deb, thank you for bringing this story to my attention.

In addition to what I typed in my previous post, one can easily throw Neil Entwistle into the mix. Like Entwistle, Jason Young ran home to Mommy's house after attacking his unsuspecting wife in bed.

You're welcome. Good points you made and I hope the sister is not involved in any way. It takes a very cold person to leave a two year old to find their dead mother and to have her own sister find her body.

[Elizabeth]

Yeah, but if you're going to murder your pregnant wife, you're probably cold enough to do anything....

I thought the sister's voice sounded shaky/upset but waaaaaaay more calm than I would have been. Maybe she went into autopilot like people have been known to do in an emergency situation?

[MrsMush99]

I can't believe that some of you are looking at her sister with suspicion. Open your eyes, people. The husband killed his pregnant wife and then took off on a supposed business trip to make it look like he was out of town when his wife was murdered. He set this poor woman up to discover her sister's body by asking her to run over to the house and pick up a fax for him. This man is just as disgusting as Scott Peterson and OJ Simpson. He used his sister-in-law to bolster his alibi (just as Scott tried to do with Amy) and left his sweet innocent two-old-daughter there to wake up to her mother's battered and bloody corpse (a la OJ Simpson). The child's footprints, stamped in her mother's blood, were all over the house. He's already lawyered up and won't be talking with police. And his parent's are wasting no time in accusing the police of treating him unfairly. Why some of you want to twist things around to absolve the husband and create insinuations and innuendo to direct suspicion at the sister is beyond me.

I think I read that he left Thrusday and she had company until around 10:30 Thrusday night. She was killed Friday. Do you think he came back and killed her?? I'm just curious. Right now I'm leaning toward him hiring someone. Really sad.

[Elizabeth]

Ok, here's my thought. I just watched the Peter Porco murder story on 48 Hours last Sat. In that case, the son was convicted of driving 3.5 hours to his parents' house to murder them in the middle of the night, then back to his college. So....that is what is currently on my mind. I am picturing him driving back from the mountains overnight to kill Michelle. BUT I agree that a hired killer could also be the case.

Also - I'd like to know if the Youngs typically left their cars out in the driveway. We have a house very similar to theirs, and we don't use the garage for the cars - they sit in the driveway. So, since we KNOW that he drove his car on this business trip (have they said which company/what kind of business yet???) then maybe someone who was keeping an eye on things in the neighborhood noticed his car was gone overnight and made the correct guess that she was alone in the house. Just a thought.

[Elizabeth]

New article just released:

Slain Woman's Husband at County Crime Office
The husband of a young Wake County woman found dead in her home last Friday was seen Wednesday morning at the fingerprinting area of a county crime office.

http://www.wral.com/news/10273399/detail.html

[Floh]

I thought the lady's sister did sound panicked, but i believe she kept herself under control for the sake of the little girl.

[Scout]

If she was killed on Friday, it was very early on Friday -- wee hours of the morning. Her sister discovered her body at about 1:30 pm. The body was cold to the touch and so stiff that it was difficult for her sister to turn her over because of the position her limbs were frozen in. She'd probably been dead for a good twelve hours.

Police believe she had a visitor until 10:30 pm the night before. And the husband was home for at least part of the time the visitor was there. Investigators are interested in persons, vehicles or suspicious activity between the hours of 1 am and 6 am. (Some reports say midnight to five or six.)

Some of you may think it's premature to say the husband did it, but I'm definitely honed in on him and don't anticipate being proven wrong. Personally, I think it's way over the line to analyze the 911 call and make such horrible insinuations and allegations about Meredith's possible involvement, not only in the murder but also regarding an affair with her sister's husband. It's sick, in my opinion.

Furthermore, police have impounded Jason's SUV and all of it's contents. They cannot do that without probable cause.

[SewingDeb]

Yeah, but if you're going to murder your pregnant wife, you're probably cold enough to do anything....

True.

I thought the sister's voice sounded shaky/upset but waaaaaaay more calm than I would have been. Maybe she went into autopilot like people have been known to do in an emergency situation?

I know I can hold it together until the emergency is over...maybe she's that way. Afterwards I shake so bad my legs won't even hold me up. That's when the crying starts. It's almost like being in shock while dealing with the emergency and you don't let yourself really feel it until it's over.

[Scout]

New article just released:

Slain Woman's Husband at County Crime Office
The husband of a young Wake County woman found dead in her home last Friday was seen Wednesday morning at the fingerprinting area of a county crime office.

http://www.wral.com/news/10273399/detail.html


Thank you for that link, Elizabeth. This case is moving along at a rapid pace.

[Floh]

If her husband did it, i wonder what kind of life insurance policy his wife had?

[LadyLuck]

I think the sister sounded very upset at the first of the 911 tape. The dispatcher talked to her in a calm voice. Some people handle things better than others. I have had to call 911 for a very serious medical problem and you have to remain calm to handle it. The sister was also dealing with a little 2 year old child that had been walking through the blood. She would not have been any help to the little girl if she lost it. I am sure she will not be able to close her eyes without seeing her sister.

[wufdude]

I indicated early in this thread that a rumor mill around here, and I am very local to the crime, was that the husband had some large gambling debts AND the wife had a large insurance policy. Purely speculation and could be way off base so take it FWIW.

[christine2448]

I can't believe that some of you are looking at her sister with suspicion. Why some of you want to twist things around to absolve the husband and create insinuations and innuendo to direct suspicion at the sister is beyond me.This is a crime forum, we discuss cases, we talk about everyone involved, and until the police say they have compelling evidence and suspect in custody, everyone is looked at, everyone is a suspect...isn't that the smart way to be....or nooooo, let's just say the husband did it and convict him, cause you say so, becasue this is usually the case, the stats say he did it, so he did it?

The hubby is prolly guilty, your theory is prolly exactly right, but.....at this time we don't KNOW that....the sister found the body, she is automatically a suspect, until she is cleared, IMO.

[christine2448]

Warm welcome to all the Newbies that have jumped in on this one!!!!!


HIYA StampnWendy, FFWifey, wufdude and Elizabeth!

Welcome to WS!

[wufdude]

This is a crime forum, we discuss cases, we talk about everyone involved, and until the police say they have compelling evidence and suspect in custody, everyone is looked at, everyone is a suspect...isn't that the smart way to be....or nooooo, let's just say the husband did it and convict him, cause you say so, becasue this is usually the case, the stats say he did it, so he did it?
I agree whole heartedly. There's no reason not to throw out the possibility of the sister being involved. Everything is speculation on our part anyways.

[Shamrock]

I wonder if her poor little daughter saw anything?? And if she did, how reliable is her word since he's only two? So sad. I can't get this image out of my mind of her walking around her mommy, trying to wake her up. :(

[SewingDeb]

Was the husband actually still there while the visitor was there? I haven't seen it spelled out that way in any of the articles.

I can understand why you feel the way you do about the discussion of the sister possibly being involved, but that's part of looking at all possibilites which is what we do on these forums. I am sure investigators look at all possibilities because they just don't know the people involved or what they are or are not capable of.

My personal feeling is that she is not involved and she was just used so the husband did not have to call the police himself after returning home.

[SewingDeb]

Warm welcome to all the Newbies that have jumped in on this one!!!!!


HIYA StampnWendy, FFWifey, wufdude and Elizabeth!

Welcome to WS!

I'll second that!

[wufdude]

Was the husband actually still there while the visitor was there? I haven't seen it spelled out that way in any of the articles.

I can understand why you feel the way you do about the discussion of the sister possibly being involved, but that's part of looking at all possibilites which is what we do on these forums. I am sure investigators look at all possibilities because they just don't know the people involved or what they are or are not capable of.

My personal feeling is that she is not involved and she was just used so the husband did not have to call the police himself after returning home.
I'm wondering the same thing. The articles just say that she had visitors until around 10:30 (obviously these visitors are known) but that the husband also left that night, not that he was there with the visitors. Since LE would know who these visitors are and am certain have conducted interviews, it should be known whether the husband was there or not.

[wufdude]

Warm welcome to all the Newbies that have jumped in on this one!!!!!


HIYA StampnWendy, FFWifey, wufdude and Elizabeth!

Welcome to WS!
Thank you! I've been a long-time lurker but with a crime hitting so close to home, I felt the need to join in on the discussions.

[Scout]

This is a crime forum, we discuss cases, we talk about everyone involved, and until the police say they have compelling evidence and suspect in custody, everyone is looked at, everyone is a suspect...isn't that the smart way to be....or nooooo, let's just say the husband did it and convict him, cause you say so, becasue this is usually the case, the stats say he did it, so he did it?

The hubby is prolly guilty, your theory is prolly exactly right, but.....at this time we don't KNOW that....the sister found the body, she is automatically a suspect, until she is cleared, IMO.

I didn't say a word about stats or husband on wife murders usually being the case. I formed my opinion based on the facts reported.

It's the husband's vehicle that police impounded, not the sister's.

It's the husband being finger-printed by police, not the sister.

It's the husband that police have expressed an interest in talking to, not the sister.

It's the husband that ran off on a supposed business trip in the middle of the night and sent his sister-in-law over to pick up a fax so that she would find the body.

And it's the husband who lawyered up as soon as he got back to town rather than assisting the police in finding his wife's killer.

There has been nothing reported that implicates Meredith in any way. Some people here just want to read something into her 911 call so that they can point and gossip rather than lay blame where it belongs. I find that truly despicable.

[SewingDeb]

wufdude,

I agree that the investigators know whether the husband was still there when the visitor(s) was there. Just trying to find out if we really know that information yet (if it has been reported, etc.).

I'm curious about life insurance and debts too.

[PolkSaladAnnie]

I feel so sorry for the sister in terms of the suspicion here. I believe she was in shock on that 911 call. Sometimes I wish we would wait for more info from LE before jumping to conclusions.

I agree with you, knicksgal.... listening to that heartbreaking 911 tape, I sense that the sister appeared breathless at times - tried to be composed at times and ... she also had the wherewithall to realise she was on the phone to the authorities and - more than anything - had to have her wits about her for the baby's sake. I feel she made a conscious effort to gather her inner strength in an attempt to REMAIN CALM and deal with this - and also because her 2-yr old niece was clearly very confused. If the sister had "cracked", the baby would have gone hysterical, too.

As for the husband? He seems to follow tell-tale signs seen all too often: conveniently absent; instantly lawyering up; fingerprinted; vehicle impounded; avoiding the media; personal finance issues; no comment... and trying not to be the person to 'discover' the scene. Just as with TOOOOO many other cases such as Barber, Peterson, Hacking, Capano, Porco, Longo: the omission of *ANY OTHER* DNA - may be telling in and of itself. My comments are purely personal - just based on previous cases.

The disarray may have been from a dual struggle - not necessarily by an intruder. All the same, we have to accept that 'those closest to' are always approached first to be eliminated first. Nevertheless .... very tragic.

[Scout]

I agree with you, knicksgal.... listening to that heartbreaking 911 tape, I sense that the sister appeared breathless at times - tried to be composed at times and ... she also had the wherewithall to realise she was on the phone to the authorities and - more than anything - had to have her wits about her for the baby's sake. I feel she made a conscious effort to gather her inner strength in an attempt to REMAIN CALM and deal with this - and also because her 2-yr old niece was clearly very confused. If the sister had "cracked", the baby would have gone hysterical, too.

As for the husband? He seems to follow tell-tale signs seen all too often: conveniently absent; instantly lawyering up; fingerprinted; vehicle impounded; avoiding the media; personal finance issues; no comment... and trying not to be the person to 'discover' the scene. Just as with TOOOOO many other cases such as Barber, Peterson, Hacking, Capano, Porco, Longo: the omission of *ANY OTHER* DNA - may be telling in and of itself. My comments are purely personal - just based on previous cases.

The disarray may have been from a dual struggle - not necessarily by an intruder. All the same, we have to accept that 'those closest to' are always approached first to be eliminated first. Nevertheless .... very tragic.

Very well said, Annie. I couldn't agree more. I'm not certain how much disarray there was though. The sister only specified the blood in the bed, the toddler's bloody footprints, and the freaked-out dog. Police have said there was no sign of a break-in, and wasted little time in declaring it to be not a random crime.

[Scout]

Consider the fact that Michelle's guest left at about 10:30, but police have publicly expressed no interest in the time span from 10:30 to midnight. There's certainly a reason for that.

[christine2448]

I didn't say a word about stats or husband on wife murders usually being the case. I formed my opinion based on the facts reported.

It's the husband's vehicle that police impounded, not the sister's.

It's the husband being finger-printed by police, not the sister.

It's the husband that police have expressed an interest in talking to, not the sister.

It's the husband that ran off on a supposed business trip in the middle of the night and sent his sister-in-law over to pick up a fax so that she would find the body.

And it's the husband who lawyered up as soon as he got back to town rather than assisting the police in finding his wife's killer.

There has been nothing reported that implicates Meredith in any way. Some people here just want to read something into her 911 call so that they can point and gossip rather than lay blame where it belongs. I find that truly despicable.I truly am sorry you feel those of us sleuthing out all the people involved in a case is despicable, I disagree.

Of course the husbands car is being looked at, If I were LE he'd be my prime suspect right now and I'd be looking at EVERYTHING of his. We don't know that the sisters car hasn't been checked, or won't be...not everything is reported/released to media, and that is where we get most of our info.

Of course the husband is being finger printed, as I'm sure the sister was and I'm sure others and more to come.

Of course the police are talking to the husband, I am SURE they are also talking to the sister and every other Jane, Dick and Harry that the deceased knew, especially the sister, who was the 1st on the scene.

As far as the husband running of in the middle of the night, I am understanding, correct me if I'm wrong, there was company at the house until 10:30....I don't remember, what time did the husband say he left? Was it in the middle of the night?

Of course the husband lawyered up, I woulda.


Now.....we have NO idea what evidence at this time the police have, correct? Tell, what evidence at this time can be gathered that has been released? What do we know for sure at this point? Concrete and circumstancial? (<--did I word that right?)

[englishleigh]

Meredith is a suspect b/c she found the body, and I have to repeat that I think she sounded too calm during the 911 call, but that is only my opinion. If the husband did this murder alone, he is a total non-human to have done it, but to have the sister go in to find her is unspeakable. I think if they are fingerprinting him, they are looking at him really, really close. I think he is toast. :banghead:

[christine2448]

If the husband did this murder alone, he is a total non-human to have done it, but to have the sister go in to find her is unspeakable. :banghead:Yep, that is really bad....if he did that, that is really the lowest of low...do put her through that. What a selfish you know what if he turns out to be the killer or some way involved.

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Very well said, Annie. I couldn't agree more. I'm not certain how much disarray there was though. The sister only specified the blood in the bed, the toddler's bloody footprints, and the freaked-out dog. Police have said there was no sign of a break-in, and wasted little time in declaring it to be not a random crime.

Hi Scout - and thanks for your post. During the 911 call, Meredith gives the impression the house was somewhat 'out of order' (not exact words...) but not trashed. I also sensed she was petrified to use the "D" word when asked if Michelle was breathing, cold, or if Meredith could turn her over. I'm fully able to read all of these crime stories, watch FBI (etc) and get all the gory details - to the point of discssing MO and whodunnit's on an anonymous board. However, to walk in on my own sister's bloody, lifeless, cold, pregnant body - well I cannot imagine how I'd react, especially knowing my darling baby niece had been walking in and out of her blood. I known I'd want to scream; but I also know that such a reaction MAY have left a permanent scar in the 2yr old's mind.

As per your second post - I do get a sense that LE are (perhaps eerily??? or quietly??? or prematurely???) confident of *some* aspects of this homicide. perhaps they, too, are going over Standard Procedure and similar dots arise. Until more is confirmed, we can but speculate.

(Gosh, I agree: a really attractive smile :( very sad ...)

[wufdude]

As far as the husband running of in the middle of the night, I am understanding, correct me if I'm wrong, there was company at the house until 10:30....I don't remember, what time did the husband say he left? Was it in the middle of the night?
If I recall correctly, the stories have seemed to indicate that the husband left before the guest. Brevard, NC, where his parent's house is, is approx. 290 miles from Raleigh thus it is very unlikely ,if not impossible, that he went there and came back and then returned. I don't believe it has been released at what time he arrived at his parent's house.

[Scout]

I truly am sorry you feel those of us sleuthing out all the people involved in a case is despicable, I disagree.

Of course the husbands car is being looked at, If I were LE he'd be my prime suspect right now and I'd be looking at EVERYTHING of his. We don't know that the sisters car hasn't been checked, or won't be...not everything is reported/released to media, and that is where we get most of our info.

Of course the husband is being finger printed, as I'm sure the sister was and I'm sure others and more to come.

Of course the police are talking to the husband, I am SURE they are also talking to the sister and every other Jane, Dick and Harry that the deceased knew, especially the sister, who was the 1st on the scene.

As far as the husband running of in the middle of the night, I am understanding, correct me if I'm wrong, there was company at the house until 10:30....I don't remember, what time did the husband say he left? Was it in the middle of the night?

Of course the husband lawyered up, I woulda.


Now.....we have NO idea what evidence at this time the police have, correct? Tell, what evidence at this time can be gathered that has been released? What do we know for sure at this point? Concrete and circumstancial? (<--did I word that right?)

They aren't just "looking at" his car. They have impounded it and are most likely busily collecting and testing evidence found therein as we discuss it. They can do none of that without probable cause. The house is the crime scene. They cannot get a warrant to search his automobile without probable cause -- evidence tying said vehicle to the time and place of the crime.

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Meredith is a suspect b/c she found the body, :banghead:

Yes, sadly this is so, englishleigh: those closest-to are always scrutinized first before the net widens. The minute I read the husband's travel timeline & later saw "gambling debts" ... my biased hinky meter went: hmmmm...

During my time at W/S, dannyodie wisely reminds us often: 3 common denominators in crime: money, sex, drugs ... I've since taken danny's comments on board as the skeleton of the crime: LE and evidence later supply the meat and muscle.

Irrespective of the above, pregnant women who are murdered at the hands of their spouse remains alarming, atrocious and absolutely horrendous. Is it just me as a late-bloomer with eyes wide shut - or has this evil habit increased in the last couple of years????

[Floh]

I indicated early in this thread that a rumor mill around here, and I am very local to the crime, was that the husband had some large gambling debts AND the wife had a large insurance policy. Purely speculation and could be way off base so take it FWIW.

I do. your posts are valuable to me and i think you've brought a great deal of worth, IMO.

thank you.

[christine2448]

They aren't just "looking at" his car. They have impounded it and are most likely busily collecting and testing evidence found therein as we discuss it. They can do none of that without probable cause. The house is the crime scene. They cannot get a warrant to search his automobile without probable cause -- evidence tying said vehicle to the time and place of the crime.
Very good point, I'm not up on how this works...so what would constitute probable cause?

[christine2448]

Very good point, I'm not up on how this works...so what would constitute probable cause?
OK...

Definition
The most widely held common definition would be "a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed" and that the person is linked to the crime with the same degree of certainty. An alternative definition has been proposed, "reason to believe that an injury had criminal cause", which is claimed to be more protective of individual rights as was intended by the authors of the Bill of Rights. See the Critique below.


I still don't get it, they just have to have reasonable belief a crime was committed and that an injury had criminal cause, and believe, not show evidence that hubby is involved?

[christine2448]

PROBABLE CAUSE - A reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime. The test the court of appeals employs to determine whether probable cause existed for purposes of arrest is whether facts and circumstances within the officer's knowledge are sufficient to warrant a prudent person to believe a suspect has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. U.S. v. Puerta, 982 F.2d 1297, 1300 (9th Cir. 1992). In terms of seizure of items, probable cause merely requires that the facts available to the officer warrants a "man of reasonable caution" to conclude that certain items may be contraband or stolen property or useful as evidence of a crime. U.S. v. Dunn, 946 F.2d 615, 619 (9th Cir. 1991), cert. Denied, 112 S. Ct. 401 (1992).

It is undisputed that the Fourth Amendment, applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment, prohibits an officer from making an arrest without probable cause. McKenzie v. Lamb, 738 F.2d 1005, 1007 (9th Cir. 1984). Probable cause exists when "the facts and circumstances within the arresting officer's knowledge are sufficient to warrant a prudent person to believe that a suspect has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime." United States v. Hoyos, 892 F.2d 1387, 1392 (9th Cir. 1989), cert. denied, 489 U.S. 825 (1990) (citing United States v. Greene, 783 F.2d 1364, 1367 (9th Cir. 1986), cert. denied, 476 U.S. 1185 (1986)).

When there are grounds for suspicion that a person has committed a crime or misdemeanor, and public justice and the good of the community require that the matter should be examined, there is said to be a probable cause for, making a charge against the accused, however malicious the intention of the accuser may have been. And probable cause will be presumed till the contrary appears.

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Very good point, I'm not up on how this works...so what would constitute probable cause?

Hi christine - in addition: Meredith will naturally be 'processed in order to be cleared'... During the call, she admitted she touched a pillow. She tried to move her sister and look for signs of life on her sister (as per instructions and at the request of emergency operators in an attempt to save a life and guide her through CPR).

Meredith may even have had blood on her person/hands - if not through transfer via the little one, then directly from being in contact with Michelle's body. Seems to me the operator instantly understood the worst (admitting to Sheriff that it was probably a Code 7) appeared apparent & immediately told her not to touch anything else.

Upon entering, Meredith probably (obliviously) touched door-handles and other items.

BTW: At the end of the tape, the Sheriff responded to the 911 operator that they were aware of this - something about a car on its way. Did anyone catch that? Does this mean the Sheriff is able to monitor 911 calls - or could a second call have been made to the Sheriff's dept? Maybe a 2nd 911 operator alerted the Sheriff during the orginal call.

[Scout]

If I recall correctly, the stories have seemed to indicate that the husband left before the guest. Brevard, NC, where his parent's house is, is approx. 290 miles from Raleigh thus it is very unlikely ,if not impossible, that he went there and came back and then returned. I don't believe it has been released at what time he arrived at his parent's house.

Whether the husband left before the guest has not been revealed. It's not really relevant. He could have easily returned after the guest left and killed his wife. As yet, there is nothing to indicate that he was at his parents' house or even in that vicinity when his wife was murdered. Only that he was there later in the afternoon, when he was "notified" of the crime. Therefore, it is certainly possible (and, imo, probable) that he committed the crime before traveling to Brevard.

[SewingDeb]

Scout,
I would say that just him being the husband of a murdered woman would be probable cause to check out any and all vehicles they may have owned.

[PrayersForMaura]

I hope that LE can release more information soon. I feel so bad for their family and her child. This case is already too sad :(

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Whether the husband left before the guest has not been revealed. It's not really relevant. He could have easily returned after the guest left and killed his wife. As yet, there is nothing to indicate that he was at his parents' house or even in that vicinity when his wife was murdered. Only that he was there later in the afternoon, when he was "notified" of the crime. Therefore, it is certainly possible (and, imo, probable) that he committed the crime before traveling to Brevard.

Scout, LE determined:

1. Ruled a homicide (clearly)
2. Neighbours and locals need not be worried (not an unknown intruder = known: in my book anyway)
3. Not a random crime (= an internal crime; not one of opportunity: no forced entry or items that appear to be missing)

So, there is additional, yet undisclosed evidence. Ugh... !

[Elizabeth]

Scout, ITA about Jason being more likely to "stick around" and actually kill her BEFORE traveling all the way to Brevard. I was actually just about to suggest that but you beat me to it. :)

I can't WAIT to find out what time he *reportedly* got to Brevard...although I have NO DOUBT that his parents would cover for him - at least his Mom - it seems that men's mothers always "take up" for their sons....ugh....think Scott Peterson....

And I also can't wait to find out a lot of other info on them. Where did Jason work? How long was this business trip supposed to last and if he didn't get there until late, late Thursday night or early Friday morning and he was at his parents' house on Friday afternoon, exactly when was the "business" supposed to occur? I wonder if he had a crap job? (Just a feeling I have.) Maybe Michelle was the breadwinner with her good job at Progress Energy...

[wufdude]

I recall reading, and I can't remember where, that Jason was involved in sales and particularly I believe, medical equipment sales.

I know many people travel late at night but leaving Raleigh around 9:30-10:00 at night and driving all the way to Brevard would be tough. Maybe he stayed over somewhere? Hotel receipts?


Therefore, it is certainly possible (and, imo, probable) that he committed the crime before traveling to Brevard.

There are certainly a ton of things he could have done to kill time after leaving the house if he did in fact return to commit the crime.

[Scout]

Scout,
I would say that just him being the husband of a murdered woman would be probable cause to check out any and all vehicles they may have owned.

You might say that, SewingDeb, but a judge certainly wouldn't.

[christine2448]

You might say that, SewingDeb, but a judge certainly wouldn't.Why not? What do you think the probable cause would have to be? I'm trying to understand this probable cause stuff.

Please see my earlier posts. Maybe you can clear up for us?

ETA...I rearead AGAIN my posts about probable cause:

When there are grounds for suspicion that a person has committed a crime or misdemeanor, and public justice and the good of the community require that the matter should be examined, there is said to be a probable cause for, making a charge against the accused, however malicious the intention of the accuser may have been. And probable cause will be presumed till the contrary appears.

So, all they need to prove probable cause is grounds for suspicion, HE IS THE HUSBAND, there is most definitly grounds for suspicion.....I agree with Deb.

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Why not? What do you think the probable cause would have to be? I'm trying to understand this probable cause stuff.

Please see my earlier posts. Maybe you can clear up for us?

ETA...I rearead AGAIN my posts about probable cause:

When there are grounds for suspicion that a person has committed a crime or misdemeanor, and public justice and the good of the community require that the matter should be examined, there is said to be a probable cause for, making a charge against the accused, however malicious the intention of the accuser may have been. And probable cause will be presumed till the contrary appears.

So, all they need to prove probable cause is grounds for suspicion, HE IS THE HUSBAND, there is most definitly grounds for suspicion.....I agree with Deb.

(Edited to add: dark red above, mine)...To impound the vehicle, a judge would have had to have signed off significant and valid reasons supplied by LE to further search/investigate and collect evidence. (Not just because it's the husband's vehicle... that's not a good enough reason...)

[wufdude]

New little tidbit of info, although not very important....


High school friends described Michelle Young as a "normal down-to-earth person" who was captain of her cheerleading squad at Sayville High School in West Sayville N.Y., where she graduated in 1995.


They said she was very happily married, was thrilled to be a mother and thrilled about being a mom again.

[christine2448]

(Edited to add: dark red above, mine)...To impound the vehicle, a judge would have had to have signed off significant and valid reasons supplied by LE to further search/investigate and collect evidence. (Not just because it's the husband's vehicle... that's not a good enough reason...)See my post #129

PROBABLE CAUSE - A reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime. The test the court of appeals employs to determine whether probable cause existed for purposes of arrest is whether facts and circumstances within the officer's knowledge are sufficient to warrant a prudent person to believe a suspect has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. U.S. v. Puerta, 982 F.2d 1297, 1300 (9th Cir. 1992). In terms of seizure of items, probable cause merely requires that the facts available to the officer warrants a "man of reasonable caution" to conclude that certain items may be contraband or stolen property or useful as evidence of a crime.


So the facts are? He is her husband, he is likely involved? Or, what are the facts?

[opme]

The sister mentioned during the 911 call that the she was stiff and cold which indicates that she was in rigor mortis. From what i understand about rigor mortis it generally sets in between 12 to 72 hours after death. Her guest left at 10:30 so most likely she was murdered sometime between 10:30pm and 1:30am when in order to meet the minimum 12 hour time frame for rigor to start... also the baby was out and wandering around the house in order to track the blood all over as the sister indicated in the call. Could the baby have been in a toddler or normal bed? or was she still sleeping in a crib...? if so that would indicate someone got her out of the crib in the morning after she awoke. Also I would expect the authorities have determined if she was dressed for bed, work or wearing the same clothing as when entertaining the night before. They most likely have also determined if the killer cleaned up before leaving the crime scene. That doesnt necessarily point to the husband but he could nto have left covered in blood if he was supposedly arriving from a business trip...

Its heartbreaking to think of that poor little child wandering alone in the house for what could have been many hours with no one there to care for her... diapers, food etc.. and all those trips in to see "mommy who has boo-boos all over her.." Whoever did it is pretty heartless to leave a child wandering alone under those circumstances..awful just awful.:mad: :( And the sister is going to need alot of support .. I cant imagine finding my sister under those same circumstances.. :(

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Hi christine ... thanks, I got that ... it's the first part of your reference that's significant in this instance. In your post below, changes I have made red & bold.

See my post #129

PROBABLE CAUSE - A reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime.
...

The test the court of appeals employs to determine whether probable cause existed for purposes of arrest is whether facts and circumstances within the officer's knowledge are sufficient to warrant a prudent person to believe a suspect has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. U.S. v. Puerta, 982 F.2d 1297, 1300 (9th Cir. 1992). In terms of seizure of items, probable cause merely requires that the facts available to the officer warrants a "man of reasonable caution" to conclude that certain items may be contraband or stolen property or useful as evidence of a crime.

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Hi again, christine. Sorry - your changes were made while I was responding.

See my post #129


So the facts are? He is her husband, he is likely involved? Or, what are the facts?

At this stage, NO official facts have been released other than: "homicide; not random & neighbours have nothing to worry about." (thanks wufdude for the extra notes...)

"Is the husband likely involved?"

Yes, imo, very much so! The vehicle would not have been impounded had the sheriff's office not gained good enough reason and supporting evidence for a Judge to sign permission to sieze the car, so to speak... (With respect, I'm leaving the probable cause/impounded vehicle debate here).

[PolkSaladAnnie]

The sister mentioned during the 911 call that the she was stiff and cold which indicates that she was in rigor mortis. From what i understand about rigor mortis it generally sets in between 12 to 72 hours after death. Her guest left at 10:30 so most likely she was murdered sometime between 10:30pm and 1:30am when in order to meet the minimum 12 hour time frame for rigor to start... also the baby was out and wandering around the house in order to track the blood all over as the sister indicated in the call. Could the baby have been in a toddler or normal bed? or was she still sleeping in a crib...? if so that would indicate someone got her out of the crib in the morning after she awoke. Also I would expect the authorities have determined if she was dressed for bed, work or wearing the same clothing as when entertaining the night before. They most likely have also determined if the killer cleaned up before leaving the crime scene. That doesnt necessarily point to the husband but he could nto have left covered in blood if he was supposedly arriving from a business trip...

[edited]

(

Great thoughts, opme...thanks. Will be interesting to find out!

[wufdude]

fyi, the attorney that the husband has retained, Roger Smith, is a high-profile criminal defense attorney in this area.

[christine2448]

(With respect, I'm leaving the probable cause/impounded vehicle debate here).
LOL..gotcha, I'm still confused. I still don't get it...thanks for trying anyway!

[beakiebean]

I think it's not always safe to infer guilt based on how someone reacts-especially in a stressful situation. In an emergency I tend to go rather numb and feel very out of it-however I can function and act calmly. Afterward when it all has a chance to sink in I fall apart. When my daughter had to have emergency surgery I was fin in the ER, fine waiting for the surgeon, fine while they wheeled her into the operating room and then, when I sat down in the waiting room and it really hit me that she could have died I fell apart completely.

It could be that it hadn't sunk in for the sister yet, it could be that she was holding it together for the child, there could be a lot of reasons she wouldn't be hysterical that don't point toward guilt.

[Scout]

Simply being her husband is enough for the police to look at him with suspicion, but it is in no way enough for a judge to sign a warrant allowing them access to his vehicle.

I don't know what was provided in the affidavit requesting a warrant, but I can give some examples of what could feasibly be included:

Evidence indicating that he lied about when he left home.
Cell phone usage that places him in the vicinity of the home when he claims to have been elsewhere.
Security camera imagery that places him in the vicinity of the home when he claims to have been elsewhere.
Credit card transactions that place him in the vicinity of the home when he claims to have been elsewhere.
Absence of any signs of forcible entry into the house.
Record that shows that the security system (if there is one) in the house was disarmed with the master code.
Inability to provide verification of his whereabouts during the time in question.
Forensic evidence on or in the car that is clearly visible prior to a search.
Forensic evidence in the home that implicates him.
Statements made by the daughter that implicate him.
Statements from family or friends as to problems between the couple.
Odd statements made by him upon learning of his wife's death or thereafter.
Suspicious behavior
Evidence, such as written communication or computer evidence, that there was some sort of confrontation between husband and wife prior to her death.

[wufdude]

^ thanks for that info. very interesting.

[Shadow205]

I have been in and out here today and maybe I missed it, do we know that there was a search warrant for the car? Is it possible that it was a consent to search? Yust wondering:confused:

[PolkSaladAnnie]

Thanks, Scout (there you go, christine - far more clear than my waffle!).

Something that added to my suspicion about the husband's involvement is ... wouldn't he have called Michelle to say he'd arrived ok? If, as we're led to believe, Michelle was supposed to be at work, wouldn't he have tried her at work? And ... if she was not working, surely he'd have called home to say he'd arrived OK? Again, phone records would clear this up ... but: for him to ring his sister to collect a fax and not even call his wife (especially after 'doubling-up' upon hearing 'the news') just doesn't gel.

And .... *what* .... on earth would make his step-dad instantly enlist a top lawyer and deny LE any access to Jason? Why? Why bring in such a high-profile lawyer immediately? Something appears too contrived - unless climbing statistics unnerved his step-dad prematurely, but that's rather dubious, to me anyway.

Surely Jason would have run in and WANTED to question officers himself, let alone the other way around???

[christine2448]

I have been in and out here today and maybe I missed it, do we know that there was a search warrant for the car? Is it possible that it was a consent to search? Yust wondering:confused:
I was coming to post this same thing, all I could find was an article where a relative says investigators have confiscated Jason Young's vehicle and everything in it.

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=local&id=4733493


Sooo, was it given up voluntarily? Was there a warrant? Who do we know they "seized" his vehicle?

[Shamrock]

Does anyone know if this case has been (or will be) covered on any of the "news" shows such as Nancy Grace, Greta, etc? I would be interested in watching...

[christine2448]

Does anyone know if this case has been (or will be) covered on any of the "news" shows such as Nancy Grace, Greta, etc? I would be interested in watching...
Off topic :slap: ...who is that saying Potatoes in yer siggy??

[wufdude]

I've not heard of anything like that. In fact, with all the election coverage, the case does not even seem to be front-page news locally.

[Shamrock]

Off topic :slap: ...who is that saying Potatoes in yer siggy??

I actually have no idea. I just thought it was funny. :crazy:

[christine2448]

I actually have no idea. I just thought it was funny. :crazy:Haha, looks a little like Heath Ledger? Come on sleuthers...who is that?

Found this, but still can't figure out who that guy is!

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/taters.php

[wufdude]

looks like Sean Astin to me.

[christine2448]

Haha, looks a little like Heath Ledger? Come on sleuthers...who is that?

Found this, but still can't figure out who that guy is!

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/taters.php
OK, it was Sean Astin or something like that hubby says, from Lord of the Rings, 2 towers. :)

Back to the case...sorry ya'll, that was buggin me!

[christine2448]

looks like Sean Astin to me.


LOL, thanks, we were posting at the same time..you were right...AND YOU WIN......ahhh, NOTHING, sorry! :blowkiss:

[kittykat1]

OK, here is something kinda OT. Does anyone know why Jason's stepdad would have been notified of Michelle's death BEFORE Jason was? It seems like LE would have told him first. Unless, someone else called Jason's stepdad's house to give the news (like a relative). What do you think?

[wufdude]

Seems like I read that Jason was outside when the step-dad came out and told him. Maybe Jason was en route to his parent's home and the call had already come to the house. Step-dad goes out to tell Jason as he's getting out of his car to come in? Maybe step-dad didn't want to call him on a cell phone to let him know?

[Shadow205]

Since it has been brought up and sounds like notification by LE was made over the phone, I find that odd. Notification of this type is usually made by LE in person for several reasons. One of the reasons being, a LE officer being present to witness the initial reactions when receiving the news. Bad call by LE if they didn't make this notification in person. They missed a good opportunity to observe first hand the emotions or lack of.

[IndyLaw]

Looks like Greta will be talking about this case tonight.

Wednesday, November 8:
• A small N. Carolina town is in shock over the homicide of a young, pregnant mother inside her own home! As authorities piece together evidence, Greta investigates the unsolved murder mystery of Michelle Marie Young!

[wufdude]

Looks like Greta will be talking about this case tonight.

Wednesday, November 8:
• A small N. Carolina town is in shock over the homicide of a young, pregnant mother inside her own home! As authorities piece together evidence, Greta investigates the unsolved murder mystery of Michelle Marie Young!Missed that. Thanks for posting!

btw supposedly new developments have occurred in the Abaroa case. Eerily similar circumstances around that death and only separated by about a 1/2 hour.....

[cynpat2000]

Looks like Greta will be talking about this case tonight.

Wednesday, November 8:
• A small N. Carolina town is in shock over the homicide of a young, pregnant mother inside her own home! As authorities piece together evidence, Greta investigates the unsolved murder mystery of Michelle Marie Young! Thanks for posting!!!!I will definately have to check it out!

[cynpat2000]

Missed that. Thanks for posting!

btw supposedly new developments have occurred in the Abaroa case. Eerily similar circumstances around that death and only separated by about a 1/2 hour.....Wow that is interesting , wonder if they are connected? A serial killer stalking pregnant women. I guess it could happen in this crazy world.

[nanandjim]

Wow that is interesting , wonder if they are connected? A serial killer stalking pregnant women. I guess it could happen in this crazy world.
No, I'm not buying it. Wasn't Janet Aboroa (sp?) barely pregnant and this girl was only four months' pregnant?? Neither girl was probably showing. I am inclined to think that someone close to each committed the murders.

[wufdude]

No, I'm not buying it. Wasn't Janet Aboroa (sp?) barely pregnant and this girl was only four months' pregnant?? Neither girl was probably showing. I am inclined to think that someone close to each committed the murders.I definitely don't think they are connected at all. Just weird that news would pop up on the Abaroa case when circumstances are so similar.

[Shamrock]

Looks like Greta will be talking about this case tonight.

Wednesday, November 8:
• A small N. Carolina town is in shock over the homicide of a young, pregnant mother inside her own home! As authorities piece together evidence, Greta investigates the unsolved murder mystery of Michelle Marie Young!

Thanks for keeping us posted! I will be watching!

[otto]

The sister mentioned during the 911 call that the she was stiff and cold which indicates that she was in rigor mortis. From what i understand about rigor mortis it generally sets in between 12 to 72 hours after death.

I hope you don't mind that I snipped your post, but I double checked on the time that rigor sets in and it seems to be about 2 hours:

"Usually about two hours of the person dying, rigor mortis sets in. Which is a Latin term meaning "the stiffness of death". The internal chemistry of the body changes from its normal acid state to an alkaline one. This causes the muscles which were once relaxed at the time of death to tense and stiffen. Rigor mortis begins with the eyelids and then progresses to the muscles of the face, and then to the arms, torso and finally the legs. Within twelve hours rigor mortis has been fully established and the body is stiff and as unbending as a block of unbending wood. The body can remain in this condition for any time between twelve and forty-eight hours, until the body returns to a natural acid state. This reverse process affects the muscles in the same order in which rigor mortis stiffened them from the eyelids to the legs" (http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1501608)

"2. rigor mortis - muscular stiffening that begins 2 to 4 hours after death and last for about 4 days" (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/rigor+mortis)

That means that if she was found at 1:30, she could have died any time between midnight and 11:00 in the morning.

[michelle]

At a quick glance this pic of Michelle looked like Laci.... :( http://www.newsobserver.com/141/story/507222.html

[otto]

Michelle was a financial advisor, which tells me that she was probably a fairly level headed person. If her sister held it together during the 911 phone call, it is probably because she too is level headed and was able to override her emotions to help Michelle's daughter. I don't find it terribly suspicious that she wasn't falling apart during the 911 call.

Also, the stepfather telling the husband to lawyer up is not that unusual. The police, and probably many other people, are going to look at the husband first so the husband wants to be careful that he is not railroaded into a conviction because he says something stupid. It's not like innocent people have never been found guilty. All this aside, I think the husband looks like a likely suspect and the fax still bothers me.

What could be in the fax that is so important that it couldn't wait until the weekend. What needed to be looked after at 1:30 on a Friday afternoon that couldn't wait until Monday? Why wasn't it faxed to his office or his wife's office? Some people have suggested a surprise vacation itinerary, but that could have waited or have been faxed to his office. If she was supposed to pick it up, what was she supposed to do with it? I have a feeling that the contents in the fax is what triggered suspicions onto the husband ... that is, that there was no real reason for the sister in law to collect the fax.

[BirdHunter]

I hope that the Wake County LE are better than the Durham LE when it comes to murder investigations. There is a case so similiar to this one STILL NOT SOLVED in Durham from April 2005 involving Janet Abaroa who was also pregnant, had a young child in the home at the time of her murder and LE continues to say that famous line "Not a random crime".

[Sabal]

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/507879.html

[Mama-cita]

Why not? What do you think the probable cause would have to be? I'm trying to understand this probable cause stuff.

Please see my earlier posts. Maybe you can clear up for us?

ETA...I rearead AGAIN my posts about probable cause:

When there are grounds for suspicion that a person has committed a crime or misdemeanor, and public justice and the good of the community require that the matter should be examined, there is said to be a probable cause for, making a charge against the accused, however malicious the intention of the accuser may have been. And probable cause will be presumed till the contrary appears.

So, all they need to prove probable cause is grounds for suspicion, HE IS THE HUSBAND, there is most definitly grounds for suspicion.....I agree with Deb.Warrants are not easy to get. LE can't go to a judge with "Hey we like this guy for the crime, give us a warrant to search his ____." No judge is going to do that. There are constitutional rights. Furthermore, erroneously obtained warrants will NOT hold up at trial, and thus any evidence obtained would be excluded. No prosecutor or LE official is going to risk letting an SOB get off on a technicality like that. Our neighbor is a detective and you have to have all your ducks in a row before a judge will sign off on a search warrant.

Even if the HUSBAND refused to have LE search his vehicle, they could not obtain a warrant without being able to show the judge some proof that he could have been involved in his wife's murder.

We don't know at this point what LE has ascertained simply from questioning. Think about Peterson; his story didn't jive, he was using the wrong tackle, inconsistencies in his story, and there was more, circumstantial, yes, but reasonably suspect. This was grounds for probable cause. You can't start violating an individual's constitutional rights just because he is the most likely (statistically) perpetrator of the crime.

I also agree the sister was tempering her reaction for the benefit of the baby. I have a child that age. If, God forbid, I would walk in and find my husband in such a way and my kids were there, I would hope I would do my best to stay calm and not start screaming and go into hysterics because it would only cause my children to do the same. She was trying to keep the baby out of the room the mama was in, I would have done the same. Remember that poor tiny girl didn't have her primary support system, and Meredith didn't know whether the girl saw anything, how long her sister was dead etc. When I first listened to the 911 tape I was disturbed and suspicious, but as I carefully weighed everything, I find Meredith