Couple who adopted 12 children shot to death

[daisy7]

Couple who adopted 12 children shot to death
Home invasion suspected, deputies say

A Beulah couple who adopted 12 children and owned several local businesses were found shot to death in an apparent home invasion Thursday evening.

The bodies of Byrd and Melanie Billings were found in the bedroom of their home in the 9700 block of Mobile Highway about 7:30 p.m.

"There were children in the home," Escambia County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Ted Roy said. "They are all accounted for and safe."

Roy said deputies found several children at the home ranging in age from an infant to 11 years old.

"The deputies had to wake some of the children," Roy said.

The Billingses were featured in a Christmas Day story in the Pensacola News Journal in 2005. At the time, the couple were the proud parents of 16 children. Twelve were adopted — among them, children of drug users, children who were sexually abused and children with developmental disabilities. Six of the 12 had Down syndrome. Two had died.

(snipped)
http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090710/NEWS01/907100327

How sad and these poor children!!

[Gozgals]

Oh, how very sad after all the great work this couple has done for children. May they RIP. I hope the POI will be given a rather stiff sentence for these two deaths.

We need more people like them in our world.

Goz

[Sleuthster]

I saw this. I looked and the wife had a myspace she was last on 7/7 and noted that she was waiting for someone named Justin to get home to help with the kids. She was so proud of those children on her page. Very sad :(

[teonspaleprincess]

Is this the same couple who was featured on TLC? I remember watching a special about a couple who had adopted numerous down syndrome children. God Bless this family. My heart aches for those poor children.

[STEADFAST]

From daisy's link, pg 2:
Deputies are searching for three men in a red van in connection with the homicide, Roy said.
http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-e4m3Yko6bFYVc.gif?labels=NewsAndReference,CultureA ndSocietyInvestigators are examining surveillance tapes from the home. Roy said the vehicle the suspects were in may have been captured on tape.

Looks like there is some hope they will catch these guys soon.

[Sporky]

Is this the same couple who was featured on TLC? I remembered watching a special about a couple who had adopted numerous down syndrome children. God Bless this family. My heart aches for those poor children.

No it is not the same couple. They also were the first ones that I thought of when I read this. The article has a picture of the murdered couple attached.

[gitana1]

This is particularly horrible. What will happen to all of their children now? Why them? It was supposedly a home invasion. The family was wealthy. But damn it, they were one of the few families around who adopt and apparently doted on scores of special needs kids. Of all people, they should have been spared.

[KaylynnCouture]

This is so sad. I just heard this on FoxNews and my heart breaks for the family, especially these poor children.

[KaylynnCouture]

FoxNews is saying the couple had 16 children. Does anyone know which is correct (12 or 16)?

[audiogirl]

FoxNews is saying the couple had 16 children. Does anyone know which is correct (12 or 16)?

They have 16 children, 12 of whom were adopted. 8 of the children were in the home when the shooting occurred.

Investigators say eight of the children, ages 8-14, were home when the couple was shot. One of the kids heard the gunshots and called a family friend. Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Ted Roy says one of them parents was shot in the head. Autopsies have not been completed.
The Billings have 16 children; 12 of them adopted, some of whom have special needs.

http://www.wkrg.com/crime/article/double-homicide-near-pensacola/175032/Jul-10-2009_2-53-pm/

[teonspaleprincess]

They had 12 adopted children and the rest were biological.

[Mouse]

This article says that they each brought two children to the marriage:

http://maggiesnotebook.blogspot.com/2009/07/byrd-billings-melanie-billings-murdered.html

[GannyP]

Scarey! This is just down the road from my mother! I believe 2 of the adopted children have passed away. So sad.:banghead:

[jantel74]

So sad! I hope some wonderful family will step up for these kids. This is the last thing that should have happened to them.

[oceanblueeyes]

Has anyone heard any updates on this case?

I would think since they have a picture of the red van it wouldn't take long to identify who these horrid people are.

imo

[daisy7]

A motive for the shooting deaths of a Beulah couple remained unclear Friday, a day after they were gunned down during a home invasion.

"Home invasions can lead to murder. It can be anything from drugs to robbery. We would be speculating at this point," Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said.

The bodies of Byrd, 66, and Melanie Billings, 43, were found Thursday night after a neighbor called 911. Eight of the couple's children living in the house were unharmed.

"Both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds," Morgan said at a news conference held to release details about the killings.

Morgan said that about 7 p.m. Thursday night, three people arrived at the couple's Mobile Highway home in a late 1970s or early 1980s red van.

They forced their way into the house through separate doors and shot the couple, who reportedly were in their bedroom. Deputies were called to the scene about 45 minutes later, Morgan said.

The Billings' home had an extensive video surveillance system, which had cameras recording almost every room, as well as parts of the driveway and yard.

Video released Friday shows the van and the suspects, all dressed in black, approaching the victims' house. The Sheriff's Office released still footage of the van, but not of the suspects.

(snipped)

http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090711/NEWS01/907110322

And, Channel 3 has surveillance video of the perps. arriving and leaving on their home page

http://weartv.com/

[MCDRAW]

I wonder if this wasn't a murder for hire. I can't figure out why they shot them. I haven't heard of anything being taken. It appears they knew which room to go to. There were children awake in the house...no mention of the children seeing anyone, only of some of them hearing gunshots.JMO

[colette]

All dressed in black, very premeditated. Hope they get them soon, I'm sure they will with cams in every room.

[oceanblueeyes]

The people that came into the home must not have known about the sophisticated camera and surveillance system so that tends to make me think it wasn't a hit. Surely if it had been...... the conspirator would have told the hit men all about the cameras and where they were located.

imo

[SuziQ]

I wonder if this wasn't a murder for hire. I can't figure out why they shot them. I haven't heard of anything being taken. It appears they knew which room to go to. There were children awake in the house...no mention of the children seeing anyone, only of some of them hearing gunshots.JMO

ITA, this just doesn't seem like the typical home invasion.

[SuziQ]

What did Mr. Billings do for a living?

ETA: I got my answer.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20090711/NEWS01/907110323/1006/NEWS01

The Billingses owned several local businesses, including a used-car dealer.

[colette]

This does seem weird, the police aren't saying what if anything was taken or if they have person's of interest. They are saying the killers are white. You would think if they had all those cams that pics of the killers would be out by now, unless they have an idea who they are looking for.

Another thing is it sounds like the home was isolated and somewhat hidden, but the gate at the road was observable...

"the home was hidden down a long driveway, obscured by trees and brush. A "Beware of Dog" sign was on one side of the gate, while a "Private Property" sign was on the other side."


http://www.pnj.com/article/20090711/NEWS01/907110323/1006/NEWS01

[CHICANA]

To my understanding, all the kids were adopted out of the State's custody. In order to do that parental rights had to be terminated.
My hunch is that a parent who was opposed to their child's adoption is involved in this.

FYI.. I checked out Florida's adoption incentives and they received a minimum of $417 month for each child, since these were special needs children, I'm guessing that would be a LOT more plus they'd be eligible for SS disability and medicaid which would pay for any in home medical care necessary.
There's also a $10k adoption tax credit per child per year in addition to the standard deduction per child. I wonder how wealthy they were before taking in all these kids ?
I know that's beside the point and I have no reason to doubt their intentions. From what I've read, they took excellent care of these kids and the mom's My Space was full of family pics. One of the children died, and there's a pic, I think of one of their adult kids who had a tattoo with the child's name.
I might be more selfish than some, if I had the time & money I might be able to handle one or two, but twelve ? My two healthy kids wear me out.

[Mouse]

Why did they have such an elaborate home security system? I understand having security, but it just seems odd to have an elaborate videotaping system, with every room being taped 24/7. Just seems a little over-the-top.

[SuziQ]

Yeah, the taping of every room caught my attention as well. Does that include bedrooms? LE must have alot of evidence.

I'm leaning towards an employee, former or current.

[daisy7]

Update, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Advertisement

Information about multiple “persons of interest” connected with the slaying of a Beulah couple will be released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office today.

Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said the office will hold a press conference at 5 p.m. to discuss the case.

“We have developing information and we are looking at several persons of interest,” Morgan said at about 1:30 p.m. today.

(snipped)

http://pnj.com/article/20090711/NEWS01/907110322

ETA: this is 5:00pm Central time

ETA#2: pnj.com says they will be showing it live on their site

[Lindadanette]

With so many children adopted from state custody, it would be prudent to have the video system in place. Another reason might be to review the tapes to learn about the behavior and socialization issues the children might have had.

Anyway - I'm glad it was there and I hope that the men who did this are brought to justice swiftly. I lean towards a "vendetta" scenario - because anyone who knew where to find them must have known what they did in adopting these kids. If the motive were simply robbery, you would think that they would have just tied them up and went about their criminal business.

[oceanblueeyes]

With so many children adopted from state custody, it would be prudent to have the video system in place. Another reason might be to review the tapes to learn about the behavior and socialization issues the children might have had.

Anyway - I'm glad it was there and I hope that the men who did this are brought to justice swiftly. I lean towards a "vendetta" scenario - because anyone who knew where to find them must have known what they did in adopting these kids. If the motive were simply robbery, you would think that they would have just tied them up and went about their criminal business.

You would think so but lately we have seen strangers invade homes and the victims are murdered even when they could have just restrained them instead.

imo

[daisy7]

This does seem weird, the police aren't saying what if anything was taken or if they have person's of interest. They are saying the killers are white. You would think if they had all those cams that pics of the killers would be out by now, unless they have an idea who they are looking for.

Another thing is it sounds like the home was isolated and somewhat hidden, but the gate at the road was observable...

"the home was hidden down a long driveway, obscured by trees and brush. A "Beware of Dog" sign was on one side of the gate, while a "Private Property" sign was on the other side."


http://www.pnj.com/article/20090711/NEWS01/907110323/1006/NEWS01

Here's some pics., including the signs you mentioned

http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=DP&Dato=20090710&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=907100803&Ref=PH

http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=DP&Dato=20090710&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=907100801&Ref=PH

[SuziQ]

I don't see a live link at PNJ or anywhere else. Does anyone have one? Thanks!

[SuziQ]

Live link to presser here:

http://www.pnj.com/article/20090711/NEWS01/90711004

[SuziQ]

My screen is frozen. Is the link working ok for everyone else?

[SuziQ]

Starting receiving calls from the public. One of those calls lead to the discovery of the van and the owner. Currently working on warrants.

[SuziQ]

Two persons of interests currently being interviewed. Looking for third. No one arrested yet.

[SuziQ]

A family member of the owner of the van is being questioned. They fit the description of persons on surveillance video.

[SuziQ]

Not releasing info on if these persons are connected to the family.

[SuziQ]

Not a Billings family member.

[daisy7]

Asked if the POIs had any connection to the Billings and the Sheriff said they are not prepared to answer that now

[SuziQ]

Don't know if the Billings were targeted. Still working off home invasion theory.

[SuziQ]

Suspects are late teens on up.

[daisy7]

Has seen all the vids. from inside the home, but will not release any info now.

[Knox]

A family member of the owner of the van is being questioned. They fit the description of persons on surveillance video.

Exterior shot did not yield a close-up of perps, are they saying if surveillance video was from inside the house?

[daisy7]

Was surprised with the "repitamy" (sp?) of the crime - what does that even mean?:)

[daisy7]

Short time span makes him think "experience."

[SuziQ]

Saying how quickly crime was done indicates experience. Quick in and out.

[daisy7]

Ok, now I now what repitadmy means - in and out

[daisy7]

Also, van was found in Palm Court on W and? (missed that)

[daisy7]

Will not release anything about things taken from the house (not saying things were taken or not taken)

[SuziQ]

Still won't discuss whether anything was taken from the home.

[SuziQ]

lol, Daisy. I'll let you take over. I'm sure your hearing is much better than mine. Pressers online are the worst for me.

[daisy7]

Will not release if the children can provide any information.

[daisy7]

No, Suzi!!:)

I'm watching it online too, cuz my cable's out:)

[SuziQ]

No, Suzi!!:)

I'm watching it online too, cuz my cable's out:)

Well it sounds like LE might have their guys, or two of them anyways. Good news.

[Lindadanette]

Lots of info on the van called in - they id'd the van and the owners. A family member was tied to the van, someone other than the owner was using the van (son?)

[Lindadanette]

No motive established yet. Van located at 1:30 today at home between 3-4 miles from crime scene.

[daisy7]

I am just really curious about where the van was located vs. where the crime took place. Palm Court is on W Street and in a low-income area of town (not that the POIs necessarily live there unless I missed that in the PC).

I just got off the phone with a good friend who is a P'Cola native (I'm just a transplant) and she's also the publisher for a local weekly paper. I updated her on the press conference and her first question was did the Billings own any businesses in the W Street area? She and I both don't think that someone would go from W Street to Beulah for a random crime. It seems to have been targeted.

MOO.

[Lindadanette]

They kept mentioning between "Michigan and Palm Court" From the map it appears that the area could be in the Brentwood Park area?

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=pensacola+brentwood+park&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&split=0&gl=us&ei=5xpZSqKSJp7KtgfT3tzdCg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1 (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=pensacola+michigan+ave&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&split=0&gl=us&ei=ZxhZSuO-FsKFtgfclcDdCg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1)

ETA Closer view. Palm Court is a street in Brentwood Park.

[Lindadanette]

Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said that phone calls from citizens led investigators to a red 15-passenger work van that was seen at the home the night of the shooting.

The van was located at about 1:30 p.m. today behind a single-wide trailer on the 300 block of Palm Court, near W Street and Beverly Parkway.

Morgan said that the discovery of the van led investigators to two “persons of interest” who are now being questioned.


http://www.pnj.com/article/20090711/NEWS01/907110322/1006#pluckcomments

How stupid can these people be? Like no one is going to recognize a local 15 passenger RED van?????

[yanknrebel]

To my understanding, all the kids were adopted out of the State's custody. In order to do that parental rights had to be terminated.
My hunch is that a parent who was opposed to their child's adoption is involved in this.

FYI.. I checked out Florida's adoption incentives and they received a minimum of $417 month for each child, since these were special needs children, I'm guessing that would be a LOT more plus they'd be eligible for SS disability and medicaid which would pay for any in home medical care necessary.
There's also a $10k adoption tax credit per child per year in addition to the standard deduction per child. I wonder how wealthy they were before taking in all these kids ?
I know that's beside the point and I have no reason to doubt their intentions. From what I've read, they took excellent care of these kids and the mom's My Space was full of family pics. One of the children died, and there's a pic, I think of one of their adult kids who had a tattoo with the child's name.
I might be more selfish than some, if I had the time & money I might be able to handle one or two, but twelve ? My two healthy kids wear me out.

My husband and I have adopted three children out of foster care. We receive adoption assistance as well. However you won;t get wealthy doing foster care or adoption. WHile there are some people who adopt or foster for money, most only want more children as in my husband's and my case. We tried for 10 years to have another baby, did IVF and a private adoption where we lost all that money when the bio mom changed her mind. So if they were wealthy it was due to them working, not the adoption assistance.

Also here in TN when you adopt a child, if that child recieved ss disability, once you adopt that child and start receiving adoption assistance, that SSI disability is automatically stopped. My daughter has heart surgery as an ainfant and was receiving ssi. However once we adopted her, and started getting AA, the ssi stopped. She does retain her health insurance.

I have to wonder why all the overkill of surveillance unless they had had threats in the past. I would not put it past any of the bio parents that may had lost their child to the state and adopted by this family. Most bio parents are not that stable mentally or emotionally anyway. While they rarely have the finances to order a hit on someone, it is not impossible.

Also not everyone owns a 15 person van. Most are either churches or families with a large amount of children. Perhaps another family who had adopted several children and mad because they lost a child to this couple? WHile this sounds far fetched, it would be possib;e. People have killed for less.

I just pray they find these scumbags. I feel so sorry for these poor children. My greatest fear for my three young children is if my husband and I pass away before they reach adult hood. They have already lost one set of parents, and I wuld hate for the to lose us as well. As in the case of these children, they will have now a third set of parents in their short lives. No child should go through that.

[SuziQ]

Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said that phone calls from citizens led investigators to a red 15-passenger work van that was seen at the home the night of the shooting.

The van was located at about 1:30 p.m. today behind a single-wide trailer on the 300 block of Palm Court, near W Street and Beverly Parkway.

Morgan said that the discovery of the van led investigators to two “persons of interest” who are now being questioned.


http://www.pnj.com/article/20090711/NEWS01/907110322/1006#pluckcomments

How stupid can these people be? Like no one is going to recognize a local 15 passenger RED van?????

ITA about the van. The guys might as well have left their name and number at the scene.

[Lindadanette]

ITA about the van. The guys might as well have left their name and number at the scene.

The Sheriff said that the two people being questioned "Know each other". It makes me wonder about the third suspect being the ring leader. The sheriff also said something to the effect that the "in and out" nature of the crime looked like it was committed by someone with "experience". Did the third suspect enroll these two idiots into what they thought would be a theft?

I hope they are singing like birds.

I've been checking out google maps - it's amazing what you can see on your computer!! I've cruised the 300 block of Palm Court and found three single wide mobile homes, including one that looks like the photo in the paper (the red van parked behind the shed)

[NSC]

I just read this on fox new - make me so SAD and hurt for these poor kids and the victims. Eagerly awaiting an update on this one!!!

[Lindadanette]

From what I can tell from the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s (and this is a big speculation) what looks like the land in the photo with the van belongs to Leonard P. Gonzalez and Carol S. Brant.

I haven't done any searches in the criminal records yet.

(I'm running back and forth trying to get some housework done!)

[Lindadanette]

Oh, Oh - There is a Leonard Patrick Gonzalez II and he LPG Sr both have a rap sheet including domestic violence, drugs & alcohol and reckless driving.

[Ladybass0711]

Why did they have such an elaborate home security system? I understand having security, but it just seems odd to have an elaborate videotaping system, with every room being taped 24/7. Just seems a little over-the-top.


Probably because the kids are all special needs, they need to be able to make sure they are all safe and accounted for at all times.

Anyone have a link for the myspace that is being referenced?

[Lindadanette]

Did a search for variations of "Leonard Patrick Gonzalez" and came up with this. It's interesting because the Sheriff made a point of saying that the POI may have had residences in two states:

L Patrick Gonzalez:

http://www.facebook.com/wrightmn7#/patpoff?ref=sgm&__a=1

It sure looks like he's driving a red van :eek:

But his facebook friends appear to be pretty clean-cut. . .

I just want to point out that this very well MAY NOT BE the suspect - I'm just sleuthing, so please take this all with a grain of salt :)

[legallee]

To my understanding, all the kids were adopted out of the State's custody. In order to do that parental rights had to be terminated.
My hunch is that a parent who was opposed to their child's adoption is involved in this.

FYI.. I checked out Florida's adoption incentives and they received a minimum of $417 month for each child, since these were special needs children, I'm guessing that would be a LOT more plus they'd be eligible for SS disability and medicaid which would pay for any in home medical care necessary.
There's also a $10k adoption tax credit per child per year in addition to the standard deduction per child. I wonder how wealthy they were before taking in all these kids ?
I know that's beside the point and I have no reason to doubt their intentions. From what I've read, they took excellent care of these kids and the mom's My Space was full of family pics. One of the children died, and there's a pic, I think of one of their adult kids who had a tattoo with the child's name.
I might be more selfish than some, if I had the time & money I might be able to handle one or two, but twelve ? My two healthy kids wear me out.
that is incorrect, it is UP to $10K (depends on how much your adoption costs) and it's a one time thing. It will help subside the cost of adoption which can go in the upwards of $20K. Depending on the situation. If they adopted from the state, they usually do not pay an adoption fee therefore would not be entitled to the adoption credit.

I have 2 kids too and that's enough! Sometimes I can't handle them! They have tons of energy I wish I had.

[colette]

From what I understand the van belonged to a relative of one of the two men/person's of interest.

[legallee]

this is so sad....I feel like they were targeted

[Lindadanette]

Digging more in Escambia County records - LPG Jr is 35 and his records show he was busted for drugs with a couple of real losers: David Lawrence Jernigan (43) and Brandon Anthony Fausti (age 40). Both of these guys make LPG JR look like a saint. I'm wondering how gullible (greedy?) this guy is. . . It looks like he's been used by career criminals before (or at least he hasn't been caught) The sheriff said that one of the suspect was in his teens though, and these guys are all older than that.

Here's the link to Escambia Criminal Records:

http://www.escambiaclerk.com/clerk/coc_online_public_records.aspx

[Lindadanette]

Video showing the two suspects leaving - these two do resemble the pictures of

L Patrick Gonzalez
http://www.facebook.com/patpoff?ref=sgm&__a=1

It's only an hour's drive to Mobile (L Patrick Gonzalez)

and

Brandon Fausti
http://www.facebook.com/people/Brandon-Fausti/534265207

I've found out more about BF - He's been in and out of trouble since he was in the Navy and jailed for his role in beating someone to death:

http://www.sddt.com/Search/article.cfm?SourceCode=n990507cg

IMHO, I think assuming the suspects are "trailer trash" is going to prove to be wrong (sort of) I think the owner of the van is L Patrick's father and, by his court records, he is probably an alcoholic/pothead and they just used his van.

IMHO, either these guys were hired to do a hit, or if they were there to steal, they had planned it in advance and had inside information on where to go - a random crime would have taken longer.

ETA: Sorry - forgot to link the video!!!

http://www.weartv.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wear_vid_2691.shtml

[Lindadanette]

Oh dear. . . after looking at facebook relationships, I found that this IS the L Patrick Gonzalez and Brandon Fausti that are related to the court records, and therefore, the van. They have beautiful a beautiful young man (who will remain un-named) in common. Argghhh - I don't even WANT it to be them. I hope I'm wrong.

[CHICANA]

that is incorrect, it is UP to $10K (depends on how much your adoption costs) and it's a one time thing. It will help subside the cost of adoption which can go in the upwards of $20K. Depending on the situation. If they adopted from the state, they usually do not pay an adoption fee therefore would not be entitled to the adoption credit.

I have 2 kids too and that's enough! Sometimes I can't handle them! They have tons of energy I wish I had.

You're right. That's still a lot of deductions though.
I found an example of how the Federal tax credit works. It's different than what I imagined.
Sample family situation....
A couple adopted a sibling group of two children with special needs. They had $6,500 in federal income tax withheld from their paychecks, and their tax liability is $7,000, which means they would owe $500 to the IRS. With the adoption tax credit, they have $23,300 in credits, and this year they could use up to $7,000 of the credit (the amount of their federal tax liability). They get a refund of the $6,500 they had already paid, and can carry over $16,300 of the tax credit for up to five more years.
http://www.nacac.org/postadopt/taxcredit.html

[Fairy1]

I don't want it to be anyone - but it is! I hope they get these guys quickly.

[chiperoni]

Thanks for all the info Lindadnette. It makes me wonder why people with shady pasts join Facebook. It's such a good resource to catch a POI.

[Lindadanette]

Thanks for all the info Lindadnette. It makes me wonder why people with shady pasts join Facebook. It's such a good resource to catch a POI.

No kidding! I think they do it to look "respectable"!!!!! Up until recently, Facebook was geared more towards college and business professionals. Now we have a different kind of "professional" - the sheriff gave us a clue when he said that the crime looked like it had been committed by someone with experience.

Whoever did this is the lowest of the low.

[Lindadanette]

Wow - this just get's more incriminating. Patrick Gonzalez is/was married to a Fausti!!!!


Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court
Marriage Search
MARRIAGE Case 2003 ML 001706 Married Date 07/05/2003 Issued Date 07/02/2003 Wedding Location GULF BREEZE Effective Date 07/05/2003 Witness 1 SANDRA J DAVIES Expiration Date 09/03/2003 Witness 2 TERRI M POFF Officiator GARY PIERCE WRIGHT, MINISTER Case Parties GROOM BRIDE Name LEONARD PATRICK GONZALEZ JR TABATHA CASEY FAUSTI Date of Birth 01/31/1974 10/27/1969 Birthplace FLORIDA MARYLAND Residence GULF BREEZE GULF BREEZE County SANTA ROSA SANTA ROSA State FLORIDA FLORIDA Maiden Name
CORNWELL DOCKETS

[Lindadanette]

Tabitha Fausti Gonzalez's Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/friends/?id=1550906985#/profile.php?id=100000030516243

I sure hope I'm wrong about all of this - why would someone destroy so many people?

Sorry for being such a Forum Hog!!!!

[daisy7]

Lindadnette, FYI - FB does not have a Network for P'Cola, so it automatically puts people into the Mobile network

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?q=pensacola&n=-1&k=200000010&sf=r&init=q&sid=0#/PensacolaFL?v=info&viewas=1105446992

[Lindadanette]

Lindadnette, FYI - FB does not have a Network for P'Cola, so it automatically puts people into the Mobile network

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?q=pensacola&n=-1&k=200000010&sf=r&init=q&sid=0#/PensacolaFL?v=info&viewas=1105446992

Thanks!!!!!!! That explains a lot.

[daisy7]

No motive established yet. Van located at 1:30 today at home between 3-4 miles from crime scene.

Sheriff Morgan was incorrect about this - Beulah's in northern Escambia, prob. 13-14 miles from where the van was found.

[Lindadanette]

Sheriff Morgan was incorrect about this - Beulah's in northern Escambia, prob. 13-14 miles from where the van was found.


Thanks! This case is giving me insomnia - everywhere I search, I find more garbage associated with this case. The media referred to L Patrick's uncle, Frank Gonzalez, as the "estranged" brother of LPG senior. (that makes him L Patrick's uncle)

A criminal summons (warrant?) was issued for FG on the 8th, in response to his no-show at a VOP violation on a 1st Degree Misdemeanor Battery charge on 7/2. (The arrest date was 4/28/09). I sure would like to find out who the victim is. . .

[daisy7]

According to the Escambia Property Appraiser:
461S302001031033 GONZALEZ LP SR & 318 PALM CT
461S302001021034 GONZALEZ F A 303 PALM CT

[daisy7]

Did a search for variations of "Leonard Patrick Gonzalez" and came up with this. It's interesting because the Sheriff made a point of saying that the POI may have had residences in two states:

L Patrick Gonzalez:

http://www.facebook.com/wrightmn7#/patpoff?ref=sgm&__a=1

It sure looks like he's driving a red van :eek:

But his facebook friends appear to be pretty clean-cut. . .

I just want to point out that this very well MAY NOT BE the suspect - I'm just sleuthing, so please take this all with a grain of salt :)

I know a few of his FB friends:eek:

[daisy7]

Wow - this just get's more incriminating. Patrick Gonzalez is/was married to a Fausti!!!!


Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court
Marriage Search
MARRIAGE Case 2003 ML 001706 Married Date 07/05/2003 Issued Date 07/02/2003 Wedding Location GULF BREEZE Effective Date 07/05/2003 Witness 1 SANDRA J DAVIES Expiration Date 09/03/2003 Witness 2 TERRI M POFF Officiator GARY PIERCE WRIGHT, MINISTER Case Parties GROOM BRIDE Name LEONARD PATRICK GONZALEZ JR TABATHA CASEY FAUSTI Date of Birth 01/31/1974 10/27/1969 Birthplace FLORIDA MARYLAND Residence GULF BREEZE GULF BREEZE County SANTA ROSA SANTA ROSA State FLORIDA FLORIDA Maiden Name
CORNWELL DOCKETS




So, they lived in Gulf Breeze 6 years ago. Wonder if he's still in GB?

[Lindadanette]

I checked Santa Rosa County records and found another chunk of information on L Patrick and Tabitha. She is the EX-WIFE of Brandon Fausti. They were divorce in June of 2002. (L Patrick Gonzalez was busted along with Brandon six months earlier)

Tabitha also has a record of misdemeanors. She and L Patrick were court ordered to pay their rent upon threat of eviction numerous times. An interesting aside - In the dissolution file for Brandon and Tabitha Fausti, it states that the proceeds from insurance for fire loss need to be divided.

They're all a bunch of criminals.

[Lindadanette]

Some info says "Gulf Breeze", and some says "Pace"

Also, LPatrick used to own a Karate school/company called ULTIMATE MARTIAL ARTS & SMARTKICK. He was sued by Fortune Asset Management, also located in Pace, in 2002.

He was married by the age of 19 tp Katherine Christine ???

OK, I'm getting too tired!

[daisy7]

Check out his MS page! he is in Gulf Breeze

http://www.myspace.com/maryisabellagonzalez

[daisy7]

I live in Gulf Breeze and one of their sons goes to my sons' school.

[daisy7]

Sheriff Morgan on the Today Show this morning

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31875403#31875403

[Lindadanette]

Thanks for the link! Did you follow it to this one???!!!?? Look what is says in his sig line! What a sick POS. http://www.myspace.com/billherkel



PAtrIck Gonzalez (http://www.myspace.com/billherkel) "making a move for humanity"

Mood: adventurous http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/happy.gif

at 12:53 AM Jul 9



From his Myspace, "My wife and I have six wonderful children at home". What was he thinking?

[Lindadanette]

This guy really has a few loose screws and now they've come undone. He and his wife received an award:

he SERVICE TO MANKIND AWARD is for recognition of the difference that the Gonzalez's have made in the lives of so many North West Florida Families. The Organization, PROJECT FIGHT BACK, that they formed 5 years ago has provided training and services to over 20,000 local women and in children in the issues of Abduction Awareness and Kidnap Prevention and Women's Self Defense and Rape Awareness. All of the PROJECT FIGHT BACK PROGRAMS have been offered FREE of charge. In the last year (with virtually no funding), over 11,000 children participated in Project FIGHT Back Workshops. Some of the Project FIGHT BACK clients have included; Studer Group, the Florida Department of Children and Families, UWF, and many other civic, social, and religious organizations.

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=468734116&blogId=496924621

[Gypsy Road]

I'm confused. I live in the area where these murderes happened, but am away currently away and am unable to watch the local news as it is being broadcast (I can watch clips online of course). Anyway, what happened to the two people who were questioned yesterday? Did Morgan release them? What became of that questioning? Are they back on the street? Sorry...I read the entired thread to find the info, but that none of this wasn't mentioned so I thought I'd ask.

[daisy7]

The 2 were questioned yesterday and released.

[Gypsy Road]

The 2 were questioned yesterday and released.

Thank you daisy7. I wonder why they were released so quickly? I wonder if LE just didn't have enough to hold them? I feel so out of the loop not being able to watch the local news.

[daisy7]

Sheriff Morgan on the Today Show this morning

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31875403#31875403

Gypsy - watch this vid from this morning

[daisy7]

UPDATE: 1:45 P.M. SUNDAY

Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said only nine minutes elapsed between the arrival and departure of the red van driven by the murder suspects of Byrd and Melanie Billings, according to surveillance video.

In an interview with NBC's "Today," Morgan said investigators are "very close" to making an arrest.

Another press conference is being scheduled today to release new information regarding the double homicide, but a time has not been set.

PNJ.com will present live video of the press conference today.

One of the victims was shot in the head, a law enforcement source close to the case confirmed yesterday.

[Sleuthster]

I don't know if we should be releasing all this info about people that may or may not be the perp. Looking at this guys website he seems like he has set it up for his child, who his first wife took and refused custody, to see her family.

I would think that to avoid speculation and draging someone through the muck unnecessarily that we would wait until someone was actually charged.

JMO of course,

[SuziQ]

Is this 5PM CST like yesterday?. That would be in about 20 minutes.

Live video: Sheriff press conference at 5 p.m. (http://www.pnj.com/article/20090712/NEWS01/307120002)

Sheriff David Morgan has called a press conference for 5 p.m. with new details in the investigation of the Billings double-homicide. More (http://www.pnj.com/article/20090712/NEWS01/307120002)

[daisy7]

Is this 5PM CST like yesterday?. That would be in about 20 minutes.

Live video: Sheriff press conference at 5 p.m. (http://www.pnj.com/article/20090712/NEWS01/307120002)

Sheriff David Morgan has called a press conference for 5 p.m. with new details in the investigation of the Billings double-homicide. More (http://www.pnj.com/article/20090712/NEWS01/307120002)

Just saw this, too - yep in about 20 mins.

[SuziQ]

My link isn't live yet. Is it for anyone else?

[daisy7]

Not for me. It's also not on the local channels.

[SuziQ]

A banner on the video screen says

Press conference delayed
suspect in custody details to come

[daisy7]

UPDATE: 5 P.M. SUNDAY

An arrest has been made in connection with the double homicide of Byrd and Melanie Billings of Beulah, Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan announced today. Investigators currently are interrogating the suspect. A 5 p.m. press conference has been delayed until the end of that interrogation.

[Lindadanette]

I don't know if we should be releasing all this info about people that may or may not be the perp. Looking at this guys website he seems like he has set it up for his child, who his first wife took and refused custody, to see her family.

I would think that to avoid speculation and draging someone through the muck unnecessarily that we would wait until someone was actually charged.

JMO of course,

I don't mean to be offensive in or out of line (if you are speaking to me). I'm just used to sleuthing a case from the evidence at hand. I found everything I've posted based upon the information given about the red van. The Sheriff said that he was "more than 95%" convinced that the red van was connected to the murders (and the videos certainly bear him out)

If you look through those Myspace sites, you'll see a man who is grappling with some major freak-out. Why doesn't he just go back to court to establish visitation? He's got issues. . . and he proved to be the guy in the suspect video. Anyway, I always make it clear that it's for sleuthing info purposes and consider this site a "sacred space" to share and glean through information as a detective would do. I don't share what I post here.

Feel free to PM me if you want to. Thanks!

[SuziQ]

The video comes up from time to time and they are doing sound checks.

[Lindadanette]

It's on http://www.pnj.com/article/20090712/NEWS01/307120002

[SuziQ]

JC, someone forgot to start the feed. Presser came up at the point they are taking questions.

[SuziQ]

Can someone post what's being said? My sound is cutting out. Thanks!

[evelyn24]

I don't mean to be offensive in or out of line (if you are speaking to me). I'm just used to sleuthing a case from the evidence at hand. I found everything I've posted based upon the information given about the red van. The Sheriff said that he was "more than 95%" convinced that the red van was connected to the murders (and the videos certainly bear him out)

If you look through those Myspace sites, you'll see a man who is grappling with some major freak-out. Why doesn't he just go back to court to establish visitation? He's got issues. . . and he proved to be the guy in the suspect video. Anyway, I always make it clear that it's for sleuthing info purposes and consider this site a "sacred space" to share and glean through information as a detective would do. I don't share what I post here.

Feel free to PM me if you want to. Thanks!

I don't see an issue, especially if all the profiles are not private. Everyone has an option to set their profiles on all social networking sites to private, and if they choose to keep it public, then oh well.

[Lindadanette]

L Patrick Gonzalez is arrested for tampering with evidence - covering damage on the van. To disguise it.

[SuziQ]

Did I hear that the story will be a humdinger?

[Ladybass0711]

Did I hear that the story will be a humdinger?

Ok What is a humdinger??

[PrayersForMaura]

L Patrick Gonzalez is arrested for tampering with evidence - covering damage on the van. To disguise it.

Dang, you were all over this!! Great work!!

I hope justice is served and these POS's are behind bars soon enough.

[SuziQ]

This investigation will expand much larger than anticipated and he previously said he's anxious to tell the story because it will be a humdinger?

WTH was this crime about?

[SuziQ]

Ok What is a humdinger??

Shocking, sensational, etc.

[Lindadanette]

Did I hear that the story will be a humdinger?

Yep, That's what he said. I think L Patrick has somehow got this all twisted up with his daughter's abduction. Remember what his Myspace said the day of the crime?

"making a move for humanity"

was posted at 12:53 AM on July 9th.

I'm still not sure he's the mastermind though - He seems to be the "go along" guy. But still, his mYspace is the raving of an unstable man.

[SuziQ]

No family members under suspicion at this time...that he's aware of.

[SuziQ]

Linda, did you get a screen cap of that page before it goes bye bye?

[Lindadanette]

Dang, you were all over this!! Great work!!

I hope justice is served and these POS's are behind bars soon enough.

Thanks - I'm just a neophyte compared to the many excellent sleuths on this board! I just happened to be up all night :) It was a dark night of the soul. . . everything I found just made me sadder and sadder. So many beautiful people all suffering for what? I will stay this to the end though, I want to know what the bait was.

I think that someone convinced LPG that they would help him get his daughter if he. . . I still have a hard time thinking he went there to kill someone. He's got associates with that MO (Fausti) but his weakness is family. His mother died in February and that tipped his emotions further over the edge.

As I was digging through info, I noticed that someone named "Guiguri" had requested a copy of the divorce papers for LPG and his first wife, Katie Herkel Gonzalez. It happened in June, about the same time that LPG raves on his myspace about talking to his ex-mother-in-law. He's got pictures of his daughter that look like they were taken by stealth.

Read his myspace, it's creepy. I definitely got no enjoyment out of sleuthing this case. Just a witness to more depravity. (And a lot more stuff that I didn't say because it doesn't serve justice.)

[Lindadanette]

Linda, did you get a screen cap of that page before it goes bye bye?

No SuziQ, I'm a lousy archivist!!!!! I'm more of an idiot savant untangling a ball of string. (I don't even know how :confused:)

[daisy7]

Did they say of ot was LPG Jr. or Sr.?

Why don't they give reporters microphones during press conferences, so we can hear the questions???!

[Lindadanette]

Did they say of ot was LPG Jr. or Sr.?

Why don't they give reporters microphones during press conferences, so we can hear the questions???!

LPG Sr is the van owner and they said he wasn't involved. It was definitely L Patrick Gonzalez, the son, who was shown in the video from yesterday's questioning.

[Lindadanette]

It's so frustrating how long it takes for info to go through the media channels!!!!

[daisy7]

No SuziQ, I'm a lousy archivist!!!!! I'm more of an idiot savant untangling a ball of string. (I don't even know how :confused:)

I don't know how to do this either -- can someone get the screen shots??

There are 2 MS pages

http://www.myspace.com/maryisabellagonzalez

http://www.myspace.com/billherkel

[Lindadanette]

Here's a link to the Escambia Sheriff Booking info page - but they haven't posted him yet - I'm sure they're still processing him.

http://66.210.33.206/oiscript/oiget.asp

Thinking about what the sheriff said about the scope of the story of the crime - It sounds like maybe LPG (Jr) confessed to his part and that's why they delayed the conference.

[cleo612]

Arrest made in Florida couple's slayings


Arrest comes day after police were questioning two people
Eight children found in the home are being taken care of in undisclosed location

updated 1 minute ago


PENSACOLA, Florida (CNN) -- Authorities have made an arrest in the killings of a Gulf Coast couple known for adopting special-needs children, a sheriff's spokesman said Sunday.
Byrd and Melanie Billings were found shot to death Thursday night in their home near Pensacola, Florida.

Investigators announced Saturday night that two people were being questioned in the killings of Byrd and Melanie Billings, who were found dead in their Beulah, Florida, home Thursday night. Sgt. Ted Roy, a spokesman for the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, told CNN that one person had been arrested Sunday afternoon.


More at link...

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/12/florida.couple.slain/index.html

[Lindadanette]

OH WOW!!!!! They are reporting that is LPG SENIOR who was arrested for tampering with the van!!!!!!!

They are using this to crack LPatrick - no doubt about it. I wonder what his father knows?

"He says Gonzalez is accused of seeking to paint over a red van that authorities spotted on an extensive surveillance system at the house."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iTAOQx619OXpq7P0Jcpzqc9Zg-cwD99D6RDO0

[daisy7]

OH WOW!!!!! They are reporting that is LPG SENIOR who was arrested for tampering with the van!!!!!!!

They are using this to crack LPatrick - no doubt about it. I wonder what his father knows?

"He says Gonzalez is accused of seeking to paint over a red van that authorities spotted on an extensive surveillance system at the house."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iTAOQx619OXpq7P0Jcpzqc9Zg-cwD99D6RDO0

Wow - guess he tried to cover for his son, cuz he knew he did it.

[Cubby]

My husband and I have adopted three children out of foster care. We receive adoption assistance as well. However you won;t get wealthy doing foster care or adoption. WHile there are some people who adopt or foster for money, most only want more children as in my husband's and my case. We tried for 10 years to have another baby, did IVF and a private adoption where we lost all that money when the bio mom changed her mind. So if they were wealthy it was due to them working, not the adoption assistance.

Also here in TN when you adopt a child, if that child recieved ss disability, once you adopt that child and start receiving adoption assistance, that SSI disability is automatically stopped. My daughter has heart surgery as an ainfant and was receiving ssi. However once we adopted her, and started getting AA, the ssi stopped. She does retain her health insurance.

I have to wonder why all the overkill of surveillance unless they had had threats in the past. I would not put it past any of the bio parents that may had lost their child to the state and adopted by this family. Most bio parents are not that stable mentally or emotionally anyway. While they rarely have the finances to order a hit on someone, it is not impossible.

Also not everyone owns a 15 person van. Most are either churches or families with a large amount of children. Perhaps another family who had adopted several children and mad because they lost a child to this couple? WHile this sounds far fetched, it would be possib;e. People have killed for less.

I just pray they find these scumbags. I feel so sorry for these poor children. My greatest fear for my three young children is if my husband and I pass away before they reach adult hood. They have already lost one set of parents, and I wuld hate for the to lose us as well. As in the case of these children, they will have now a third set of parents in their short lives. No child should go through that.

I agree. I wanted to thank you for your post, and mention the 467 per mo that might be available for fostering or adoption help is rather little. I'm a single mom, and when my son was in daycare two years ago, it was 208 per week and about 275 a week for camp during the summer.

I don't think of adoptive or foster parents out to get kids to 'make a living' so to speak. Now people on state assistance who make sure they continue having children to maintain an income once a child 'ages out' of assitance after 5 years- what we call welfare reform, another story entirely which gets too OT.

God Bless you for taking in children who need a family.

Cubby

[NSC]

Linda, EXCELLENT sleuthing!!! You had this one cracked wide open!!! Just wanted to comment on how CREEPY the myspace page is - CREEPY!!!!

[SuziQ]

Linda, I think you are on to something regarding motive. That myspace page is very interesting to read after the comments at the presser. I wonder if he feels the Billings were involved in the abduction. Maybe the baby was adopted out and they helped with that? IDK.

[NSC]

Is there anyway the couple who were murdered were in any way related to the family that "has his daughter"???

[SuziQ]

We need screen caps of the blog pages as well. I don't know how to do that though.

http://www.myspace.com/billherkel

[Amster]

This has to have something to do with Bella, I think. But, what?? Stupid, evil people everywhere!

[NSC]

I got screen shots!!! I did one the one blog I posted that was relevent! I need to re-read this thread, I think someone did mention a marriage connection to the "her**"

[SuziQ]

Multiple motives and players....

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/12/florida.couple.slain/index.html

(snip)
He is the first person arrested in connection with the Thursday night shooting deaths of Byrd and Melanie Billings, "hopefully with many to follow," Morgan said.
Morgan called the investigation "a humdinger" that has become "a window into something bigger," with multiple motives and players involved. But he would provide no details.
"I know this sounds like we're talking in circles," he said. "But at this point, we cannot release that information, because those circles have not been completed."

[SuziQ]

WTH is LPG Jr rambling on about how he can provide a stable family life and such? He's full of carp. Him and his dad have raps sheets for drugs, etc.

See posts 64 and 70

and post 86

[NSC]

Great, just lost my entire post!!!

Long story short - VERY interested to know if the mother or her family of "missing" daughter are in any way related to the victims? I wonder if they would sometimes house this little girl at the home for safety...thoughts?

[Lindadanette]

Linda, I think you are on to something regarding motive. That myspace page is very interesting to read after the comments at the presser. I wonder if he feels the Billings were involved in the abduction. Maybe the baby was adopted out and they helped with that? IDK.

There's a whole weird dimension to the thing with his ex-wife. It appears that there is something "illegal" about the divorce (or at least erroneous)

http://www2.myfloridacounty.com/ccm/do/docket?county=57&data=847f0636a38b777dd38b77c67cf73738

Take note of the question mark next to "final judgment" and the case appears to have been initiated in 1993, but shows action in 1999 - which is much more consistent with the age of "Bella" in the most recent photos.

It does appear that the child is alive and well - but there is strangeness in the 'Herkel" side of the family too.

Did anyone note the statement he made in his Myspace about the secret page and the responses to it? I think that there may be something to find there. I still, at this point, think that he's nuts and someone used him, not the other way around (Opinion subject to change!!!!)

His wife and children are so beautiful too - It breaks my heart.

Another thought on daddy being in jail. Great way to keep Jr from running. I just hope they have him under big time surveillance. It would not surprise me a bit if he's the next one found shot "execution style". If the other perp is the shooter, especially if it does turn out to be Fausti, he won't want LPatrick talking.

These are the times when I hope that LE is whole lot smarter than I am (or reading here)

[SuziQ]

Great, just lost my entire post!!!

Long story short - VERY interested to know if the mother or her family of "missing" daughter are in any way related to the victims? I wonder if they would sometimes house this little girl at the home for safety...thoughts?

That has certainly crossed my mind. Revenge for helping or maybe they knew where the little girl was and this was about getting an address.

I know one thing, The glowing picture that LPG Jr painted of himself and his family is a flat out lie. They are a bunch of thugs. I think there is a good reason why this little girl was hidden and kept from him.

[Chemaster]

We need screen caps of the blog pages as well. I don't know how to do that though.

http://www.myspace.com/billherkel

Did you see his blog?

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendId=468734116

Strange stuff

"THE HERKEL FAMILY HAS KEPT ME FROM MY DAUGHTER FOR TO MANY YEARS. AS TIME GOES BY, SHE IS GETTING OLDER and older, AND PROBABLY BEING BOMBARDED WITH THE HERKEL FAMILY'S VIEWS TOWARD JEWS, MEXICANS, AFRICAN AMERICANS, & ALL OTHER ETHNIC GROUPS!!! My biggest fear is, well, just how much have they trained, indoctrinated, and brain-washed her into their way of thinking. What can we all do to stop this travesty. PLEASE, IF ANYONE OUTHERE CAN HELP US TO PROTECT MY LITTLE GIRL.....Contact me so that you can see the website, and make a difference."

[NSC]

Check out his "friends' - he made up lawmakers own pages to pose as his friends on his page - go check out the links!!!

[daisy7]

Link below (if it works) is the distance for Jr. to travel to the crime scene (~30 miles). I don't know his home address, so I put in the elementary school that both his and my kids attend (according to last school year's student directory).

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Gulf+Breeze&1s=FL&1a=1260+Oriole+Beach+Road&2c=Pensacola&2s=FL&2a=9700+Mobile+Highway

[SuziQ]

Did you see his blog?

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendId=468734116

Strange stuff

"THE HERKEL FAMILY HAS KEPT ME FROM MY DAUGHTER FOR TO MANY YEARS. AS TIME GOES BY, SHE IS GETTING OLDER and older, AND PROBABLY BEING BOMBARDED WITH THE HERKEL FAMILY'S VIEWS TOWARD JEWS, MEXICANS, AFRICAN AMERICANS, & ALL OTHER ETHNIC GROUPS!!! My biggest fear is, well, just how much have they trained, indoctrinated, and brain-washed her into their way of thinking. What can we all do to stop this travesty. PLEASE, IF ANYONE OUTHERE CAN HELP US TO PROTECT MY LITTLE GIRL.....Contact me so that you can see the website, and make a difference."

So where is this website? And who has contacted him offering help? And what kind of help?

[SuziQ]

Check out his "friends' - he made up lawmakers own pages to pose as his friends on his page - go check out the links!!!

No sh*t?!!! I thought they were legit and didn't even click on them.

This guy is whacked and fanatical.

I think I'm understanding the humdinger reference.

ETA: I'm thinking that other people bought what LPG Jr was selling and joined the cause. I reserve the right to change my mind though!

[NSC]

One of the made up friends:

http://www.myspace.com/481763065

[NSC]

They all are last logged on around the same time in June or created!! Anyone run a backround on the victims to see if any relationship to the family of the missing girl in question that is mentioned on his myspace.

[Lindadanette]

Found another Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/481657348

"I am a Father, Husband, and Teacher to my wife and 6 wonderful boys at home, I was married previuosly to a lady that was way to young...and way to wrong for me. We had a thriving business, plenty of "things", and we were finacially sound. The one good thing that came from our marriage was a little girl. Unfortunately, Katie and I were not in love. We seperated, and started dating other people. I took a job in Costa Rica for a few months. While I was gone she had divorce papers drawn up (giving custody of my daughter to her), and had them sent to an address where I did not live, and would not recieve mail at. Upon my return from Costa Rica she was gone. Had dissappeared, and then married another Man. Meanwhile, her family refused to help me get in touch with her so that I could see my daughter. For years now I have tried to be able to see my daughter. I've tried it all, I have remarried the most amazing woman in the world, have 6 boys, and need to find my ex-wife, so that we can be a part of her life."

So tragic. I want to know who has been talking with him from the Sarasota area.

[daisy7]

Check out his "friends' - he made up lawmakers own pages to pose as his friends on his page - go check out the links!!!

Huh?? Can you explain more?

[NSC]

Huh?? Can you explain more?

I posted one of the links above. Follow his friends list. There are about 5ish - he made all of them up on the same day or right around the same time!!!

I am also onto some stuff with "H" family as I will refer them to on here.

[NSC]

I found a Jennier "H" in a google search where it looks like she signed a guestbook on an obit of a patient? Jennifer "H"*****, LPN at SMNRC -- I believe this is where JR said she worked but now the other myspace page calls her "Kate" - confused~~~~!

EDITED: Okay, I see where I was confused. looks like his ex-wife is Katie H who graduated from Sarasota high school class of 1995

[NSC]

Wait, some of these kids look like his current kids - check this out!!!!! I think there is something HINKY about this!!!!!!!


http://sarasotahighschoolalumni.com/alumni/1264993/katie-herkel.html

[daisy7]

I asked my oldest DS if he knows one of Jr's stepsons at OBE who was one year ahead of him. His response was "no, not really." Me: "he was in 5th grade in Mrs. X's class, do you know him?" him: "No, not really." Me: "So, do you know who him or not?" him: "No"

Sometimes talking to a 10 year old boy is so frustrating!!:)

[daisy7]

So where is this website? And who has contacted him offering help? And what kind of help?

I looked for the website earlier today and couldn't find it. Maybe somone else can.

[NSC]

I found an address for the ex in Sarasota not sure if it is current or not. The way we are reading this is that this has been ongoing - I am starting to wonder about this entire situation, is it newer than we are led to believe???

[Lindadanette]

I found a Jennier "H" in a google search where it looks like she signed a guestbook on an obit of a patient? Jennifer "H"*****, LPN at SMNRC -- I believe this is where JR said she worked but now the other myspace page calls her "Kate" - confused~~~~!

EDITED: Okay, I see where I was confused. looks like his ex-wife is Katie H who graduated from Sarasota high school class of 1995

Katie is his ex-wife and mother of "Belle"

Jennifer is the M-I-L

[NSC]

I hope I am allowed to post this:

Check out these search results - this is everything this guy wanted to find yet it is all right here on the internet!!!!

"8124 GLENBROOKE PL" - Google Search

[NSC]

Katie is his ex-wife and mother of "Belle"

Jennifer is the M-I-L

Thanks Linda, I went back and found your post where you had it :) I read though so fast on this thread and I haven't been on WS in quite sometime so I am little rusty :) Not to mention so is my typing and wording!

[SuziQ]

http://www.myspace.com/sarasotamayor

Snips of comment LPG JR left on another myspace page on June 15, 2009.

Due to the ILLEGAL and unjust actions of her mother and her family I have been forced to use "unconventional means"

[Lindadanette]

It occurs to me that something/somebody stirred the custody issue up for him recently. All of the Myspace stuff and communications with the Herks starts in June. He admits to being a recovering alcoholic. . . but there's only one drug that I know of that can do this kind of damage to an already fragile mind and alter a personality to the point of murder and that's Crystal Meth. He's been busted for pot before, I wonder if he fell off the wagon?

Also, one of the guys he got busted with before was in jail for grand theft auto until recently. Could DJ have learned something in jail that made him target the Billings and enroll Gonzalez? I wonder where he stole the car from? Could it have something to do with Billing's car lot?

LPatrick probably thought he could steal from the rich and get enough money to fight the custody. That fits in line with his Myspace statement.

I mean if someone approached Lpatrick in his mania - how easy to use him. . . (Not to say that he couldn't possibly think it up himself )

[SuziQ]

I hope I am allowed to post this:

Check out these search results - this is everything this guy wanted to find yet it is all right here on the internet!!!!

"8124 GLENBROOKE PL" - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%228124+GLENBROOKE+PL%22&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=)

Sounds like a fake smear campaign from a very vindictive man lying through his teeth. ITA, if this has been going on for years, then why only the stuff since June? New tactic maybe? Or that's about the time he went off the deep end.

ETA: he might be deeply disturbed and delusional.

[SuziQ]

Now why would a Sarasota, Fl. mayor want to be friends with the likes of him? And wouldn't she have more than....say five of them? She wouldn't. My money is definitely on him making these pages up. If he did make this page up then check out the details he put into her page. LPG Jr. went to alot of work!

http://www.myspace.com/sarasotamayor

[NSC]

Now why would a Sarasota, Fl. mayor want to be friends with the likes of him? And wouldn't she have more than....say five of them? She wouldn't. My money is definitely on him making these pages up. If he did make this page up then check out the details he put into her page. LPG Jr. went to alot of work!

http://www.myspace.com/sarasotamayor

I agree, I spotted these profiles to be fake asap. The mispelling and punct errors for starters and that all the same profiles list only the same people as their friends.

Did anyone check out the link I posted above of his supposely ex-wife??? It shows pics of what looks like his "current" kids - does this make sense? Please look and tell me what you think!!!

Here is the link: http://sarasotahighschoolalumni.com/alumni/1264993/katie-herkel.html

[NSC]

Did a google map st view and the parents home seems to be nice and kept up well. Def not a slum neighborhood.

[Lindadanette]

Now why would a Sarasota, Fl. mayor want to be friends with the likes of him? And wouldn't she have more than....say five of them? She wouldn't. My money is definitely on him making these pages up. If he did make this page up then check out the details he put into her page. LPG Jr. went to alot of work!

http://www.myspace.com/sarasotamayor

And, again, where did he get those pictures of his daughter (if it is indeed his daughter) if he hasn't been able to see her in 10 years? Stealth. The sheriff as much as said so. He's a black belt. Why would he say (in his MS blog) his M-I-L told him to hire a private detective? BTW - I think they may have in June - I've got to find that info on A**** Guirguis again.

[Baxter]

I agree, I spotted these profiles to be fake asap. The mispelling and punct errors for starters and that all the same profiles list only the same people as their friends.

Did anyone check out the link I posted above of his supposely ex-wife??? It shows pics of what looks like his "current" kids - does this make sense? Please look and tell me what you think!!!

Here is the link: http://sarasotahighschoolalumni.com/alumni/1264993/katie-herkel.html

I don't think they are the same kids. L Patrick has 4 step sons and then had 2 blonde sons with his current wife. His x-wife has their daughter Bella, an older boy, and 2 younger boys (one blonde, one brunette)

[SuziQ]

NSC, yeah, looks like the ex had a somewhat good relationship not to long ago if the current kids are in a picture with her. Is anything this guy posted true?

[tampa]

Now why would a Sarasota, Fl. mayor want to be friends with the likes of him? And wouldn't she have more than....say five of them? She wouldn't. My money is definitely on him making these pages up. If he did make this page up then check out the details he put into her page. LPG Jr. went to alot of work!

http://www.myspace.com/sarasotamayor

Gets even more curious.....Lou Ann Palmer's term ended April 2009......before LPG started his "friends".........I bet she will be furious.........

[NSC]

These pics are confusing me. One of the older ones look like the same kids...do you think this was from way back when???

[NSC]

Gets even more curious.....Lou Ann Palmer's term ended April 2009......before LPG started his "friends".........I bet she will be furious.........

Yes, impersonating a gov official, wonder if they will tack that onto the list of charges???

[SuziQ]

So is there a method to this guys madness or is it just madness? Is this just all in his head?

[SuziQ]

These pics are confusing me. One of the older ones look like the same kids...do you think this was from way back when???

The two on the left and the the little blonde boy on the right look like a younger version of the kids in Katies pic, IMO. Kinda looks like the same house as well. Hard to tell with Katie's picture being so small.

[NSC]

Suzi, check out the link I posted above, the pic will be a little bigger!

Wanted to add that JR could have found the Herkels EASILY!!! So, why all the ruckus of hiring a pi?? That is why it makes me wonder if the couple slain could have been housing the child at some point, they were led to believe she was there...they ambushed the place only to realize she wasn't there??? thoughts???

[SuziQ]

Not much, but same lighting, same color carpet. And not that many people have almost white carpet. Maybe these are other peoples kids. Nieces and nephews or something. IDK. Do we have proof he has six kids?

[Lindadanette]

Here is the divorce - Notice the request for a copy on 6/9/2009 by Alan Guirguis? And LPatricks last copy was in 2003. . .

http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xml.asp?ucase_id=35982120

[Steely Dan]

Sorry came in late to the discussion because I just saw this at CNN. Sorry if it's already been posted.

Link (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/12/florida.couple.slain/index.html)

Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Sr., 56, is accused of trying to modify a van that surveillance cameras captured leaving the slain couple's home, Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan told reporters.

He is the first person arrested in connection with the Thursday night shooting deaths of Byrd and Melanie Billings, "hopefully with many to follow," Morgan said.

Morgan called the investigation "a humdinger" that has become "a window into something bigger," with multiple motives and players involved. But he would provide no details.

The plot thickens!

[Lindadanette]

Alan Guirguis - Hire a Hero? Located in Sarasota.

http://www.hireahero.org/person/3699006/Alan-Guirguis.htm

[NSC]

Here is the divorce - Notice the request for a copy on 6/9/2009 by Alan Guirguis? And LPatricks last copy was in 2003. . .

http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xml.asp?ucase_id=35982120

Interesting, and 6 days later he makes up lawmakers myspace pages!!

[SuziQ]

Interesting, and 6 days later he makes up lawmakers myspace pages!!

And there is the month of "June" again.

[NSC]

And there is the month of "June" again.

Yes, good ole JUNE! And if you notice he mentions he had no clue about the "divorce" but it does show his name as a payee on the area above Alan G's name - see what I am saying or am I reading it wrong?? Therefore, he would have know though the second time was 6 months later...

[NSC]

FYI: Another June 15th

http://www.myspace.com/481657348

[NSC]

ALERT:

CHECK THIS ONE OUT!!!!

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewAlbums&friendID=338229237

At the bottom is a pic, last name "Byrd" Could be a coincidence - or a family name... I thought this person was the SR of the JR? Or I am just REALLY confused from my move the last month and not on my game!

[NSC]

Sorry for the 600000 posts. Okay, this looks like Jr's uncle. But the fam is on there. Could his grandbaby had the last name "Byrd" And Byrd be a family name of the other side of the grandbaby? Who knows, I am grasping here but ya never know and they said LOTS of players!

[JustMe42]

nmnmnm

[NSC]

Okay, help me out here all this richard/Lenny stuff is confusing me. I posted the above myspace - then I find this because I saw business name on a truck he posted on his myspace. Listed as Richard Gonzalez - sp??

http://portal.att.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&ext=1&groupid=370610&ck=

[JustMe42]

Here is the divorce - Notice the request for a copy on 6/9/2009 by Alan Guirguis? And LPatricks last copy was in 2003. . .

[url]http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xml.asp?ucase_id=35982120[/ur

Here is another one close to Sarasota http://tinkerstewart.com/c99.htm

[SuziQ]

Man my mind is turning into mush over this.

[noZme]

Update @ 10 PM Central Time. PNJ.com is live now.

[NSC]

Okay!! Richard Gonzalez has a daughter names T**** Byrd - Then the victims are Byrd and Mellody Billings. I know it is only a first name deal and a last name deal but is it common to give kids other names while in foster? Could just be a small world but she isn't married and is listed as single but not same last name --

EDIT TO ADD: Her status an hour ago "Nervous"

[SuziQ]

Update @ 10 PM Central Time. PNJ.com is live now.

Thank you! Here is a link:

http://www.pnj.com/article/20090712/NEWS01/307120002

[Lindadanette]

Okay, help me out here all this richard/Lenny stuff is confusing me. I posted the above myspace - then I find this because I saw business name on a truck he posted on his myspace. Listed as Richard Gonzalez - sp??

http://portal.att.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&ext=1&groupid=370610&ck=

Richard Gonzalez is Leonard (Lenny) Sr's little brother - You can see pictures of him under "My Older Brother" in the pics you posted (thanks!)

LPatrick is his nephew and I didn't see any pictures of him.

[Lindadanette]

Frank Gonzalez is also a brother of LPG Sr and is the one who lives a couple of tralers down on Palm Court. He's the one who told LE that he didn't know if the van belonged to his brother. (Yeah right) He's got a record too.

[NSC]

Richard Gonzalez is Leonard (Lenny) Sr's little brother - You can see pictures of him under "My Older Brother" in the pics you posted (thanks!)

LPatrick is his nephew and I didn't see any pictures of him.


Linda - thanks!! I JUST finally figured that out - to many names to juggle - why can't they have one first name? That would be too simple! Did you see the daughter of Lenny's bro - has the last name Byrd - a little strange??

[Lindadanette]

Here is another one close to Sarasota http://tinkerstewart.com/c99.htm

Same guy - class of 99 - makes him 29 yrs old. Did this guy get involved with LPatrick? Or was he working/involved with Katie-ex?

[cleo612]

Man my mind is turning into mush over this.

LOL, well you are certainly not alone in that feeling, SuziQ!

I cannot make heads nor tails out of ANY of the stuff that has been posted. Maybe I am getting too old and my brain cells have slowed to an almost stop.

Can someone please explain to me what all of this stuff means?

I mean, really--I am so totally lost.

[SuziQ]

Person arrested known to work with car dealers and such....didn't hear name....

[Lindadanette]

Wayne Coldiron - In custody 1st degree murder.

[NSC]

Cleo,

Sorry if my posts are confusing!! Linda did all this excellent work with so many leads that my head as been spinning. I was posting things I thought others could also look into as well.

Lenny SR G, the one who was arrested has a brother Richard G. He has a daughter who is 18 and last name is Byrd. The first name of one of the shooting victims. I just thought it was strange. That is where I was going.

[SuziQ]

Mr Coldiron? LE is getting info from muliple sources. No known connection to the Billings.

[NSC]

Wayne Coldiron - In custody 1st degree murder.

Thank you! Would you mind updating? I can't get volume the movers lost my volume cord to my computer!!

[Lindadanette]

"Motives" being investigated. . . Multiple suspects.

[noZme]

Wayne Coldiron (http://www.ussearch.com/consumer/ala/category.do?cid=5105&did=18&searchtab=people&searchFName=Wayne&searchMName=&searchLName=Coldiron&searchPerson=000481304369)
Wayne T Coldiron
41
http://static.ussearch.com/images/teaser/campaigns/grn_check.gif http://static.ussearch.com/images/teaser/campaigns/grn_check.gif Pensacola , FL
Morristown , TN
Westerville , OH
Russellville , TN
Huntsville , TX


from US Search... does anyone have a membership at any database? Had this guys name come up before? I am several pages back in reading this topic.

Also, the Billings are reported to have owned several businesses. Can a local tell us the names of their companies & the nature of their work?

[SuziQ]

Other Federal agencies involved in the investigation.

[SuziQ]

noZme, this is the first I've heard his name.

[SuziQ]

Explaining how complex investigation is. Omg, it sounds unbelievable and involves many many people.

[Lindadanette]

It sounds like there may be more than three suspects. Federal crimes possible. Ongoing criminal activity - or conspiracy. . . Whew the Sheriff just did a huge Faux Pax, and answered a question stating they had no evidence that the Billings were involved in criminal activity. I have a feeling that's going to be an issue.

Red van - firm set of facts, A-d. E-H all over the map. Complexity of the case - No wonder we have trouble taking it in. Sheriff says the associations are mindboggling.

[SuziQ]

Leads developed from hours of serveillance tapes. They were only in the house 9 minutes.

Billings family not a focus of the investigation.

[SuziQ]

Third arrest made!

[Lindadanette]

Jeez - It sounds like they had a bus load of people involved in this.

Third arrest!!!!!!! LPatrick Gonzales - open count of murder!!!!!!

[SuziQ]

LP Jr! ha!

[NSC]

Well at least I dont feel like a lunatic right now since I have 8000 crazy ideas running through my head!!! Apparently, as complex as we thought it to be!!

[SuziQ]

no firm drug link at this time.

[NSC]

Jeez - It sounds like they had a bus load of people involved in this.

Third arrest!!!!!!! LPatrick Gonzales - open count of murder!!!!!!

Linda, you deserve a round of applause - your sleuthing on this was RIGHT ON! And you have given us so much stuff to continue to digg into - :clap::clap::clap::clap:

[SuziQ]

The van was not registered in any of their names?

Still looking for multiple suspects after this arrest.

[Lindadanette]

Thanks - I feel awful for his wife and kids :(

They say no drug link - Heh! I say they need to read this thread!!!!!!!

Still more suspects. I wonder if it was Fausti in the video yesterday - he's a big drug guy and so is Jernigan.

[SuziQ]

30 people working this case tonight.

[SuziQ]

Mutiple agencies involve other states.

[Lindadanette]

The van is registered to Leonard Sr - I feel a little bad for him, really. He's just an old stoner who was crapping his pants - if you get my drift.

[NSC]

Found some Coldiron links in TN - on myspace, could be related. Still looking.

Yeah Linda, I hear ya about the dad but ya never know!! I still think his brother daughter having a dif last name of "Byrd" is sketchy even if it doesn't make logical sense at the moment!

[SuziQ]

Well my feed is gone.

[Reannan]

Gosh, what a tangled web!!! I just can't help but feel that all of the strange stuff on MySpace about his daughter Bella and his determination to get her back isn't somehow involved in this. I just can't make the connection. I am also concerned about "Lonnie" who was supposedly a cousin of LPG Jr., but who "knew what was going on", and who had been with 82 Airborne Bravo Company. He would certainly have known how to carry out something that lasted only a few minutes, but would have surely known to use something other than that obvious red van! What the heck is the motive???

[SuziQ]

One motive is hard enough to try to figure out, but multiple suspects and multiple motives? Aye aye aye.....

[Reannan]

"Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan says day laborer Wayne Coldiron turned himself in around 9 p.m. EDT Sunday. He says Leonard P. Gonzalez Jr. was arrested later in Santa Rosa County.
Morgan says Coldiron was friends with 56-year-old Leonard P. Gonzalez Sr., who was charged earlier in the day with evidence tampering."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6526195.html

Wonder if Wayne worked for Bill's Mobile Home Repair???

[Spyglass]

Wayne Coldiron (http://www.ussearch.com/consumer/ala/category.do?cid=5105&did=18&searchtab=people&searchFName=Wayne&searchMName=&searchLName=Coldiron&searchPerson=000481304369)
Wayne T Coldiron
41
http://static.ussearch.com/images/teaser/campaigns/grn_check.gif http://static.ussearch.com/images/teaser/campaigns/grn_check.gif Pensacola , FL
Morristown , TN
Westerville , OH
Russellville , TN
Huntsville , TX


from US Search... does anyone have a membership at any database? Had this guys name come up before? I am several pages back in reading this topic.

Also, the Billings are reported to have owned several businesses. Can a local tell us the names of their companies & the nature of their work?

In an earlier news story (link was on this thread), the only specific companies mentioned were a used car business and a finance company.

[noZme]

from comments at pnj.com after article "2 arrests..."
Take a bow Queen Lindadanette!


AdventureMopeds (http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=pluckpersona&U=274674f9a25d467d877075b5c0ac7646) wrote:

Check Out This Excellent Online Sleuth Forum:

They Discovered So Much Information....

Couple who adopted 12 children shot to death - Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community
7/12/2009 10:05:45 PM

[SuziQ]

So what's with the "hours" of video tape LE viewed that was helpful? These guys were only in the house 9 minutes.

[NSC]

Coldiron has been all around the us. Loves to live in cities with the last name "ville" - ha ha - little humor for the evening. I am finding people with the same last name in those cities but nothing I can pinpoint directly to him.

I agree that this has something to do with "Bella" and god only knows that else. Since this couple owns multiple business and had the interest of several children in their care, the tangled web of this case could be HUGE as it looks as if these people were the serious money in the area and obvious caregivers to children in bad situations it could be possible some of the children were not far from the outlying areas, this would explain the surveillence cameras. I am not certain how large this town is, shame on me for not doing my homework but some small towns as many or as little as 1 family runs the town with all sorts of businesses.

[Reannan]

So what's with the "hours" of video tape LE viewed that was helpful? These guys were only in the house 9 minutes.

I don't know, but anytime I hear the words "children", "video tape", and "cameras in every room", I get nervous. :confused: I am still curious about why there were so many cameras in the house.

[SuziQ]

Here's a link to the Escambia Sheriff Booking info page - but they haven't posted him yet - I'm sure they're still processing him.

http://66.210.33.206/oiscript/oiget.asp

Thinking about what the sheriff said about the scope of the story of the crime - It sounds like maybe LPG (Jr) confessed to his part and that's why they delayed the conference.

I'm bumping up the above link. Below is a link to Sr Gonzalez mugshot and arrest. ETA: 250,000.00 bond.

http://66.210.33.206/oiscript/oiget.asp?name=Leonard+Gonzalez&alias=&ACTION=+++++++++++++++++++++++Search++++++++++++++ +++++++++

[NSC]

Lenny's brother Richard owns a deck company -- P&R Decks - not sure if it is in immediante area - might not be! Gwinett anywhere nearby?

[Lindadanette]

So what's with the "hours" of video tape LE viewed that was helpful? These guys were only in the house 9 minutes.

You know, when they showed the footage of the van - I figured it was from several cameras - but I wonder if it might be from other times too. Maybe they were caught on film casing the house. I still wonder if there was an inside or outside employee in on it somehow.

[Lindadanette]

Lenny's brother Richard owns a deck company -- P&R Decks - not sure if it is in immediante area - might not be! Gwinett anywhere nearby?

Nah, He was smart enough to move to Georgia!

[mikeysmommom]

Gosh, what a tangled web!!! I just can't help but feel that all of the strange stuff on MySpace about his daughter Bella and his determination to get her back isn't somehow involved in this. I just can't make the connection. I am also concerned about "Lonnie" who was supposedly a cousin of LPG Jr., but who "knew what was going on", and who had been with 82 Airborne Bravo Company. He would certainly have known how to carry out something that lasted only a few minutes, but would have surely known to use something other than that obvious red van! What the heck is the motive???

Hi,I have been reading this case I think he wrote all that stuff on myspace because he knew he was going to prison for a very long time.This way his daughter would see it one day and not believe whatever the ex was telling her.If he was involved with drugs that is probably why the ex had full custody.Seems his myspace rants started in June maybe thats when the plan was being made for the murders.

[NSC]

I don't know, but anytime I hear the words "children", "video tape", and "cameras in every room", I get nervous. :confused: I am still curious about why there were so many cameras in the house.

I would agree with you. But I have to wonder since there were so many children and then let alone with disabilities if they also had cameras to monitor the rooms if they were not in them. Child sleeping, Billings downstairs then alerted to sleeping child awaking - Children getting into something dangerous. Let's be honest, it is impossible to keep track of everyone every moment of the day!! I have two kids and SEVERE security. Call me paranoid. But in a large home, you need cameras - I need them for TWO!! :crazy:

[mikeysmommom]

Nah, He was smart enough to move to Georgia!

Great job getting all this info :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

[Lindadanette]

Great job getting all this info :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:


Thanks! I was really wishing ya'll were here with me last night!!!! :eek:Everywhere You look there's more to find and it's like a big horrible car crash! I didn't want it to be true but it was just all there. And there's alot more
to find. I hate to say this, but I'm starting to look for evidence of a stolen car ring. (But I don't have any yet, so its just a wild hunch)

[SuziQ]

Linda, maybe not such a wild hunch. Stolen car ring would fit with car dealerships. There's got to be a connection somewhere to the Billings.

Multiple suspects and multiple motives, other states, federal agencies....god that's driving me crazy.

[NSC]

Linda, Again another round of applause. But you are so right about sooo much more to find!!! There is stuff on these people everywhere we turn!!! I wouldn't have known where to look if not for all your info!!

[SuziQ]

What kind of finance company do the Billings own? Money laundering comes to mind as well....just sayin.

[NSC]

I thought they were not looking at Billings as being "involved" in the motive? Did I read that wrong?

[GannyP]

I live in the next county to the west, Baldwin County, AL--remember they lived right near the state line. Byrd is a very common sirname around here, but until these murders, I had never heard of Byrd being a given name. So it's possible that Mr. Billings has some Byrds in his family tree.

[NSC]

Snipped:

Morgan said the investigation involves a complex web of relationships between suspects, though he declined to elaborate on them. He said it did not appear that the suspects knew the victims, though the companies the Billingses owned included a used car dealership

Not sure on the stolen car ring though possible. If they didn't know the suspects personally would make me think they didn't work for him? What angle are you looking at Linda? I just might now be seeing it :)

[GannyP]

David Morgan was the name of the officer. I think.

[Lindadanette]

What kind of finance company do the Billings own? Money laundering comes to mind as well....just sayin.

You know I don't want to throw stones at the victims - but there is a connection somewhere. I started looking a little last night and the finance company Worldco has very little info. I did read that they do auto financing. That was a red flag for me.

[NSC]

You know I don't want to throw stones at the victims - but there is a connection somewhere. I started looking a little last night and the finance company Worldco has very little info. I did read that they do auto financing. That was a red flag for me.

Could be something like "loan shark" rates? Are you going in that direction? The lot of them had cars from him and couldn't pay their payments? Group getting revenge? Repossion deal? I guess now would be the day and age people would be loansharked with the credit crunch etc.. And what better way to make money to feed those sweet kids - might be a push for me :waitasec::blowkiss:

[FifthEssence]

I misunderstood the reporter earlier, his phrasing confused me.
THREE have been arrested to my knowledge.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20090712/NEWS01/90712004&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
snip:
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan announced the arrests of Wayne Coldiron and Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr. in a 10 p.m. press conference Sunday. Earlier, Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Sr., 56, was charged with tampering with evidence, said Morgan at a press conference in conjunction with State Attorney Bill Eddins.

In the earlier press conference, Morgan was reluctant to release emerging details about the investigation, but said the complexity of the case rivals “a movie script.”
“I’m not prepared to tell you a motive at this time,” he said. “But I will tell you this: We are very anxious to share this story with Escambia County and the nation. ... It’s going to be a humdinger.”
Gonzalez Sr. was one of two people being questioned by investigators as “a person of interest” Saturday. Morgan did not want to discuss Gonzalez’s level of cooperation, but Gonzalez spent several hours Sunday talking to investigators.

[Lindadanette]

Also noted, Sunbiz info on the Car business, Purshu Auto Inc, doesn't list Byrd, only Melanie. This may or may not mean anything at all. . .

http://www.sunbiz.org/scripts/cordet.exe?action=N&inq_came_from=OFFFWD&inq_doc_number=P03000121672&cor_web_names_seq_number=0000&names_name_ind=R&ret_names_cor_number=&ret_cor_web_names_seq_number=&ret_names_name_ind=&ret_names_filing_type=&ret_cor_web_princ_seq=&ret_princ_comp_name=BILLINGSMARY&ret_princ_type=

Worldco is the same way

http://www.sunbiz.org/scripts/cordet.exe?action=DETFIL&inq_doc_number=P97000046674&inq_came_from=NAMFWD&cor_web_names_seq_number=0000&names_name_ind=N&names_cor_number=&names_name_seq=&names_name_ind=&names_comp_name=WORLDCOFINANCIAL&names_filing_type=

Ashley Markham is the daughter of Melanie and Byrd Billings

[JustMe42]

Something odd......Was looking at the myspace page pics. Uncle Lonnie that he talks about and says knows all about it (daughter and ex thing) He list his name on pics as Lonnie Pockets..........Look at the pic of him in uniform in Mosul, Iraq..........what does the name on the uniform say????????

[LotsaLatte]

Something odd......Was looking at the myspace page pics. Uncle Lonnie that he talks about and says knows all about it (daughter and ex thing) He list his name on pics as Lonnie Pockets..........Look at the pic of him in uniform in Mosul, Iraq..........what does the name on the uniform say????????

I looked earlier. Wasn't it "Sm***?" not sure if I can put the whole name in???
Also, maybe "pockets" is like "Joey the Bull" - Costa Nostra, ya' know?? Pockets this, pockets that??