View Full Version : AR First Baby of '08 & Dad Found Burned in Truck
STEADFAST
12-16-2009, 04:19 PM
Michael Palmer and his daughter, Hannah Grace Dowdie, had not been seen since Saturday. The bodies, found burned beyond recognition on dead-end Wilbern Road near Granite Mountain Quarries, were in a small GMC truck registered to Palmer, Rehrauer said.http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2009/dec/16/bodies-said-be-dad-daughter-20091216/
The deaths have been ruled homicides. I wonder who did it? Oh, wait, here's another tidbit from the story:
Saline County court records show that Dowdie [the mom, who has lost custody] burned her daughter with a cigarette in April last year, then called police and said a stranger did it. When a Saline County sheriff’s deputy asked her about it, however, Dowdie confessed.
“I did it,” Dowdie told the deputy, according to th e court records. “I burned her. I need help.”
Hopeful One
12-16-2009, 04:35 PM
This is sick. Once again, a perfect example of someone who shouldn't be allowed to breed.
miss u daddy
12-16-2009, 04:39 PM
This is so sad. Rest in Paradise. I hope they catch whoever did this.
Wow, this is shocking and terribly sad. I wonder if the mom has anything to do with it?
Here's a picture of the sweet little girl.
What a shame.
:(
fran
http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/local/story/Bodies-Found-in-Burning-Truck-Identified-as/FrDAJD5vuUiGr-p67LYhug.cspx?rss=59
Boyz_Mum
12-16-2009, 06:08 PM
This is horrible. I pray they catch whoever did this.
RIP Michael and Hannah.
STEADFAST
12-16-2009, 06:24 PM
On mom's (KD's) "myYearbook" page, she says she's 6 ft tall, and says what she'd like to see before she dies is "my daughter." Also says the things most important to her are "family," "sex," and "kinky, kinky."
Missizzy
12-16-2009, 06:28 PM
Little Hannah looks like a Pixie!! I guess now she's a Pixie Angel. RIP, little one.
Reannan
12-16-2009, 06:41 PM
Why the "F" can't these sick adults leave the kids out of it??? I am so tired of this kind of thing.... and right before Christmas. They should have been looking forward to next week.....not this. So sad.....
Filly
12-16-2009, 07:17 PM
Here's a very small article of the foster parents of this poor little speaking out. They went to DHS with concerns that Hannah was most likely in danger with her bio father.
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1209/687836.html
oceanblueeyes
12-16-2009, 08:05 PM
Here's a very small article of the foster parents of this poor little speaking out. They went to DHS with concerns that Hannah was most likely in danger with her bio father.
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1209/687836.html
I didn't see where it stated that Filly.
"The Carrs say they went to DHS with concerns for Hannah's safety, but Kevin says their cries for help were ignored.
So did the mother lose custody and then DHS gave her to her dad?
imo
Missizzy
12-16-2009, 10:04 PM
That's what it sounds like to me.
"Hannah's foster parents cared for her until November 11, and now they are speaking out about the girl they loved as their own."
Just hazarding a guess here but it sounds as if the Carr foster family cared for Hannah from a very young age...possibly birth.....and she was returned to her bio Dad a month before this happened. Foster parents often may give their opinions about a court action but do not have actual standing in court. JMO
STEADFAST
12-16-2009, 10:21 PM
I didn't see where it stated that Filly.
"The Carrs say they went to DHS with concerns for Hannah's safety, but Kevin says their cries for help were ignored.
So did the mother lose custody and then DHS gave her to her dad?
imo
After her mother (K. Dowdie) burned her with a cigarette in April of 2008 --
"Child-welfare workers took custody of Hannah after her release from a hospital, according to the court records.
Dowdie pleaded guilty to second-degree battery and filing a false police report and was sentenced in August 2008 to six years’ probation." http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2009/dec/16/bodies-said-be-dad-daughter-20091216/ Her parents were not together. I don't know if the father had custody or not. But I think probably the mother was not allowed visitation because in her myYearbook page she says she'd like to see her daughter before dying..
STEADFAST
12-16-2009, 10:32 PM
Short news story from Jan 1, 2008, when Hannah was born:
"It's official.
The first baby born in Central Arkansas this year, arrived at UAMS early this morning.
Hannah Grace Dowdie was born at 2:57 AM.
Her mother, 19 year old Kayla Dowdie is from Saline County.
She went into labor about 8:00 last night.
New Year’s Day morning Kayla said she was tired, of course.... but very thankful.
"She's a miracle baby... I've miscarried twice before," she said."
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?cid=63746
Four months later, Dowdie was burning her daughter with a cigarette.
mitzi
12-17-2009, 02:59 AM
Wow, this is shocking and terribly sad. I wonder if the mom has anything to do with it?
Here's a picture of the sweet little girl.
What a shame.
:(
fran
http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/local/story/Bodies-Found-in-Burning-Truck-Identified-as/FrDAJD5vuUiGr-p67LYhug.cspx?rss=59
Dear God! What a darling little girl. How could someone do this? I too wonder about the mother. It's a sick world out there anymore. :(
mitzi
12-17-2009, 03:05 AM
Here's a very small article of the foster parents of this poor little speaking out. They went to DHS with concerns that Hannah was most likely in danger with her bio father.
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1209/687836.html
Bold mine.
I didn't see this part about the bio father in the article, unless they have revised the article since you posted. I wonder if it was either the mom, or if it could have been someone who had a beef with bio dad. Doesn't seem like dad would catch her and himself on fire as a suicide. Someone else must have done this. JMO.
oceanblueeyes
12-17-2009, 09:00 AM
Bold mine.
I didn't see this part about the bio father in the article, unless they have revised the article since you posted. I wonder if it was either the mom, or if it could have been someone who had a beef with bio dad. Doesn't seem like dad would catch her and himself on fire as a suicide. Someone else must have done this. JMO.
I totally agree. It wouldn't surprise me if the father had already been killed before he was thrown into the bed of the truck.
Makes me wonder if the murderer even knew the precious little girl was in the passenger seat when they sat fire to the truck but if they did then they have to be a cold hearted monster.
I also wonder if it was the mom or if mom had a boyfriend who could have done this.
He may turnout not to be the best daddy in the world but he did have his little girl with him.
She sure had no mother that loved her. The mother saying she wants to see her daughter before she dies makes me want to puke! For what? So she could burn her again with a cigarette?:furious:
imo
Boyz_Mum
12-17-2009, 09:07 AM
Here is a different link to an article titled "Foster Family Speaks Out":
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?cid=279042
The end of the article says:
The Carrs said they are in no way blaming Palmer. They said they had expressed concerns to DHS about the placement, but could not elaborate on what those concerns were about.
STEADFAST
12-17-2009, 09:22 AM
I totally agree. It wouldn't surprise me if the father had already been killed before he was thrown into the bed of the truck.
Makes me wonder if the murderer even knew the precious little girl was in the passenger seat when they sat fire to the truck but if they did then they have to be a cold hearted monster.
I also wonder if it was the mom or if mom had a boyfriend who could have done this.
He may turnout not to be the best daddy in the world but he did have his little girl with him.
She sure had no mother that loved her. The mother saying she wants to see her daughter before she dies makes me want to puke! For what? So she could burnon her again with a cigarette?:furious:
imo
On KD's myYearbook page, she says what's most important to her is "the love of my life, my gf Heather." Then, identifying what she's thinking about, she says, "my man, my man, heather my girlfriend, my daughter, my man." In her bedroom, she says you'll find, "3 dogs, my man, my girlfriend, and toys."
So, if the mom was involved, I'd say they need to look at her man AND her girlfriend. Practically the only person who posts to her page is some guy who lists a bunch of "jugaloos" and "jugalettes" on his page. KD also lists things like loving horror films and being scared and thrills. Reminds me of AB in the Elizabeth Olten case.
teonspaleprincess
12-17-2009, 04:32 PM
Poor precious little honey...sounds like she never should a chance. I hope they find who did this.
oceanblueeyes
12-17-2009, 08:00 PM
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=95972
John Rehrauer of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department says, "We have received some information from the medical examiner. We're not releasing anything right now. This is a complicated investigation right now we don't want to do anything to deter that investigation, and hopefully the eventual prosecution of the people that are responsible. We're really being kind of tight lipped on information on this."
Kincaid says Palmer recently became very family oriented and spoke often about his daughter. We have reason to believe Hannah may have been under the care of DHS recently. Investigators and the folks from DHS say they have no comment.
oceanblueeyes
12-17-2009, 08:04 PM
On KD's myYearbook page, she says what's most important to her is "the love of my life, my gf Heather." Then, identifying what she's thinking about, she says, "my man, my man, heather my girlfriend, my daughter, my man." In her bedroom, she says you'll find, "3 dogs, my man, my girlfriend, and toys."
So, if the mom was involved, I'd say they need to look at her man AND her girlfriend. Practically the only person who posts to her page is some guy who lists a bunch of "jugaloos" and "jugalettes" on his page. KD also lists things like loving horror films and being scared and thrills. Reminds me of AB in the Elizabeth Olten case.
I say you are right. That is exactly where they should look.
imo
oceanblueeyes
12-17-2009, 08:40 PM
After her mother (K. Dowdie) burned her with a cigarette in April of 2008 --
"Child-welfare workers took custody of Hannah after her release from a hospital, according to the court records.
Dowdie pleaded guilty to second-degree battery and filing a false police report and was sentenced in August 2008 to six years’ probation." http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2009/dec/16/bodies-said-be-dad-daughter-20091216/ Her parents were not together. I don't know if the father had custody or not. But I think probably the mother was not allowed visitation because in her myYearbook page she says she'd like to see her daughter before dying..
Steadfast, would you please tell me where you are reading this (BBM). When I read the links and all the prior information on KD is not there unless I am totally missing it each time.:waitasec:
TIA
smart blonde
12-17-2009, 08:54 PM
I think there is a possibility he was shot first, to render him helpless (or dead), then thrown in the bed of the truck, prior to the truck being set on fire.
STEADFAST
12-17-2009, 09:07 PM
Steadfast, would you please tell me where you are reading this (BBM). When I read the links and all the prior information on KD is not there unless I am totally missing it each time.:waitasec:
TIA
It's at the link, but I think you have to register and maybe pay to read the whole story -- I've got a subscription to this newspaper.
For me, it's at that link, near the end of the article.
Hannah was the first baby born in Pulaski County in 2008. Her mother, Kayla Dowdie, 21, did not reply to a message seeking comment.
Saline County court records show that Dowdie burned her daughter with a cigarette in April last year, then called police and said a stranger did it. When a Saline County sheriff’s deputy asked her about it, however, Dowdie confessed.
“I did it,” Dowdie told the deputy, according to the court records. “I burned her. I need help.”
Child-welfare workers took custody of Hannah after her release from a hospital, according to the court records.
Dowdie pleaded guilty to second-degree battery and filing a false police report and was sentenced in August 2008 to six years’ probation.
Investigators have not shared publicly the causes of death for Palmer and Hannah, saying only that they are classified as homicides and that officers are saving further information to better discern a suspect.
“We have an ongoing investigation,” Rehrauer said. “We need to preserve as much as we can to find who did this.”
The sheriff’s office asked anyone with information about the case to call its anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line, (501) 340-8477.
Information for this article was provided by Ginny LaRoe of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Arkansas, Pages 11 on 12/16/2009
http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2009/dec/16/bodies-said-be-dad-daughter-20091216/
oceanblueeyes
12-17-2009, 10:11 PM
I guess that is the reason I am not seeing the full article. The only portion I see is very short and doesn't mention Hannah's mother.
But thank you for putting up what is in the article.
imo
LadyL
12-17-2009, 10:37 PM
from the mother's ms:
I everybody my name is kayla im 6'1" im 21 years old and i currently live n little rock arkansas if u guys r wanting to hook up too bad im already taken his name is Kenny ******* hes 34 and hes the love of my life plus me and him r have had a beautiful baby girl named LYLLA if u want to add me on ur email mine is *****@yahoo.com
[astericks mine]
OMG she had another baby!
LadyL
12-17-2009, 10:39 PM
also from hr ms:
Occupation: Disabled
wonder what her disability is?
ETA: nm, found this too:
Major: Sign Language
LadyL
12-17-2009, 10:47 PM
when did they find the bodies?
cause the mother's b'f ms mood was happy on Dec. 14
mayelf
12-17-2009, 11:00 PM
So if you want to see something extremely strange, Check out her myspace page. She gives the daughter another name, and a different father. Just myspace her name. That is the same person that you all are looking at myyearbook at. I checked the email address she gives on her page.And then click on the friend at the top of her comments list.
In her profile heading she says "** up and you'll find out who is realy there for you, If someone stabs you in the back and hurts you burn the mother f** out of your d** life & Dont let there a**** back in it Stand strong, Move on & Live your life."..
so IF that girl on myyearbook is really the mother, then the myspace is hers and hopefully she didn't take her friends advice literally.
There's some other things on the mothers myspace that is just strange. I really do wonder if the mother and this person are the same person?
mayelf
12-17-2009, 11:01 PM
Sorry slow poster.
mayelf
12-17-2009, 11:05 PM
Sorry again I was assuming it's the same baby because the picture she has shows the baby born first on new years, unless she just never bothered posting the picture of the new baby. And also the only comment I saw about the baby was shortly after jan 2008
So this person we're posting about made this comment
"?Kayla?
?Kayla?is taking care of her baby!Posted at 9:08 PM Jul 11, 2008
Mood: tired "
That's 2 months after Hannah being taken away. So either she had a new baby, which seems strange because she would have been pregnant and they wouldn't have done some investigating? Or there was a second first baby of 2008 born to a mother with the same name and state and city, and this isn't the same person? Or she didn't lose her baby till another date? Or she's a habitual liar even on myspace? Or??
STEADFAST
12-17-2009, 11:22 PM
when did they find the bodies?
cause the mother's b'f ms mood was happy on Dec. 14
They were found Saturday, Dec. 12.
STEADFAST
12-17-2009, 11:25 PM
Sorry again I was assuming it's the same baby because the picture she has shows the baby born first on new years, unless she just never bothered posting the picture of the new baby. And also the only comment I saw about the baby was shortly after jan 2008
So this person we're posting about made this comment
"?Kayla?
?Kayla?is taking care of her baby!Posted at 9:08 PM Jul 11, 2008
Mood: tired "
That's 2 months after Hannah being taken away. So either she had a new baby, which seems strange because she would have been pregnant and they wouldn't have done some investigating? Or there was a second first baby of 2008 born to a mother with the same name and state and city, and this isn't the same person? Or she didn't lose her baby till another date? Or she's a habitual liar even on myspace? Or??
That is really weird! I haven't found the myspace page, so I can't compare. But, like you said, how could two different women with the same name both have the first baby of '08 in the same state?
mayelf
12-17-2009, 11:26 PM
Oh okay so there is two babies. Phew..
Mom's bf comment
taken care of my baby girl lylla
Posted at 1:55 PM Dec 12 from Mobile
Mood: happy
mayelf
12-17-2009, 11:28 PM
Could it possibly not be her second daughter
From dad's heading (his myspace looks like he made it before he was in a relationship as his status was changed to "in a relationship" but no other comments changed)
"im a single dad of my 4 month old baby girl named lylla "
LadyL
12-17-2009, 11:30 PM
the baby she mentions is a new one with the b'f she gloats about
his ms is pretty much the same as hers
yes, it does appear to be a new baby & she doesn't seem to have pics of the new daughter but the father does on his ms
I think the girl whose profile you're viewing is harmless, albeit with a bit of an insecurity complex - if you lookit her pics & friends, she's got everybody & their mothers added & pics of ppl she admittedly doesn't hang with but they're cool so ...
I thought at first she was H. who K.D. refers to as her luvva but now I'm not sure ...
LadyL
12-17-2009, 11:33 PM
They were found Saturday, Dec. 12.
but not identified until the 15th I think?
I'm just hoping his mood status wasn't changed to 'happy' after hearing the news so trying to rule that out
mayelf
12-17-2009, 11:36 PM
Where do you see that it changed on the 14th?
STEADFAST
12-17-2009, 11:37 PM
Well, I am thoroughly confused! :confused:
LadyL
12-17-2009, 11:43 PM
Where do you see that it changed on the 14th?
sorry, poor choice of words ... just trying to rule out that he logged in and left it at happy after learning the bodies were found I should've typed
btw, H.R. (vamp_slave69) is the luvva K.D. brags about
LadyL
12-17-2009, 11:44 PM
H.R.'s listed occupation on m.s.:
Occupation: having sex and killing ppl
LadyL
12-17-2009, 11:47 PM
Well, I am thoroughly confused! :confused:
Hannah's mother (K.D.) has a 34 year old b/f
she & he had a new baby named Lylla
he has pics of the new baby on his m.s.
she only has one pic of a baby on her m.s. & it is of Hannah (none of Lylla)
there was some confusion regarding that I think ...
LadyL
12-17-2009, 11:52 PM
ok I can't look anymore
these people are gross
check out H.R.'s pics
ewwwwwwwwwwww
mayelf
12-17-2009, 11:53 PM
See what I don't get is :
Assuming this is the mother and the boyfriend...
Boyfriend myspace:
His myspace is bare, barely set-up, single comment posted from a cell phone on the day the mother's daughter went missing (saturday the 12th) stating he's watching his own daughter and he's happy, he has a relationship status as being in one, but his myspace is bare and his heading say's he's a single father. His myspace also looks setup as if he's looking for someone to care for him.
The mother's myspace:
The mother rants about her boyfriend and baby Lylla. She has a picture of a baby that is captioned as the first baby of 2008. She doesn't have her boyfriend in her top friends (just think it's a little odd). The only friend comments she has about a baby is in January. She also has a comment that she wrote that says she was taking care of her baby in July of 2008. Which someone posted earlier that she lost custody in April. Kenny is listed as her second newest friend.
I'm not saying or thinking she has much to do with it. I just find all of this really odd and strange.
mayelf
12-17-2009, 11:54 PM
ok I can't look anymore
these people are gross
check out H.R.'s pics
ewwwwwwwwwwww
yah it gets weirder and weirder....
She left a comment in the pictures on the 15th of hoping to get to see them soon.
But she lives in Egypt with her husband, according to her Status and mood comment page. (Tip: If you don't know how to see this, it's a small button on the right hand side of the page that says "view more")
mrs. trevino
12-21-2009, 04:03 AM
K.D speaks out. She states she saw Hannah the same day she was killed. The fire department arrived on the scene at 2:00 pm that day. She also provided a picture of Hannah that was taken a day before she was killed. K.D said this was especially hard for her because she just lost custody of amother child and is pregnant with a third. She says shes cooperating with investigators and has an idea who may be responsible. You can find this on fox16.com with the headline 1-year-old victim's mother speaks out. I really hope the investigators look at her really good.
mrs. trevino
12-21-2009, 04:05 AM
oops I hit the submit button twice.
STEADFAST
12-21-2009, 04:27 AM
K.D speaks out. She states she saw Hannah the same day she was killed. The fire department arrived on the scene at 2:00 pm that day. She also provided a picture of Hannah that was taken a day before she was killed. K.D said this was especially hard for her because she just lost custody of amother child and is pregnant with a third. She says shes cooperating with investigators and has an idea who may be responsible. You can find this on fox16.com with the headline 1-year-old victim's mother speaks out. I really hope the investigators look at her really good.
Here's the link: http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/1-year-old-victims-mother-speaks-out/LBOZuoU2gEifpWy7dNtyKA.cspx
JoeFromLB
04-01-2010, 12:24 PM
http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=12240287
Child alive in truck when set on fire
LITTLE ROCK, AR (AP) - Records show a nearly 2-year-old Hensley girl was alive and strapped in a car seat in her father's pickup truck when the truck was set on fire in December.
The records obtained Wednesday say the father had been shot to death and left in the bed of the truck. The bodies of Hannah Grace Dowdie and 28-year-old Michael Palmer were found Dec. 12 in Pulaski County.
Cousins Todd Gatrell and Daniel Gatrell are charged with capital murder and arson in the deaths.
Sheriff's records say the Gatrell's shot and killed Palmer at Todd Gatrell's home then put the girl in the car seat, took the truck and set it on fire.
:furious:
The attorney for Todd Gatrell did not respond to a message for comment. The attorney for Daniel Gatrell said he hasn't read the documents and could not comment.
JoeFromLB
04-01-2010, 12:51 PM
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/apr/01/truck-fire-took-toddlers-life-20100401/?latest
The affidavit said the cousins’ accounts are consistent in describing what happened to Palmer’s body. They dropped the body in the bed of Palmer’s truck and tossed a couple wooden pallets on top and a bleach-soaked rug near the tailgate to keep blood from spilling out, according to the affidavit.
The Gatrells differ again, however, about how Palmer’s daughter got into the truck’s cab, according to the affidavit.
Hannah was inside Robert Todd Gatrell’s house playing with his girlfriend’s daughter when her father died, according to the affidavit. One version of the story told to investigators has the Gatrells walking inside, with Todd looking at the child and back at his cousin.
“No,” Daniel Gatrell told his cousin, according to the affidavit.
“Daniel advised that Todd stated to him that she (Hannah) was evidence and they needed to get rid of her,” Blain (sheriff’s office Sgt. Mike Blain) wrote in the affidavit, attributing the statements again to Daniel’s uncle, Floyd.
Robert Todd Gatrell strapped her into a child’s seat in the truck’s cab, according to the affidavit.
In his own statement after his arrest, Robert Todd Gatrell did not say who put Hannah in the truck, only that he drove it the half-mile to Wilbern Road near Granite Mountain Quarries.
Floyd told investigators his nephew said it was only Robert Todd Gatrell who poured gasoline on Palmer’s body and inside the truck’s cab. Robert Todd Gatrell told investigators he and Daniel Gatrell poured the gasoline and lit it.
Palmer and his daughter were unrecognizable when firefighters put out the fire. The fire burned both Gatrells as well, according to the affidavit.
Investigators found nails in the truck’s bed that looked like they may have come from wooden pallets, according to the affidavit. An autopsy confirmed that Palmer died from shotgun wounds made with 12-gauge Remington shells, size No. 4. Hannah died from burns and smoke inhalation.
STEADFAST
04-01-2010, 01:19 PM
Poor Hannah! First her "mother" burns her with cigarettes and then these POSs burn her to death. I can't believe the evil in this world.
JoeFromLB
04-01-2010, 01:32 PM
Rest in Peace, little Hannah...
http://showtime.arkansasonline.com/e2/img/photos/2010/03/31/case_t300.jpg?8aff03de2423e912a2467e97388a07f5331c 05b6
Amster
04-01-2010, 01:46 PM
http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=12240287
Child alive in truck when set on fire
LITTLE ROCK, AR (AP) - Records show a nearly 2-year-old Hensley girl was alive and strapped in a car seat in her father's pickup truck when the truck was set on fire in December.
The records obtained Wednesday say the father had been shot to death and left in the bed of the truck. The bodies of Hannah Grace Dowdie and 28-year-old Michael Palmer were found Dec. 12 in Pulaski County.
Cousins Todd Gatrell and Daniel Gatrell are charged with capital murder and arson in the deaths.
Sheriff's records say the Gatrell's shot and killed Palmer at Todd Gatrell's home then put the girl in the car seat, took the truck and set it on fire.
:furious:
The attorney for Todd Gatrell did not respond to a message for comment. The attorney for Daniel Gatrell said he hasn't read the documents and could not comment.
OMG....I truly cannot comprehend such evil. That such people even exist makes me feel helpless.
Noooooooooooo!! Bast**ds!!
mitzi
04-02-2010, 03:20 AM
I have no words.
Poor, poor baby. What kind of monsters could do this to an innocent baby? I can't take much more...maybe I need a break. :cry:
JoeFromLB
04-02-2010, 11:07 PM
http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Funeral-for-1-year-old-and-father-in-burned-truck/xCX-Duaq402pUo2RMn7aAQ.cspx?rss=315
JoeFromLB
04-02-2010, 11:11 PM
I have no words.
Poor, poor baby. What kind of monsters could do this to an innocent baby? I can't take much more...maybe I need a break. :cry:
I feel the same way. I'm appalled and horrified at the evil in some people's hearts. It's a mystery.
JoeFromLB
07-15-2010, 12:05 PM
Court splits trials of cousins Lawyers of 2 ask for testing
By JOHN LYNCH ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
Publication: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)
Date: Friday, March 19 2010
http://www.allbusiness.com/crime-law-enforcement-corrections/criminal-offenses-crimes/14141048-1.html
Attorneys for the two cousins accused of killing a Hensley man and his 2-year-old daughter are exploring an insanity defense to charges of capital murder, kidnapping and arson, and in their first circuit court appearance, on Thursday, their attorneys asked for separate trials.
JoeFromLB
07-15-2010, 12:13 PM
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jun/17/accused-killer-get-second-mental-evaluation/
This article was published June 17, 2010 at 10:46 a.m.
LITTLE ROCK — A trial date has been set but a ruling on mental status remains pending for a Pulaski County man accused with his cousin of burning a toddler to death and killing her father.
Robert Todd Gatrell, 20, who is accused of killing Hannah Dowdie-Palmer and 28-year-old Michael Palmer, appeared before Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza Thursday for an update on a mental evaluation conducted at the Arkansas State Hospital. Robert Gatrell and cousin Daniel Chase Gatrell, 17, are each facing charges of kidnapping, arson and capital murder.
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Melanie Martin said the state's evaluation found Robert Gatrell competent to stand trial. But Piazza granted a motion by Robert Gatrell's attorney to have the defense arrange its own, separate mental examination.
The results are expected to be discussed at the next hearing in the case, scheduled for Sept. 7.
Mental evaluations for the cousins were granted as defense attorneys pursued possible insanity defenses.
Piazza on Thursday also set a 2-week jury trial to begin Jan. 3, 2011.
Belinda
07-15-2010, 01:15 PM
I wish that they would present some answers as to what the motive was. I can't imagine the kind of evil it takes to do that to a child. Out of all of the horrible things I have read being done to children, this has to be the worst. My mind just cannot accept that a human being could do this to a child.
JoeFromLB
07-15-2010, 01:38 PM
http://www.allbusiness.com/crime-law-enforcement-corrections/criminal-offenses-crimes/14594747-1.html
Attorneys for the Gatrells have indicated their clients will pursue opposing defenses, with Daniel Gatrell telling sheriff's deputies that he shot Palmer in the stomach with a shotgun, but that his cousin finished off the stricken man with two more gunshots because the teen couldn't bring himself to shoot again. He also said killing the toddler was his cousin's idea and that Robert Gatrell strapped the toddler into Palmer's truck.
Robert Gatrell told investigators his younger cousin killed Palmer, ambushing him with a shotgun, according to arrest reports, and that both of them poured gasoline on the vehicle and set it afire with the girl inside. The pair are being kept separate while jailed at the request of investigators, court records show.
Defense attorneys for the cousins have requested mental examinations of their clients for use in a possible insanity defense. But court files show the Arkansas State Hospital has notified Circuit Judge Chris Piazza that the cousins' evaluations will require extra time.
Daniel Gatrell - 16 at the time of the slaying - is too young to face the death penalty, while prosecutors would be barred from seeking the death penalty for Robert Gatrell if he is found to be insane or mentally retarded. Authorities say he (Robert) has reported being suicidal and claims to have nightmares about Hannah crying as she burns in the truck.
Cosmictadpole
07-15-2010, 01:46 PM
Authorities say he (Robert) has reported being suicidal and claims to have nightmares about Hannah crying as she burns in the truck.
If he doesn't get death, I hope he hears those cries for the rest of his pathetic life.
RoseWhite
07-15-2010, 01:56 PM
Pigs. Absolute pigs.
joeskidbeck
07-15-2010, 01:59 PM
Are we supposed to feel sympathy for either of these two monsters?????? I am not a big fan of the death penalty, but for these two, I would gladly inject, pull the switch, or whatever to obliterate them from the planet. Personally I think they should be doused with gasoline, locked in a car, and someone throw in a couple of lit matches. Even that would be too swift for them. I'm sorry but I have never had a story effect me like this one. Little Hannah looks just like my 2 yo grand niece and it feels like my heart is literally breaking in half for this little girl. I have no doubt the afterlife for these two will be horrendous.
joeskidbeck
07-15-2010, 02:04 PM
Is that his pathetic attempt at remorse? I hope he never closes his eyes again without seeing her sweet face and hearing her anguished cries. Surely they will follow him straight to h-ll and throughout Eternity!
JoeFromLB
07-15-2010, 03:05 PM
I wish that they would present some answers as to what the motive was. I can't imagine the kind of evil it takes to do that to a child. Out of all of the horrible things I have read being done to children, this has to be the worst. My mind just cannot accept that a human being could do this to a child.
That's because you have a normal mind and have empathy and compassion for others. Sociopaths like these two cousins have no feelings of empathy. There are really monsters among us. According to reports, they considered Hannah to be nothing more than "evidence" that had to be eliminated. Pure evil.
The opposing defenses (the two of them blaming each other) and the insanity argument are merely attempts to evade the consequences of their deliberate and cold-blooded acts. They are "lawyered up" now, so the community will probably have to endure a lengthy and complicated trial. I hope the judge will keep a firm hand on the proceedings and not allow the trial to become a circus. In any event, I'm guessing it will be years before justice is finally served.
It's interesting that the two are prevented from contacting one another so they can't try to line up their stories, and that they will be tried separately. I'm glad the court is taking this necessary step.
RoseWhite
07-15-2010, 04:40 PM
I agree, JoefromLB. I'm sure their reasoning was, "Well, she's old enough to say who did this." And that was enough to kill her. And not even care about the pain she went through before she died.
This sweet little girl... there is no justice for this because it can't be undone or taken away.
mysterygirl
07-15-2010, 06:01 PM
Can anyone think of any reason why these two............animals.............should be kept alive.
I can't.
And they would have the relief of knowing that they wouldn't be burned to death.
oceanblueeyes
07-15-2010, 10:29 PM
Are we supposed to feel sympathy for either of these two monsters?????? I am not a big fan of the death penalty, but for these two, I would gladly inject, pull the switch, or whatever to obliterate them from the planet. Personally I think they should be doused with gasoline, locked in a car, and someone throw in a couple of lit matches. Even that would be too swift for them. I'm sorry but I have never had a story effect me like this one. Little Hannah looks just like my 2 yo grand niece and it feels like my heart is literally breaking in half for this little girl. I have no doubt the afterlife for these two will be horrendous.
I think they should first be shot with a shotgun in the stomach just like the father was and then lock them in the car and douse it with gasoline and throw the match and walk away.
IMO
mitzi
07-16-2010, 03:58 AM
http://www.allbusiness.com/crime-law-enforcement-corrections/criminal-offenses-crimes/14594747-1.html
Attorneys for the Gatrells have indicated their clients will pursue opposing defenses, with Daniel Gatrell telling sheriff's deputies that he shot Palmer in the stomach with a shotgun, but that his cousin finished off the stricken man with two more gunshots because the teen couldn't bring himself to shoot again. He also said killing the toddler was his cousin's idea and that Robert Gatrell strapped the toddler into Palmer's truck.
Robert Gatrell told investigators his younger cousin killed Palmer, ambushing him with a shotgun, according to arrest reports, and that both of them poured gasoline on the vehicle and set it afire with the girl inside. The pair are being kept separate while jailed at the request of investigators, court records show.
Defense attorneys for the cousins have requested mental examinations of their clients for use in a possible insanity defense. But court files show the Arkansas State Hospital has notified Circuit Judge Chris Piazza that the cousins' evaluations will require extra time.
Daniel Gatrell - 16 at the time of the slaying - is too young to face the death penalty, while prosecutors would be barred from seeking the death penalty for Robert Gatrell if he is found to be insane or mentally retarded. Authorities say he (Robert) has reported being suicidal and claims to have nightmares about Hannah crying as she burns in the truck.
Red mine.
Dear God! That poor baby. :cry:
Sick tickets, both of them! They both need the DP, just to prevent them from breathing air!
JoeFromLB
01-12-2011, 02:34 PM
http://arkansasmatters.com/news-fulltext?nxd_id=362386
October 21, 2010
"We were ready to go forward, but they were wanting to file additional motions," said Pulaski County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, John Johnson. " I didn't want to piecemeal out the hearings. We just wanted to take care of this all at once."
While the motions were delayed, trial dates were set for both men. Robert Gatrell will begin his trial April 25. Daniel Gatrell will begin his trial on May 18.
"Obviously the victims' family wants for the case to be tried as quickly as possible," Johnson said reacting to the motion delays, "but they also understand the necessity of making sure it gets done right the first time, which I think is the court's consideration."
JoeFromLB
04-19-2011, 11:04 AM
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2011/jan/27/gatrell-declines-plea-deal-be-tried-adult/
January 27, 2011
LITTLE ROCK — Daniel Gatrell, who along with his cousin was accused in the deaths of a father and his toddler, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of Michael Palmer and first-degree murder in the death of Hannah Palmer.
Gatrell, 17, received a 10-year sentence on the manslaughter charge and a 40-year sentence on the murder charge, to be served concurrently.
peeples
04-20-2011, 06:54 PM
NO they should never get out.. EVER!
JoeFromLB
05-20-2011, 01:47 PM
Robert Gatrell pleads Guilty in exchange for life without parole.
February 3, 2011
http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Robert-Gatrell-pleads-guilty-in-father-daughter/aYX_7-AfUkKlHO842sdIzw.cspx
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