MN - Barbara 'Bobbi' Winn, 35, shot to death, Maplewood, 8 May 1981

[SieSie]

What a tragic injustice! I watched the Dateline documentary and was shocked that he got away with it for so long. I'm glad that Barbara had family to fight for her and that he's finally been charged. Prayers for everyone who knew and loved Barbara Winn.

 

[justice4barbara]

Here is the link to NBC's website, where you can watch Dateline NBC's documentary "Justice For Barbara".

You will see "Family wants justice for mom" on the right side of the page. From there, you can read the transcript, visit the blog, discuss the case, or watch the video. To watch the documentary, click on "video" and a new screen will open, which will play all segments of the film.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/

Also, please be sure to comment on the producer's (Dan Slepian) blog.

Below is the link to the Dateline NBC producer's new blog about the documentary "Justice For Barbara". I hope that you will stop by and give him some feedback after you've seen the documentary. Unfortunately, very few cases receive national attention. However, if NBC see's that there is a demand for more coverage of cases involving "unknown" victims, hopefully, the network might consider covering more of them.

Since most of you have, literally, watched this case unfold, it will be very interesting to know how you feel about the case after watching the documentary.

I strongly encourage all of you, especially those of you who are in search of justice for your loved one, to submit feedback to the producer.

http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/05/22/1055024.aspx

EXTRA'S

Web exclusive: A song for Barbara
Barbara Winn's son, Tyronne, sings a tribute to the mother he lost 27 years ago.

Web exclusive: Behind the scenes
Dateline producer Dan Slepian talks about telling the story of a family's search for justice.

 

[justice4barbara]

Just an update for any readers who might live in the Twin Cities and plan to attend Aaron Foster's Jury Trial. Jury selection begins on the 14th and the trial will begin once a jury is seated.

Monday July 14, 2008
9:00 AM

Ramsey County Courthouse
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, Minnesota

The actual court room has not, yet, been assigned. If you wish to call the clerk of court for further info, here is the phone number:651.266.8266 Press 2 on the first menu and you will be connected to somone who can tell you which floor and court room the hearing will be in.

Note: If you have a baby or small child, you might not be allowed to bring them in to the court room. Court authorities might ask you to stay in the hallway, so you might want to consider making daycare arrangements if you plan to attend this important hearing.

 

[justice4barbara]

Here is an update on the upcoming trial and the court information for readers who live in the Twin Cities and plan to attend the trial. Jury selection begins on the 14th and the trial will begin once a jury is seated.

Monday July 14, 2008
9:00 AM

Ramsey County Courthouse
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, Minnesota

The actual court room has not, yet, been assigned. If you wish to call the clerk of court for further info, here is the phone number:651.266.8266 Press 2 on the first menu and you will be connected to somone who can tell you which floor and court room the hearing will be in.

Note: If you have a baby or small child, you might not be allowed to bring them in to the court room. Court authorities might ask you to stay in the hallway, so you might want to consider making daycare arrangements if you plan to attend this important hearing.

 

[arielilane]

Barbara's story is incredibly sad, yet triumphs when you read about the strength and love from Patty and family. I will keep this family in my prayers.

 

[justice4barbara]

Although the jury believes that Aaron Foster murdered Bobbi, he was acquitted. This was a very tragic day for our family, Bobbi, the criminal justice system, and...abused women everywhere!

Foster was on a violent rampage that led to Bobbi's murder. On May 7, 1981, someone was going to die...

The link below is to one of the pages on Bobbi's official website. It contains information we've never revealed, publicly, in the past. There are police crime scene photos (nothing graphic) on the page, as well.

http://www.justiceforbarbara.com/someone_was_going_to_die.html

I want to give all of you whom are in violent relationships a sound piece of advice. If you are being abused, and are trying to leave your abuser, be sure to document EVERYTHING that your abuser has done to you!

The jury never heard about Foster's violent history with Bobbi and multiple other women. Why? Hmmmm...I guess it is because Bobbi would have to have shown up in person to tell the court about everything Foster did to her during their relationship before he murdered her.

It did not matter that Bobbi's daughter, sister, and co-workers saw the black eye Foster gave Bobbi a few weeks before he murdered her. Though Bobbi told her daughter that Foster gave her the black eye by throwing a beer can at her face, and she told her co-worker what he had done to her, their testimony would have been considered hearsay...which, I think is a bunch of BS when the victim is dead and cannot speak for herself.

So, the lesson here, is that if you want someone to speak for you, in the event that you are murdered, you are probably going to have to do it yourself! I suggest that you video tape yourself telling a future jury everything that your abuser has done to you.

You might have noticed I am pretty angry. I am. And, you should be, too. Even though Foster was acquitted...by a jury that believes he is quilty...this is far from over. The truth about what happened on May 8, 1981 is going to be told. And, anyone who helped cover for Bobbi's murderer is going to be exposed.


I hope that you will take the time to explore all of the pages on Bobbi's website:

www. justiceforbarbara. com

Be sure to see the "Ex-chief: Bill Finney" page.

Thanks for listening...

Patty

 

[RiverRat]

Oh no.....this is all kinds of wrong and I am so very sorry that your family have been re-victimized by the judicial system.

 

[hockeymom]

I am so sorry. How can this happen? Was there some technicality that this animal got off on?

 

[Tranaice]

I am so sorry. This guy should be put under the jail!!!!

 

[barb0301]

This is absolutely unbelievable. What a travesty.....again. For your family to be re-victimized this way is just too sad. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. I'm speechless.

 

[shadowangel]

Here is an article from a local paper, detailing the jurors' thoughts.
http://www.twincities.com/stpaul/ci_10120520

They thought he did it, listed some of the arguments for why they think he did it, but still couldn't convict him.
I hope the family has the financial means to go forward with a civil suit.

 

[hockeymom]

Has this guy been in trouble in the ensuing 27 years? Someone this depraved had to have commited more crimes than this. Maybe there will be no justice for your Barbara,but I pray he will get his in some other way.

 

[gaia227]

I can't believe it. When I heard Foster had been arrested and was going to stand trial I thought that's it, he is going to finally pay for what he did because there is no way a jury could acquit. I am shocked. The jurors could have atleast said they were hung so he could be re-tried.
I'm so sorry, Patty. Even if Foster was acquited it was your investigation and tenacity which set the wheels in motion and allowed for the truth to come out and at least Foster was publicly accused of this crime and almost everyone who has heard the story believes he is guilty. His life is not going to be very easy from here on out.
I know that is no consulation. I wish you and your family strength. I cannot even imagine how incredibly frustrating this is for you.

 

[justice4barbara]

St. Paul faces bias suit after man's acquittal in 1981 death

Foster says his race caused police department suspension
By Emily Gurnon
egurnon@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 11/24/2009 01:05:26 AM CST

Aaron Foster Sr., the former St. Paul Police Department employee acquitted in the 1981 death of his girlfriend, Barbara Winn, has sued the city. Foster, 57, who is black, alleges he was treated unfairly because of his race. The department first placed him on unpaid leave when he was charged with murder in 2007 and did not reinstate him after his 2008 acquittal.

http://www.twincities.com/ci_13855231?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com

Man acquitted of 1981 murder sues St. Paul over job loss

Alleging racial discrimination, he says he was suspended without pay and the city didn't reinstate him.
By PAT PHEIFER, Star Tribune
Last update: November 19, 2009 - 9:12 PM

Aaron W. Foster Sr., who was acquitted in July 2008 in the 1981 death of his girlfriend, Barbara (Bobbi) Winn, has sued the city of St. Paul for racial discrimination.

http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/70586672.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU

 

[justice4barbara]

We are going to sue Foster for wrongful death! It is bad enough that Foster got away with murder. Now, he wants to get paid for the trouble it has caused him?

 

[believe09]

We are going to sue Foster for wrongful death! It is bad enough that Foster got away with murder. Now, he wants to get paid for the trouble it has caused him?

I am willing to believe that a suit from you will stop this one in its tracks-you can make his life a living hell by freezing any settlement money he may receive from the city. I encourage your attorney to be talking to the city attorneys about not paying him anything too quickly...

 

[justice4barbara]

Just thought I'd post an update on Aaron Foster. Foster petitioned the court to have his murder charge and trial expunged from his criminal history and from the executive records. We attended the hearing and brought a brilliant lawyer with us, to oppose expunging the case. We won! Here are links to the news stories:

"
Judge won't expunge Aaron Foster's criminal record despite acquittal in girlfriend Barbara Winn's 1981 murder"

http://www.twincities.com/ci_18234878?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com

"Records kept open in 1981 shooting"


http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/123508244.html

 

[Jacie Estes]

Just thought I'd post an update on Aaron Foster. Foster petitioned the court to have his murder charge and trial expunged from his criminal history and from the executive records. We attended the hearing and brought a brilliant lawyer with us, to oppose expunging the case. We won! Here are links to the news stories:

"
Judge won't expunge Aaron Foster's criminal record despite acquittal in girlfriend Barbara Winn's 1981 murder"

http://www.twincities.com/ci_18234878?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com

"Records kept open in 1981 shooting"


http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/123508244.html

As a DV survivor I want to thank you for standing your ground. In DV situations there is sometimes Justice Denied but there is always Karma. I'm happy for you that you were able to have this one victory, I will remember your Sis when I say prayers and will offer tobacco and sage for her. I am so sorry for your loss; for you and her children.

 

[justice4barbara]

I have been posting about Barbara's murder on this forum for at least five years. So, I want to give those who are familiar with the case an update on the case. Below are links to the latest news on Barbara's murder. I am happy to say that Justice has finally been served to Aaron Foster for murdering Bobbi (Barbara) almost 31 years ago!

God bless,
Patty

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/...ly-gets-6m-judgment-after-30-years-feb-1-2012

http://www.startribune.com/local/east/138507619.html

http://www.twincities.com/stpaul/ci_19868242

 

[Ausgirl]

That is really awesome news!

Reading the first few posts here made me shiver - how a man like Aaron can prosper under the wing of authority while women suffer his abuse...

High five to all concerned, and may Bobbi rest in peace, knowing she got justice.