AL AL - J.B. Beasley, 17, & Tracie Hawlett, 17, Ozark, 31 July 1999 #3

[ThinBlueLine]

With respects; Ms. Merritt, after AMW had aired, she was personally visited in her residence on more than one occasion obtaining vivid detailed information about that night's event. So troubling her interview appearance on AMW being in conflict with factual reports, did not telephone, send a e-mail letter, or messenger; but herself drove down to the police station only like others to leave ignored. The outside security video would maybe reveal conversation where hand gestures made in giving directions.
A citizen thinking he was doing the right thing by reporting what he knew about a truck being repaint overnight in a shop never before open on such hours/weekends; when attempted to file information, was made so fearful, was caused to leave the town down there. Yes, there are others, people lived in fear.

But, what about Mr. Barrentine, remember if correct, he had gone to the store for milk, which store and should he not also be on security tape; and also, how he was so descriptive in identifying Ms. Beasley's and Ms. Hawlett's clothing; possible while exiting store saw and identified truck's driver and stopped to speak when girls drove and got out giving him the chance to witness them, maybe by chance to speak with since the driver may well have been there to meet them from Ms. Hawlett's call. Later Mrs. Barrentine would tell police about him mentioning something about a black truck , maybe a ruse substitution for the actual white, or not. Maybe Mr. Barrentine knowing driver left with others. An outside security camera would reveal a tremendous amount of new physical information.

And, here-again, what about Headland store's outside security camera, how many Tumbleton boys, what type of truck, and most importantly, how and who exactly identified these Tumbleton boys by name and address to have been claimed to have been officially interviewed; when airing "Haunting Evidence" there was never any mentioning of Ms. Hawlett's call, leaving the "Haunting Evidence" investigator and viewing audience to believe was only that one from Ms. Beasley, why? Never been publicly revealed how and when, the Midland City boys were contacted and first arrangements made for the Shall station meeting, why? There has never been revealed Ms. Hawlett's telephone records, or Ms. Beasley's; obviously since both lived in Midland City/Pinkard area they woud not be going to school with them; so by whom, and how and when were arrangements made for the Shell Station meeting?

Remember, the Matthews Avenue after midnight hour witness who watched two fast traveling bumper to bumper dark colored vehicles, first one confidant was a late model foreign car northbound towards Herring Avenue; him too, fearful to report after hearing about how others treated when tried.

 

[ThinBlueLine]

I am not trying to argue or attack any posters, but I am more inclined to discuss facts that can be c0rroborated. I try to always say, where any information I am posting has come from. This is not a rule, and I'm not against theories, but things should not be stated as fact without a source in MOO. For example, for the sake of discussion:

1) phone call from Headland gas station pay phone by Tracie Hawlett pinged a Skipperville cell tower - where does this information come from? Does it come from more than 1 source? If the police had the call record of the pay phone, how did they know which number Tracie dialed? If the call is from a pay phone, which does not ping cell towers, then the recipient had to have been on a cell phone in order for there to be a cell tower ping, how did the police know which calls from the pay phone were cell numbers and which tower they pinged? They would have to have gotten records from every carrier in the area at that time and matched them back to the pay phone records. I'm not saying it would be impossible, but it would have been a needle in a haystack.

2) The recipient of the Headland pay phone call was an occupant of the white truck, which was later on video at the Big/Little in Ozark - where does this information come from? Does it come from more than 1 source?

JB's family has confirmed that JB had a cell phone, one that was independant from the car, I believe. It did not seem to me, like a car phone that was installed in the car. I could be wrong about this, but someone correct me on this, if they know. Regardless, Jacqui and the family confirmed that JB was out of minutes, which would make sense, because it was the last day of the month. Also, family and friends have offered that at the time in 1999, cell service was spotty in the rural areas, once you left a city like Dothan or Ozark.

SavageMarkIII: Questions 1 & 2, LE

TJtennispro - "Do we know for a fact that a field party that night even existed? Sounds like this map was given to the girls so the offenders that evening would know their location. "

There were 2 known Field Parties that night:

1) The Haleburg Field Party - this was the party that was partially for JB's Birthday. Whomever was throwing the party, handed out handwritten/drawn maps (it was posted in the old deleted Thread #3, can't remember poster's screenname) JB's friend from Dance School, Jana, was involved in this party someway, I do not know, if it was at her families' property or on property near where Jana lived. But this party has been confirmed by people who did attend and Jana.

2) The Skipperville Field Party - On an episode of the podcast "Fear Based Life", the producer/director of "Shined Rabbit", Victoria Silver stated that after leaving Headland, JB and Tracie stopped at a Field Party in or near Skipperville, I have never seen detailed description of where this party was exactly. Everyone commonly refers to it as the Skipperville field party. VS stated that Ozark Police had confirmed this party and spoke to people, who attended and confirmed that JB and Tracie were there. The same poster, who posted the handwritten Haleburg Party map, also stated that Ozark Police had spoken to people who attended the Skipperville Party and confirmed that JB and Tracie were there. Both VS and the poster said the people who attended said JB and Tracie were there only a short time.

SavageMarkIII: Question 2, what about the Friday night before when witnessed a judiciary's relative?

 

[SavageMarkIII]

SavageMarkIII: Questions 1 & 2, LE


SavageMarkIII: Question 2, what about the Friday night before when witnessed a judiciary's relative?

If both of these are in the public domain then post the links to the newspaper articles or state the source, such as a podcast which is publicly available, or publicly available police report, etc.

 

[LR1]

This was the reporting on wiregrass in Aug-2000 of what Merrit had to say on AMW,

"Merritt and her daughter gave directions to J.B. and Tracie at the Big Little store. They added that after they gave the girls the direction, they left the store heading west toward downtown Ozark and the direction to 231, and the girls left right behind them. The women didn't notice what happened to the girls after they left the store. The white truck that was parked at the gas pumps at the Big Little store, left the parking lot before the girls did."

 

[ThinBlueLine]

This was the reporting on wiregrass in Aug-2000 of what Merrit had to say on AMW,

"Merritt and her daughter gave directions to J.B. and Tracie at the Big Little store. They added that after they gave the girls the direction, they left the store heading west toward downtown Ozark and the direction to 231, and the girls left right behind them. The women didn't notice what happened to the girls after they left the store. The white truck that was parked at the gas pumps at the Big Little store, left the parking lot before the girls did."

View attachment 152899

LR1: Good researching, can you explain what form of reporting "wiregrass" is or was; purpose for asking, the comments are not written in first person as if it was Ms. Merritt having said, I, we, they; but rather in third person from an, or to be interpreted as another's conclusion; nevertheless, the general content is on point, with exception of not noticing to what happened to the girls after driving our of parking lot, Ms. Merritt was adamant about the safety of the girls, that they follow her, keeping their headlights in her rearview mirror until losing sight at hump downtown red light approach. Noticeably missing from this information the original articulation that the girls were lost, which she said, they never said they were. Does this article have the reporter's name? Again, thanks for your interest.

And furthermore gives cause to reflect on SavageMarkIII's post, response request; "The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit." Moliere. For awhile the timeline has been, should continue to be the focus'; not to lose foresights the significance timeline's inclusive evidentiary tentacles. Just posted, "...the producer/director of "Shined Rabbit" Victoria Silver stated that, after leaving Headland JB and Tracie stopped at a Field Party in or near Skipperville......" "VS stated that OZARK POLICE HAD CONFIRMED THIS PARTY AND SPOKE TO PEOPLE, WHO

AT​

TENDED AND CONFIRMED THAT JB AND TRACIE WERE THERE."

"The same poster who posted the handwritten Haleburg Party Map also stated the the Ozark Police had spoken to people who attended the Skipperville Party." Both VS and the poster said the people who attended said JB and Tracie was there only for a short time."

SavageMarkIII's post has revealed what has been believed, but now documented; that the timeline clearly shows the girls were never lost; therefore all official statements and subsequent media reporting beginning with local Ozark Star, Montgomery Advertiser, WSFA Television, and Mobile Press-Register and specifically Fox News' America's Most Wanted repeatedly knowingly or not mislead their readers and/or viewers. Likewise Haunting Evidence, Court TV, and media reaching Las Vegas, New York, Washington, and California. LOST, was never the facts! Thanks SavageMarkIII, May this post survive not being erased and/or edited as so many others before. "The truth which makes men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear." Herbert Sebastian Agar.

 

[ThinBlueLine]

This was the reporting on wiregrass in Aug-2000 of what Merrit had to say on AMW,

"Merritt and her daughter gave directions to J.B. and Tracie at the Big Little store. They added that after they gave the girls the direction, they left the store heading west toward downtown Ozark and the direction to 231, and the girls left right behind them. The women didn't notice what happened to the girls after they left the store. The white truck that was parked at the gas pumps at the Big Little store, left the parking lot before the girls did."

View attachment 152899

LR1: Thumbs Up great researching, one can only wonder what was shown from night of July 31, 1999, just like pay phone records, was there more that the one to home? "Oh, what tangled webs we weave when first we try to deceive." These have been very informative and inspiring post, have pride in yourself, for the difference you have made. Thanks.

 

[ThinBlueLine]

LR1: Thumbs Up great researching, one can only wonder what was shown from night of July 31, 1999, just like pay phone records, was there more that the one to home? "Oh, what tangled webs we weave when first we try to deceive." These have been very informative and inspiring post, have pride in yourself, for the difference you have made. Thanks.

In response to your post #624, you'll notice maybe, or not the numerous lines drawn through many sentences, or may just be able to read top portion of #625 response, check and advise.

 

[LR1]

LR1: Good researching, can you explain what form of reporting "wiregrass" is or was; purpose for asking, the comments are not written in first person as if it was Ms. Merritt having said, I, we, they; but rather in third person from an, or to be interpreted as another's conclusion; nevertheless, the general content is on point, with exception of not noticing to what happened to the girls after driving our of parking lot, Ms. Merritt was adamant about the safety of the girls, that they follow her, keeping their headlights in her rearview mirror until losing sight at hump downtown red light approach. Noticeably missing from this information the original articulation that the girls were lost, which she said, they never said they were. Does this article have the reporter's name? Again, thanks for your interest.

Wiregrass.com was the local community website that covered the wiregrass area and established in 98 if not mistaken. I'm sure you are familiar with it. There would be no link to a report on this particular write-up as it sounds as if webmaster was simply giving his impression after watching AMW. The site did however cite the local media's reporting when posting updates about these crimes.

The original articulation about being lost wouldn't have come from merritt anyway would it? Seems like they'd have got this from Mrs. Roberts which she states is what Traci told her.

I have no idea why the lines are showing in your post, likely a technical problem on your end. the posts are still legible.

Here's a random shot from February 27, 2000
Ozark Alabama News February 27, 2000

 

[LR1]

And yes TBL I don't know why they failed to release the skipperville party info if indeed they were seen there. That has trickled out over so many years now. Same with the call records if indeed there was contact from payphone. I wouldn't expect there to be another camera or angle at that store than what we see from the truck pic. You take all these discrepancies, along with the incompetence shown by opd and of course throw in Barrentine and I still don't necessarily think it adds up to complicity of rogue and other high ranking officials. I don't see any ones freedom or reputation or life even, worth more than justice for these two lives taken.

 

[ThinBlueLine]

And yes TBL I don't know why they failed to release the skipperville party info if indeed they were seen there. That has trickled out over so many years now. Same with the call records if indeed there was contact from payphone. I wouldn't expect there to be another camera or angle at that store than what we see from the truck pic. You take all these discrepancies, along with the incompetence shown by opd and of course throw in Barrentine and I still don't necessarily think it adds up to complicity of rogue and other high ranking officials. I don't see any ones freedom or reputation or life even, worth more than justice for these two lives taken.

LR1: Your color photo of store has a lot of clarity; maybe you are overlooking the exterior security camera [at time of this photo] located over part of sign LITTLE. which from time to time are reset in alternating positions, for security purposes. The adding has not been completed yet. If a picture is worth a 1000 words, a document's worth is unmeasurable in such tragedies as these. Thanks LR1.

 

[TJtennispro]

I’m just trying to help. I drove down to the beach last week and drove through Dothan. I’ve only learned about this case in the past few months and I’ve read a lot. I’ve also spoken to a few people that have vast knowledge of the case.,

I’ll refrain from posting from now on since it looks like I could be confusing some people. I’m just repeating things I was told. Sorry.

I believe he is here to help some fresh eyes gather the details.


Maybe we can lay out the events captured on camera.


The phone Skipperville tower ping from Headland which Ms. Hawlett made involved the occupants of the white truck, already at the store waiting for them. This truck was also noticed by Ms. Merritt upon arrival.


The investigators claim that truck left for Delaware. If it didn’t leave town but was painted yellow the next day. Who would that make the driver be?


The girls, Ms Merritt and the white truck followed each out in succession in turning right towards downtown.


The AMW statement Ms Merritt wanted corrected wasn’t the fact that the girls needed directions from Ozark to Dothan. They wanted to get home as quickly as possible. I believe the girls confided in Ms Merritt that they felt they were in danger.


Do we know for a fact that a field party that night even existed? Sounds like this map was given to the girls so the offenders that evening would know their location.



The tape from inside the store doesn’t provide all the of information but I suspect that if a tape existed from the outside it would show a boy/man with tattoos entering the backseat of the girls car.


Ms Merritt was in the process of escorting the girls home when she lost site of them in her review mirror.


If anyone has the autopsy reports then if it’s true that JB had a tattoo then these boys she could have met at the tattoo parlor near Andrews Avenue (GLPP) and Montgomery Highway.









I believe he is here to help some fresh eyes gather the details.

Maybe we can lay out the events captured on camera that evening.

TH phone call pinged off the Headland Tower, if this event paralleled the security cameras then that must mean the cell phone call was intended for the white truck waiting at the B/L.

Does this mean that the girls were intentionally meeting the boys in the White Truck? A planned meeting.

The investigators claim that truck left town. If it didn’t leave town but was painted yellow the next day. Who would that make the driver be?

 

[ThinBlueLine]

I’m just trying to help. I drove down to the beach last week and drove through Dothan. I’ve only learned about this case in the past few months and I’ve read a lot. I’ve also spoken to a few people that have vast knowledge of the case.,

I’ll refrain from posting from now on since it looks like I could be confusing some people. I’m just repeating things I was told. Sorry.

TJtennispro: Negative! Your outward personal contributions far outweigh concerns for confusing others, obviously after nineteen years case unresolved; ["I've only learned about this case in past few months...." "......... I could be confusing some people."] for years confusions have ran rapid; so, No! TJ, do not be a quitter after having once started; Ms. Beasley and Ms. Hawlett are more than deserving of all concerns, regardless of where originated. Refer to your inbox.

 

[Bulldog23]

TJtennispro, I think you should keep posting. Your contributions are welcome. The problem with this case is that in the absence of information, rumor grows. We are all just trying to separate the facts from the rumors. Please consider sticking around and posting when you have an interesting observation or question.

 

[cherrymeg]

I’m just trying to help. I drove down to the beach last week and drove through Dothan. I’ve only learned about this case in the past few months and I’ve read a lot. I’ve also spoken to a few people that have vast knowledge of the case.,

I’ll refrain from posting from now on since it looks like I could be confusing some people. I’m just repeating things I was told. Sorry.

Keep posting

 

[cherrymeg]

With the exception of the "Rachel's Impressions" section, that is the same post that DimeDetective posted here years ago. I didn't go back and look, but I believe it is on page 1 of the 1st thread. A few words have been changed around, but otherwise it is the same.

It never hurts to have refresher info on a case.

 

[LR1]

LR1: Your color photo of store has a lot of clarity; maybe you are overlooking the exterior security camera [at time of this photo] located over part of sign LITTLE. which from time to time are reset in alternating positions, for security purposes. The adding has not been completed yet. If a picture is worth a 1000 words, a document's worth is unmeasurable in such tragedies as these. Thanks LR1.

I did notice that object but thought it was something on top of the building, upon closer inspection it does look like a camera.

 

[ThinBlueLine]

LR1: Thanks for follow up. The Southeast Sun-Enterprise, Thursday, August 3, 2000, 12:00 a.m. By Sara Gilbert.
"....on the videotape, a small to medium sized pick up truck, believed to be an older model, IS SEEN PULLING UP TO THE FUEL PUMPS. No one exits the vehicle, and a couple of minutes later the truck IS SEEN PULLING AWAY, JUST MINUTES BEFORE BEASLEY'S MAZDA IS SEEN LEAVING."

The Southeast Sun Thursday December 9, 1999 12:00 a.m. By Kay Kirkland.
Barrentine. "According to A.B.I. Huggins, Barrentine was able to describe the girl's clothing and other items consistent with the girls and the crime." "...shot to death by an acquaintance of his who had tattoos all over his arms." "He {Barrentine} gave Spivey a name and was told that police had already CHECKED OUT THE RUMOR and the man Barrentine named was not a suspect {DID HIS DNA TEST CLEAR HIM FROM THIS RUMOR, OR HOW ELSE?}."

LR1, FYI, now cross reference commonly known of truck photo from interior store's video security tape, please. Just liken to omission of Headland payphone call, Skipperville field party interviews, now exterior Big Little security videotape...…………… Still lingering who identified and how to contact the Tumbleton boys, and who, when first, and how made contact with Dale County boys to meet at the Midland City Shell. Playing "Devil's Advocate", supposedly in good faith beliefs Ms. Merritt may have thought the headlights driving out behind her were those of Ms. Beasley.

Remember the outside tape reveals in succession; Ms. Merritt, the white truck, and Ms. Beasley; when you begin taking into consideration what Ms. Merritt remembered in immediate aftermath; prompted only revealing interior store's photo seen today, then subsequently following AMW's no doubt was upset when being rejected an opportunity to have her police reports corrected. LOGICAL OCCUPANTS OF TRUCK DIDN'T GET OUT, PROBABLY ALL KNOWING OF EXERIOR SECURITY CAMERA----------------

 

[ThinBlueLine]

LR1: Thanks for follow up. The Southeast Sun-Enterprise, Thursday, August 3, 2000, 12:00 a.m. By Sara Gilbert.
"....on the videotape, a small to medium sized pick up truck, believed to be an older model, IS SEEN PULLING UP TO THE FUEL PUMPS. No one exits the vehicle, and a couple of minutes later the truck IS SEEN PULLING AWAY, JUST MINUTES BEFORE BEASLEY'S MAZDA IS SEEN LEAVING."

The Southeast Sun Thursday December 9, 1999 12:00 a.m. By Kay Kirkland.
Barrentine. "According to A.B.I. Huggins, Barrentine was able to describe the girl's clothing and other items consistent with the girls and the crime." "...shot to death by an acquaintance of his who had tattoos all over his arms." "He {Barrentine} gave Spivey a name and was told that police had already CHECKED OUT THE RUMOR and the man Barrentine named was not a suspect {DID HIS DNA TEST CLEAR HIM FROM THIS RUMOR, OR HOW ELSE?}."

LR1, FYI, now cross reference commonly known of truck photo from interior store's video security tape, please. Just liken to omission of Headland payphone call, Skipperville field party interviews, now exterior Big Little security videotape...…………… Still lingering who identified and how to contact the Tumbleton boys, and who, when first, and how made contact with Dale County boys to meet at the Midland City Shell. Playing "Devil's Advocate", supposedly in good faith beliefs Ms. Merritt may have thought the headlights driving out behind her were those of Ms. Beasley.

Remember the outside tape reveals in succession; Ms. Merritt, the white truck, and Ms. Beasley; when you begin taking into consideration what Ms. Merritt remembered in immediate aftermath; prompted only revealing interior store's photo seen today, then subsequently following AMW's no doubt was upset when being rejected an opportunity to have her police reports corrected. LOGICAL OCCUPANTS OF TRUCK DIDN'T GET OUT, PROBABLY ALL KNOWING OF EXERIOR SECURITY CAMERA----------------

Not commented on within news article, but obviously would have seen Ms. Merritt driving into and out of parking lot, as well Ms. Beasley driving into [from which direction]; and also, Barrentine's entry and exit onto premises, as it appears that all have by happenstance cross paths around about the 11:30 P.M. hour 07-31-99; so for what purpose served to have for years let public believe only available interior security photo?

Brawner vs. City of Richardson 855 F.2d 187 (5th U.S. Circuit 1988) "The disclosure of misbehavior by public officials is a matter of public interest and is protected by the constitution, especially when it concerns the operation of the police department."

 

[LR1]

TBL

You haven't clarified Merritt's discrepancy other than saying her recollection was JB wanted to know how to get to 231 NOT that they were lost. Do we know if AMW contributed the lost quote to MM? Also to point out, they wouldn't have an investigator travel to Hollywood and hold their hand during the editing process. In other words, they've been known to get details wrong. See the BTK case.

Barrentine's tip about the name came days before he was brought in and started describing the tattoo'd man. He didn't name the tattoo'd man. Those are two different people, one likely imaginary. As far as how they cleared the first tip he gave perhaps he had a solid alibi like being out of town. BTW, you are wearing pants and a shirt right now. How accurate was my description of your clothing? Unfortunately that's all it would take for one who has come to a conclusion before knowing the facts.

If there was an outside camera the leap cannot be made as to it's operability or whether or it caught anything helpfull. Also a possibility tape got erased before knowing the store was associated with a crime. Is it safe to say it didn't catch the truck or else there would have been a more accurate discription?

Not completely following first part of last paragraph. Awaiting clarification.

 

[ThinBlueLine]

TBL

You haven't clarified Merritt's discrepancy other than saying her recollection was JB wanted to know how to get to 231 NOT that they were lost. Do we know if AMW contributed the lost quote to MM? Also to point out, they wouldn't have an investigator travel to Hollywood and hold their hand during the editing process. In other words, they've been known to get details wrong. See the BTK case.

Barrentine's tip about the name came days before he was brought in and started describing the tattoo'd man. He didn't name the tattoo'd man. Those are two different people, one likely imaginary. As far as how they cleared the first tip he gave perhaps he had a solid alibi like being out of town. BTW, you are wearing pants and a shirt right now. How accurate was my description of your clothing? Unfortunately that's all it would take for one who has come to a conclusion before knowing the facts.

If there was an outside camera the leap cannot be made as to it's operability or whether or it caught anything helpfull. Also a possibility tape got erased before knowing the store was associated with a crime. Is it safe to say it didn't catch the truck or else there would have been a more accurate discription?

Not completely following first part of last paragraph. Awaiting clarification.

Ms. Merritt never stated "231", but rather, "from there which is the quickest way back to Dothan". Ref back to Headland when Ms. Beasley asked classmate at store about Midland City, "from there which is the quickest way...…"
AMW never knew about the error until was made aware by local couple or three years later which lead up to one of the parents being interviewed by Fox News Ms. Kimberly Gilfold; after having a limo been sent up from Mobile, Ala to residence for traveling to a location down there in Montgomery; in the interim several hours were invested in confirming the first airing had not met the program's standards and were in planning stages to return; the afternoon of day before flight next morning, their trip abruptly cancelled, all their individual incoming calls went to answering machines, after awhile was found out two had left AMW, and any efforts to call in about case, nobody could locate girl's AMW file. Eventually AMW, for whatever reasons discontinued programming.

How is known that he didn't name the "tattooed man"? "PERHAPS" is not facts, right? DNA test cleared?

"LR1, If there was an outside an outside camera the leap cannot be made...…." The Southeast Sun August 3, 2000 12:00 a.m. "..on the videotape...…..believed...…..is seen pulling out...…. etc, etc."

LR1: If this newspaper article is sworn unto to be proven original, factually authenticated by its editor and/or owner; and thereafter the police department encourages the promoting and publishing and airing of FULL video/audio tape[applicable] including date and timer, before the public; since criminal case, remaining open, all evidences had to be logged in and remaining legally accounted for! We are prepared to make a gentleman's wager with you LR1, that this same video in its original state does reveal a significant lot more than quote; and will upon satisfactory arrangements agree upon, to place in escrow in neutral location down there in the amount of $500.00 [that tape reveals a lot more] vs. your $500.00 [that tape doesn't reveal] ; to be beforehand decided, for predetermining which charity to donate the total of $1,000.00.