by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/31/09
Many questions remained unanswered Monday evening after the smell of a decaying body led police to what they have coined a "suspicious death" in a south Cape Coral home.
A neighbor smelled the rotten scent and contacted police, who discovered a body inside an apartment at 4921 Coronado Parkway at about 7:56 a.m., according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
The individual's identity and the manner in which he or she died had not been released Monday night as the Cape Coral Police Department's investigation into the death continues.
As forensic technicians, detectives and medical examiners shuffled in and out of the yellow-taped crime scene Monday afternoon, the scent of decay wafting through the air , the surrounding neighborhood seemed juxtaposed. Residents rode bikes, walked their children and pets, and spoke of the peaceful nature of their neighborhood.
"It's been pretty quiet," said 8-year area resident John Daly as he watched the commotion. "There's a lot of empty houses around here. It's kind of surprising; there's not too much crime that I know of."
"It's a quiet neighborhood," said another resident, who requested not to be identified by name. "I have no qualms."
The resident said he has heard loud music at times, but nothing out of the ordinary.
"That's just a normal thing in any neighborhood," he said.
Neighbor Brandon Thornburg said he knew of a resident, named "Ginny," of another apartment in the complex where the body was found.
"She told me that yesterday there was an odd smell and that this morning the smell got worse," he said.
Before Thornburg could get any details from her, Ginny told him that she was speaking with Cape police and could not talk.
"It's weird," Thornburg said. "You come home and there's police tape all over the place."
According to previous police documents, an individual by the name of Ginny Lee lived in the complex as of May.
Attempts to contact Lee were unsuccessful Monday evening.
In June, a death occurred in the same complex, according to police documents.
Barron said the 2008 death was caused by a drug overdose.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Warrant issued in slaying of Cape man in Key West
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 03/28/09
Monroe County detectives have issued a warrant for the arrest of Kirstena Whitmore, 40, in the beating death of a Cape Coral man aboard his boat in Key West last month.
Whitmore faces charges of accessory after the fact to murder and grand theft auto in the brutal slaying of Richard Gardner Feb. 10, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.
Whitmore's boyfriend, 32-year-old Jonathan LeBaron, has been charged with capital first-degree murder in Gardner's death.
Police caught up with the couple, who allegedly murdered Gardner and fled in his Mercury Marquis with several of his belongings, in a motel in Utah Feb. 22.
Whitmore and LeBaron remain in custody in the Salt Lake City area, Monroe County officials said.
Whitmore and LeBaron both have extradition warrants for their return to Florida to face the charges against them. LeBaron is reportedly fighting the return order although a Governor's warrant for his extradition was recently obtained, officials said.
Whitmore reportedly told detectives she had met Gardner through a Craig's List internet posting, and that Gardner had agreed to let her stay on his boat. When Gardner arrived the night of Feb. 10 to let Whitmore into the boat, LeBaron was waiting inside, she said.
Though Whitmore said she didn't actually see Gardner killed, she heard "bones crunching" and "sounds of a struggle" as she was physically pushed to the ground under the weight of Gardner's body, according to police documents.
Evidence collected at the scene of the slaying includes latent fingerprints found at various locations throughout Gardner's boat, the Flo To Me, a table cushion, fingerprints with blood from the area where Gardner's body was found and items "consistent with the collection of DNA evidence," according to LeBaron's arrest warrant.
Additionally, LeBaron threw a switchblade, a mallet and Gardner's cell phone from a bridge on Highway 1 as they fled from the scene, Whitmore told police.
Police have not said if those items are believed to be related to Gardner's death.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 03/28/09
Monroe County detectives have issued a warrant for the arrest of Kirstena Whitmore, 40, in the beating death of a Cape Coral man aboard his boat in Key West last month.
Whitmore faces charges of accessory after the fact to murder and grand theft auto in the brutal slaying of Richard Gardner Feb. 10, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.
Whitmore's boyfriend, 32-year-old Jonathan LeBaron, has been charged with capital first-degree murder in Gardner's death.
Police caught up with the couple, who allegedly murdered Gardner and fled in his Mercury Marquis with several of his belongings, in a motel in Utah Feb. 22.
Whitmore and LeBaron remain in custody in the Salt Lake City area, Monroe County officials said.
Whitmore and LeBaron both have extradition warrants for their return to Florida to face the charges against them. LeBaron is reportedly fighting the return order although a Governor's warrant for his extradition was recently obtained, officials said.
Whitmore reportedly told detectives she had met Gardner through a Craig's List internet posting, and that Gardner had agreed to let her stay on his boat. When Gardner arrived the night of Feb. 10 to let Whitmore into the boat, LeBaron was waiting inside, she said.
Though Whitmore said she didn't actually see Gardner killed, she heard "bones crunching" and "sounds of a struggle" as she was physically pushed to the ground under the weight of Gardner's body, according to police documents.
Evidence collected at the scene of the slaying includes latent fingerprints found at various locations throughout Gardner's boat, the Flo To Me, a table cushion, fingerprints with blood from the area where Gardner's body was found and items "consistent with the collection of DNA evidence," according to LeBaron's arrest warrant.
Additionally, LeBaron threw a switchblade, a mallet and Gardner's cell phone from a bridge on Highway 1 as they fled from the scene, Whitmore told police.
Police have not said if those items are believed to be related to Gardner's death.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Grass fire threatens Cape homes; Residents: Man helped by hosing yards with water
Firefighters extinguished a one-acre grass fire in north Cape Coral near Northwest 14th Avenue and Kismet Parkway Thursday. The fire threatened several homes but caused no damage, and no one was injured. *Photograph copyright to the Cape Coral Daily Breeze
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/27/09
A grass fire burned so close to several north Cape Coral homes Thursday afternoon, an unknown hero was compelled to jump the backyard fences and spray the yards with a garden hose.
The man, who residents knew only as "Brad," helped keep the homes safe until firefighters arrived to put out the acrewide blaze near Northwest 14th Avenue and Kismet Parkway.
"That (fire) was just raring," said Jerry Martin, whose house along with neighbor Steve Zerkel was surrounded by the smoldering black remnants of the fire. "I never saw that guy before, but man am I glad I saw him today. He's a hero. He saved my house."
Martin, Zerkel and John Mellor, who lives across the street on Northwest 24th Terrace, said they did not know Brad other than that he drove a maroon-colored Mustang and lives nearby, but they are grateful for his efforts.
The fire broke out at about 11:44 a.m., and Cape firefighters had extinguished the fire by 12:01 p.m., said city spokesperson Connie Barron.
Several trees ignited in the blaze but no homes were damaged, aside from lawns being somewhat blackened from the fire. No one was injured, Barron said.
Zerkel was driving home when he saw police cars along Kismet.
"I thought it was an accident or something," he said.
But as Zerkel approached he realized it was a much different scenario.
"I was hoping my house wasn't on fire," he said.
Zerkel's house was spared in the blaze along with his neighbors' homes.
"It came right up to the air conditioner," Zerkel said, pointing to the side of the house.
Fire officials had not yet determined the cause of the fire Thursday evening.
Mellor expressed concern that the fire, along with several others in the area in recent weeks, may have been sparked by drivers throwing burning cigarettes from their vehicles.
"We just have to all be very diligent about what's going on," he said. "It doesn't take long (for a fire to spread) as dry as it is."
Various fires, medical calls keep department — and chief — busy
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/27/09
A brush fire in north Cape Coral, two kitchen fires and several medical calls left the Cape Coral Fire Department overburdened and in need of help from neighboring agencies Thursday afternoon.
A one-acre grass fire which threatened several homes at about 11:44 a.m. was extinguished by seven fire units, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
Meanwhile two morning, kitchen fires broke out, one in the 1000 block of Northwest Juanita Place at 10:07 a.m. and another in the 3800 block of Southwest Third Avenue at 12:29 p.m., though both were put out and no one was hurt, Barron said.
The fire on Southwest Third Avenue caused heavy smoke damage to the kitchen area of the house when residents left the home while cooking to go to the store, she said.
Barron said due to the fact fire units were tied up with those incidents and also with several medical calls, the department requested mutual aid from Iona McGregor Fire Department to cover Fire Station 1 in the Cape.
A request for the North Fort Myers Fire Department to help at Fire Station 5 was subsequently canceled, she said.
"The chief (Fire Chief Bill Van Helden) had to go on a medical call since all the units were tied up," Barron said.
Van Helden responded to a call of a heart attack.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/27/09
A brush fire in north Cape Coral, two kitchen fires and several medical calls left the Cape Coral Fire Department overburdened and in need of help from neighboring agencies Thursday afternoon.
A one-acre grass fire which threatened several homes at about 11:44 a.m. was extinguished by seven fire units, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
Meanwhile two morning, kitchen fires broke out, one in the 1000 block of Northwest Juanita Place at 10:07 a.m. and another in the 3800 block of Southwest Third Avenue at 12:29 p.m., though both were put out and no one was hurt, Barron said.
The fire on Southwest Third Avenue caused heavy smoke damage to the kitchen area of the house when residents left the home while cooking to go to the store, she said.
Barron said due to the fact fire units were tied up with those incidents and also with several medical calls, the department requested mutual aid from Iona McGregor Fire Department to cover Fire Station 1 in the Cape.
A request for the North Fort Myers Fire Department to help at Fire Station 5 was subsequently canceled, she said.
"The chief (Fire Chief Bill Van Helden) had to go on a medical call since all the units were tied up," Barron said.
Van Helden responded to a call of a heart attack.
911 caller charged with lying about armed robbery in Cape; Police: He made up story
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/27/09
A North Fort Myers man's fake 911 call left Cape Coral police, Lee County sheriff's deputies and K-9 and aviation units searching for an armed robber who never existed, according to police.
Michael Paul Dandurand, 42, was charged Wednesday with misusing the emergency 911 system after reportedly telling police at about 10:16 p.m. that he had been robbed at gunpoint.
Dandurand told officers he and his wife had been robbed at a homeless camp in the woods near the 2900 block of Northeast Pine Island Road, reports state. He said the man demanded money and fled east on Northeast Pine Island Road.
Dandurand described the suspect as a white male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall with dark clothing and hair.
Officers reported that after exhausting the resources of several police agencies, investigations revealed the attempted robbery and suspect did not exist.
Deputies with the Lee County Sheriff's Office said Dandurand had made various 911 hang up calls from the same phone number starting at about 9 p.m.
Dandurand changed his story of what happened several times to several different officers, reports state.
He was taken to the Lee County Jail in apparent good health early Thursday morning and released later that afternoon of his own recognizance, according to jail records.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/27/09
A North Fort Myers man's fake 911 call left Cape Coral police, Lee County sheriff's deputies and K-9 and aviation units searching for an armed robber who never existed, according to police.
Michael Paul Dandurand, 42, was charged Wednesday with misusing the emergency 911 system after reportedly telling police at about 10:16 p.m. that he had been robbed at gunpoint.
Dandurand told officers he and his wife had been robbed at a homeless camp in the woods near the 2900 block of Northeast Pine Island Road, reports state. He said the man demanded money and fled east on Northeast Pine Island Road.
Dandurand described the suspect as a white male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall with dark clothing and hair.
Officers reported that after exhausting the resources of several police agencies, investigations revealed the attempted robbery and suspect did not exist.
Deputies with the Lee County Sheriff's Office said Dandurand had made various 911 hang up calls from the same phone number starting at about 9 p.m.
Dandurand changed his story of what happened several times to several different officers, reports state.
He was taken to the Lee County Jail in apparent good health early Thursday morning and released later that afternoon of his own recognizance, according to jail records.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Early morning fire destroys home; Authorities: $200,000 in damages
An early morning house fire caused more than $200,000 in damages to a home at 1113 N.E. 10th Terrace.
*Photograph copyright to the Cape Coral Daily Breeze
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/26/09
Blackened rafters jutting like rib bones from a mostly-collapsed roof, an ash-smothered pickup truck and a "For Sale" sign are all that remained of a Cape Coral home after it was destroyed in a house fire early Wednesday morning.
The home at 1113 N.E. 10th Terrace was completely engulfed in a blaze that took firefighters more than to two hours to extinguish at about 1:34 a.m.
According to officials, no one was home at the time of the blaze and no one was injured as a result of the fire.
According to Lee County property records, the home belongs to Remigious Ssekiranda.
Ssekiranda could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but neighbors said he is a nice man who has been trying to sell the home for some time.
"He's a super nice guy," said neighbor Karen Major, who believed he had not been staying in the home recently.
Major has lived in her home for nearly five years. She said she knows Ssekiranda only as "Remi."
"When he was here he always took good care of the house," Major added.
Police documents state that the fire cost more than $200,000 in damages.
Neighbors woke Major Wednesday morning to witness the massive blaze, which caused propane tanks within the home to explode, according to fire officials.
It took 18 firefighters and six fire units to extinguish the fire, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.
"It's the biggest fire I've ever seen, that's for sure," Major said.
She said she thought the homes adjacent to the fire were unoccupied and the wind was blowing away from her home, but she was concerned for some of her fellow neighbors down the street.
"Thank goodness there was no one human who was hurt," Major said.
The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire, though that information remained unclear Wednesday.
"The fire is still under investigation and a determination has not been made at this time," said State Fire Marshal's Detective Adam Rivero.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Police: Vandals hit 12 residences using words and symbols of hate; No one charged Monday in crime
Vince Welch paints over vulgar language spray painted on the garage of a home on Northwest 15 Street. According to police, vandals defaced at least 12 Cape Coral residences between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
*Photograph copyright to the Cape Coral Daily Breeze
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/24/09
"White pride," read one north Cape Coral home in spray painted letters Monday morning.
On other nearby homes were racial slurs and symbols, such as "Hitler Was Here" and swastikas, painted on mailboxes, the sides of homes, garage doors, doorways and vehicles.
Vandals with bottles of spray paint and a message of hate and vulgarity defaced at least 12 Cape homes between Sunday evening and Monday morning, and also several vehicles including a police cruiser.
Detectives with the Cape Coral Police Department's Property Crimes Unit are investigating the vandalism, which was concentrated in the northwest part of the city.
It was unclear Monday evening whether authorities will consider the vandalism a hate crime.
The vandals hit homes on Northwest 15th Street, Northwest 16th Terrace, Northwest 14th Lane, Northwest 17th Street and Chiquita Boulevard North, said city spokesperson Connie Barron.
One resident, who requested not to be identified, told the Cape Coral Daily Breeze that a family member's vehicle had been burglarized in the past, but nothing of this nature had occurred before.
"I always thought our neighborhood was pretty peaceful," she said. "These people (vandals) need to grow up."
Another resident watched as her father painted over the crude messages on the side of her home and her garage door.
"It's going to cost money I don't have," she said. "I didn't expect someone to paint all over my house."
No one had been charged Monday with the crimes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at (800) 780-TIPS (8477).
Monday, March 23, 2009
Cape man charged in reported molestation of 6-year-old
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/21/09
A Cape Coral man is accused of molesting a 6-year-old while babysitting the child and another youth in his home last June.
Sebastio Filho Beraldo Jr., 38, was arrested on a warrant by Cape Coral detectives Thursday on felony charges of molesting a victim under 12 years old by an offender over 18 and battery of a child with bodily fluids.
He remained in the Lee County Jail Friday evening on a combined $60,000 bond.
Detective Brice Bearman issued the warrant for Beraldo's arrest in December, at the tail-end of an investigation that stemmed from allegations made to investigators with the Department of Children and Families.
The allegations came several days after the alleged incident, during which DCF investigator Hailey Tucker was told the 6-year-old was touched inappropriately.
Sally Beckett, a Child Protective Team investigator, interviewed the children in July. During the interviews, allegations were made that Beraldo had touched the victim's buttocks and genitals with his genitals, and also had urinated on the victim.
Beraldo met with detective Bearman and officer Luis Diaz in July, and denied the allegations made against him, according to Beraldo's arrest warrant.
Beraldo said he was sleeping on the floor with the victim, and that it was the victim who had urinated while sleeping, the warrant states.
Bearman executed a body warrant for DNA evidence and obtained oral swabs from Beraldo, entering them into evidence, he reported.
Bearman found probable cause to charge Beraldo and issued a warrant for his arrest, which was served Thursday at approximately 4:10 p.m.
Beraldo was taken to the Lee County Jail in apparent good health, the arrest report states.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/21/09
A Cape Coral man is accused of molesting a 6-year-old while babysitting the child and another youth in his home last June.
Sebastio Filho Beraldo Jr., 38, was arrested on a warrant by Cape Coral detectives Thursday on felony charges of molesting a victim under 12 years old by an offender over 18 and battery of a child with bodily fluids.
He remained in the Lee County Jail Friday evening on a combined $60,000 bond.
Detective Brice Bearman issued the warrant for Beraldo's arrest in December, at the tail-end of an investigation that stemmed from allegations made to investigators with the Department of Children and Families.
The allegations came several days after the alleged incident, during which DCF investigator Hailey Tucker was told the 6-year-old was touched inappropriately.
Sally Beckett, a Child Protective Team investigator, interviewed the children in July. During the interviews, allegations were made that Beraldo had touched the victim's buttocks and genitals with his genitals, and also had urinated on the victim.
Beraldo met with detective Bearman and officer Luis Diaz in July, and denied the allegations made against him, according to Beraldo's arrest warrant.
Beraldo said he was sleeping on the floor with the victim, and that it was the victim who had urinated while sleeping, the warrant states.
Bearman executed a body warrant for DNA evidence and obtained oral swabs from Beraldo, entering them into evidence, he reported.
Bearman found probable cause to charge Beraldo and issued a warrant for his arrest, which was served Thursday at approximately 4:10 p.m.
Beraldo was taken to the Lee County Jail in apparent good health, the arrest report states.
CERT to begin emergency preparedness course next week
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/21/09
Brush fire season is record dry, and right around the corner is June 1-the start of the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season. That leaves the Cape Coral Fire Department crossing its collective fingers for one thing: that residents are prepared.
One easy, free way for Cape residents to let firefighters keep their fingers free for saving lives and holding fire hoses is to become certified with the Cape Coral Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT.
CERT will hold an eight-week emergency preparedness course covering a plethora of topics beginning Wednesday, March 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The course will be held each subsequent Wednesday at that time until the course is completed, at the Cape Coral Emergency Operations Center, 1115 S.E. 9th Avenue.
"CERT will prepare residents on how to respond or react when faced with a disaster," said Mindy Blasetti, emergency management coordinator with the Cape Coral Fire Department and the program's director. "We've had tornadoes, fires and hurricanes in the city of Cape Coral that we've been faced with, so this course will teach everybody the simple rules of disaster preparedness."
Hurricanes are markedly one of the most commonly thought-of causes for disaster in Southwest Florida, but the course also teaches a variety of other topics, including basic first aid, disaster psychology, hazardous materials and others.
"We teach them not just hurricane disaster, it's any kind of disaster that we can be faced with," Blasetti said.
Even something as simple as a fire extinguisher, something most people have at least one of in their home, requires awareness to use properly, she said. The CERT course provides a hands-on fire extinguisher training.
"Everybody thinks they know how to use it, but some people have never even (operated) one," Blasetti said.
Following the course, graduates of CERT are certified with the program and also are offered a CPR training course. Following certification they can volunteer with CERT, with tasks such as working at weather shelters during hurricanes.
Local CERT members volunteered at the Island Coast High School shelter during Tropical Storm Fay, attending to about 67 residents.
Two recent graduates of the CERT program, Regina Kennell and Linda Townsend, have already agreed to volunteer if the need arises.
"There are steps that need to be taken when a shelter opens," Kennell said. "As a volunteer, they know your strengths and weaknesses. They're pretty in tune with what level you can volunteer at."
Whether those who take the CERT class volunteer afterwards, the information learned during the course is invaluable, Kennell said.
"I can't overemphasize the importance of the class, especially in this time of our society," she said. "A neighbor who's attended a CERT program can help emergency personnel when they come upon a scene. I think it gives you information that you're not aware of in everyday life."
Kennell said the course caused her to become aware of how to help in times of disaster without harming herself in the process.
"I was not aware of a lot of different ways you can put yourself in danger as a citizen helping a neighbor," she said.
The CERT course teaches residents how to facilitate the "greatest good for the greatest number of people," an ideology that stuck with Kennell after her training, she said.
Another recent CERT graduate, Townsend has been telling everyone she knows to attend the course, including her son and husband.
"I took the class out of fear, and the fear stemmed from not knowing what to do in a catastrophe," Townsend said. "The fear was because I didn't know what to do or how to handle myself. All of (the CERT course) was really good. The best part of it was knowing how to handle myself in an emergency situation, and helping other people in a situation like that."
Townsend especially enjoyed the CPR training at the end of the course, and has signed up to volunteer with CERT in the future.
"I highly recommend this to anyone," she said. "It helps with anything, even everyday life."
For more information on the calsses contact Mindy Blasetti, 573-3022 or via e-mail, mblasetti@capecoral.net
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/21/09
Brush fire season is record dry, and right around the corner is June 1-the start of the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season. That leaves the Cape Coral Fire Department crossing its collective fingers for one thing: that residents are prepared.
One easy, free way for Cape residents to let firefighters keep their fingers free for saving lives and holding fire hoses is to become certified with the Cape Coral Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT.
CERT will hold an eight-week emergency preparedness course covering a plethora of topics beginning Wednesday, March 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The course will be held each subsequent Wednesday at that time until the course is completed, at the Cape Coral Emergency Operations Center, 1115 S.E. 9th Avenue.
"CERT will prepare residents on how to respond or react when faced with a disaster," said Mindy Blasetti, emergency management coordinator with the Cape Coral Fire Department and the program's director. "We've had tornadoes, fires and hurricanes in the city of Cape Coral that we've been faced with, so this course will teach everybody the simple rules of disaster preparedness."
Hurricanes are markedly one of the most commonly thought-of causes for disaster in Southwest Florida, but the course also teaches a variety of other topics, including basic first aid, disaster psychology, hazardous materials and others.
"We teach them not just hurricane disaster, it's any kind of disaster that we can be faced with," Blasetti said.
Even something as simple as a fire extinguisher, something most people have at least one of in their home, requires awareness to use properly, she said. The CERT course provides a hands-on fire extinguisher training.
"Everybody thinks they know how to use it, but some people have never even (operated) one," Blasetti said.
Following the course, graduates of CERT are certified with the program and also are offered a CPR training course. Following certification they can volunteer with CERT, with tasks such as working at weather shelters during hurricanes.
Local CERT members volunteered at the Island Coast High School shelter during Tropical Storm Fay, attending to about 67 residents.
Two recent graduates of the CERT program, Regina Kennell and Linda Townsend, have already agreed to volunteer if the need arises.
"There are steps that need to be taken when a shelter opens," Kennell said. "As a volunteer, they know your strengths and weaknesses. They're pretty in tune with what level you can volunteer at."
Whether those who take the CERT class volunteer afterwards, the information learned during the course is invaluable, Kennell said.
"I can't overemphasize the importance of the class, especially in this time of our society," she said. "A neighbor who's attended a CERT program can help emergency personnel when they come upon a scene. I think it gives you information that you're not aware of in everyday life."
Kennell said the course caused her to become aware of how to help in times of disaster without harming herself in the process.
"I was not aware of a lot of different ways you can put yourself in danger as a citizen helping a neighbor," she said.
The CERT course teaches residents how to facilitate the "greatest good for the greatest number of people," an ideology that stuck with Kennell after her training, she said.
Another recent CERT graduate, Townsend has been telling everyone she knows to attend the course, including her son and husband.
"I took the class out of fear, and the fear stemmed from not knowing what to do in a catastrophe," Townsend said. "The fear was because I didn't know what to do or how to handle myself. All of (the CERT course) was really good. The best part of it was knowing how to handle myself in an emergency situation, and helping other people in a situation like that."
Townsend especially enjoyed the CPR training at the end of the course, and has signed up to volunteer with CERT in the future.
"I highly recommend this to anyone," she said. "It helps with anything, even everyday life."
For more information on the calsses contact Mindy Blasetti, 573-3022 or via e-mail, mblasetti@capecoral.net
Friday, March 20, 2009
Police: Man steals gun to teach owner a lesson
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/20/09
A homeless man said he stole a loaded .38-caliber Smith and Wesson revolver because the owner was irresponsible for leaving it on the front lanai of his Cape Coral home, according to police reports.
Joseph Monroe Peters, 40, previously of Missouri, was booked into the Lee County Jail Wednesday on charges of burglary of a dwelling and theft between $300 and $5,000. He remained in jail Thursday evening on a combined $3,000 bond.
The victim told police that Peters swiped the revolver from his home, located in the 1900 block of Southeast 36th Street, sometime between March 3 and 7, reports state.
The two were doing boat work together, and the victim had left the gun on the front lanai of his home, he told police.
Peters reportedly said he took the gun to teach the victim a lesson, because leaving the gun in the unlocked lanai area was irresponsible.
The victim confronted Peters about the theft at an empty building on Del Prado Boulevard where Peters had been sleeping, but Peters denied stealing the gun, reports state.
Peters was later found sleeping on Fort Myers Beach by Lee County sheriff's deputies, and detained until Cape police could take custody of him.
Peters reportedly admitted to "taking it too far" by refusing to return the weapon, and showed police where the gun was buried in a plastic bag outside a building at 1901 Del Prado Blvd.
The victim told police that he would like to press charges, and Peters was subsequently placed under arrest and taken to the Lee County Jail in apparent good health.
A current telephone number for the victim could not be found Thursday.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/20/09
A homeless man said he stole a loaded .38-caliber Smith and Wesson revolver because the owner was irresponsible for leaving it on the front lanai of his Cape Coral home, according to police reports.
Joseph Monroe Peters, 40, previously of Missouri, was booked into the Lee County Jail Wednesday on charges of burglary of a dwelling and theft between $300 and $5,000. He remained in jail Thursday evening on a combined $3,000 bond.
The victim told police that Peters swiped the revolver from his home, located in the 1900 block of Southeast 36th Street, sometime between March 3 and 7, reports state.
The two were doing boat work together, and the victim had left the gun on the front lanai of his home, he told police.
Peters reportedly said he took the gun to teach the victim a lesson, because leaving the gun in the unlocked lanai area was irresponsible.
The victim confronted Peters about the theft at an empty building on Del Prado Boulevard where Peters had been sleeping, but Peters denied stealing the gun, reports state.
Peters was later found sleeping on Fort Myers Beach by Lee County sheriff's deputies, and detained until Cape police could take custody of him.
Peters reportedly admitted to "taking it too far" by refusing to return the weapon, and showed police where the gun was buried in a plastic bag outside a building at 1901 Del Prado Blvd.
The victim told police that he would like to press charges, and Peters was subsequently placed under arrest and taken to the Lee County Jail in apparent good health.
A current telephone number for the victim could not be found Thursday.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Three charged with armed robbery, battery of Cape resident
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/19/09
Police have accused a brother, sister and the sister's boyfriend of robbing and beating a Cape Coral resident with a firearm Jan. 26.
According to Cape police, Sarah Travis, 21; Nicholas Travis, 26; and Alvester Conner, 18, were arrested and charged Tuesday with armed robbery and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Conner was additionally charged with resisting an officer without violence.
All three remained in the Lee County Jail Wednesday evening without bond, according to booking records.
The victim told police Sarah and Nicholas Travis drove with Conner to his Cape Coral home at about 7 p.m., beat him with a pistol that "looked like the one police carry" and stole cash from him.
The suspects had allegedly come to the victim's home to go fishing with him, and asked if he had money to buy bait. When the victim showed the suspects his money, Conner and Nicholas Travis exited the vehicle, beat him with what Conner told police was a BB gun, and took his money, according to reports.
The suspects fled when the victim's grandfather exited the home, the victim said.
Sarah Travis reportedly told officers the victim had contacted her to "sell her pills" the day of the alleged robbery, and that she had not seen her brother Nicholas Travis in "some time," calling him the black sheep of the family.
The victim identified Sarah Travis, Nicholas Travis and Conner out of a photographic lineup. He admitted himself to the Cape Coral Hospital for injuries to his face, eye and other extremities, according to police.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/19/09
Police have accused a brother, sister and the sister's boyfriend of robbing and beating a Cape Coral resident with a firearm Jan. 26.
According to Cape police, Sarah Travis, 21; Nicholas Travis, 26; and Alvester Conner, 18, were arrested and charged Tuesday with armed robbery and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Conner was additionally charged with resisting an officer without violence.
All three remained in the Lee County Jail Wednesday evening without bond, according to booking records.
The victim told police Sarah and Nicholas Travis drove with Conner to his Cape Coral home at about 7 p.m., beat him with a pistol that "looked like the one police carry" and stole cash from him.
The suspects had allegedly come to the victim's home to go fishing with him, and asked if he had money to buy bait. When the victim showed the suspects his money, Conner and Nicholas Travis exited the vehicle, beat him with what Conner told police was a BB gun, and took his money, according to reports.
The suspects fled when the victim's grandfather exited the home, the victim said.
Sarah Travis reportedly told officers the victim had contacted her to "sell her pills" the day of the alleged robbery, and that she had not seen her brother Nicholas Travis in "some time," calling him the black sheep of the family.
The victim identified Sarah Travis, Nicholas Travis and Conner out of a photographic lineup. He admitted himself to the Cape Coral Hospital for injuries to his face, eye and other extremities, according to police.
Women from police, fire departments ready for Powder Puff game; Second annual contest to be held Sunday at Fort Myers High
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/19/09
The women who are usually fighting flames and putting bad guys behind bars will gear up and hit the football field Sunday to raise money for injured firefighter Bob Souza and cancer research.
The 2nd Annual Law En-forcement Powder Puff Football Game pits female employees of the Cape Coral and Fort Myers police departments against the women of various Lee County fire departments.
The game kicks off at Fort Myers High School with festivities to begin at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 at the gate for adults and children over 12.
The money raised will be donated to the "For the Kids Foundation" of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, as well as to the family of Bob Souza, a Cape firefighter who was seriously injured in a traffic crash Nov. 20.
Tim Clark, a Cape firefighter and head coach for the fire departments' "Fully Involved" team, said they are trying to raise as much money as possible to help Souza's family with the cost of his rehabilitation.
"He's no longer in need of medical care, he's in need of rehabilitation," he said. "The insurance has basically cut off payments because it's no longer a medical issue."
Souza suffered brain damage among other injuries during the crash, and he requires treatment to help regain his memory, Clark said. Souza's rehabilitation costs about $24,000 a month.
"He's a single dad with two daughters," he said. "We're just trying to offset the cost of his treatment."
Though the game raised more than $10,000 last year, when Cape and Fort Myers police officers faced off against those from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Clark said they are hoping to raise more this year.
He also cited the importance of the Relay for Life program. Clark and fellow firefighters will participate in the event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Ida S. Baker High School.
Fort Myers Sgt. Sean Hoover, event organizer for this year's and last year's game, stressed the importance of contributing to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
Hoover's son suffers from cancer, and he and other Fort Myers officers will participate in the Fort Myers Relay For Life in April.
Hoover said the powder puff game gives female officers a chance to take the reins on giving back to the community in light of the men's Blues vs. Blaze Football Game each January.
"We thought we'd get the girls more involved and find something that they can have a starring role in," he said. "We did it last year, it was a success, and everybody had a really good time and we had a lot of fun, so we decided we're going to do it every year."
Cape Sgt. Georgeann Lytle, the game's local organizer, said the participating female officers have worked hard and are excited to participate in the game.
"Up until last year, the guys do their game every year. But we've never really had an opportunity to do something on our own to contribute," she said. "It was an honor for everyone to participate in the game last year, and when we saw how successful it was last year, everyone was just really excited to do it again."
Though the game is flag football rather than full-contact, Lytle said the players have been training arduously over the past few months.
"We've been practicing since the end of December and it's like regular football practice, except we're not doing the contact-type conditioning," she said. "It's a lot of running drills. It's been an extensive process, but I think we're ready."
About 400 people attended last year's game.
"The economy's down, obviously, but we're hoping to be just as successful this year, if not more," Hoover said.
Aside from an enthralling head-to-head football game, which kicks off at about 4 p.m., an all-male cheerleading squad will entertain the crowd with a halftime show.
Hoover is one of a team of several Fort Myers male officers who will dress as female cheerleaders and perform a practiced dance routine for the crowd.
"We kind of take it seriously," he said. "It's more than entertainment, it's a bunch of guys getting together to have fun."
Educational presentations by the various Lee County public safety offices, including fire safety drills by the Cape Coral Fire Department's public education program, begin at 2 p.m.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/19/09
The women who are usually fighting flames and putting bad guys behind bars will gear up and hit the football field Sunday to raise money for injured firefighter Bob Souza and cancer research.
The 2nd Annual Law En-forcement Powder Puff Football Game pits female employees of the Cape Coral and Fort Myers police departments against the women of various Lee County fire departments.
The game kicks off at Fort Myers High School with festivities to begin at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 at the gate for adults and children over 12.
The money raised will be donated to the "For the Kids Foundation" of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, as well as to the family of Bob Souza, a Cape firefighter who was seriously injured in a traffic crash Nov. 20.
Tim Clark, a Cape firefighter and head coach for the fire departments' "Fully Involved" team, said they are trying to raise as much money as possible to help Souza's family with the cost of his rehabilitation.
"He's no longer in need of medical care, he's in need of rehabilitation," he said. "The insurance has basically cut off payments because it's no longer a medical issue."
Souza suffered brain damage among other injuries during the crash, and he requires treatment to help regain his memory, Clark said. Souza's rehabilitation costs about $24,000 a month.
"He's a single dad with two daughters," he said. "We're just trying to offset the cost of his treatment."
Though the game raised more than $10,000 last year, when Cape and Fort Myers police officers faced off against those from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Clark said they are hoping to raise more this year.
He also cited the importance of the Relay for Life program. Clark and fellow firefighters will participate in the event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Ida S. Baker High School.
Fort Myers Sgt. Sean Hoover, event organizer for this year's and last year's game, stressed the importance of contributing to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
Hoover's son suffers from cancer, and he and other Fort Myers officers will participate in the Fort Myers Relay For Life in April.
Hoover said the powder puff game gives female officers a chance to take the reins on giving back to the community in light of the men's Blues vs. Blaze Football Game each January.
"We thought we'd get the girls more involved and find something that they can have a starring role in," he said. "We did it last year, it was a success, and everybody had a really good time and we had a lot of fun, so we decided we're going to do it every year."
Cape Sgt. Georgeann Lytle, the game's local organizer, said the participating female officers have worked hard and are excited to participate in the game.
"Up until last year, the guys do their game every year. But we've never really had an opportunity to do something on our own to contribute," she said. "It was an honor for everyone to participate in the game last year, and when we saw how successful it was last year, everyone was just really excited to do it again."
Though the game is flag football rather than full-contact, Lytle said the players have been training arduously over the past few months.
"We've been practicing since the end of December and it's like regular football practice, except we're not doing the contact-type conditioning," she said. "It's a lot of running drills. It's been an extensive process, but I think we're ready."
About 400 people attended last year's game.
"The economy's down, obviously, but we're hoping to be just as successful this year, if not more," Hoover said.
Aside from an enthralling head-to-head football game, which kicks off at about 4 p.m., an all-male cheerleading squad will entertain the crowd with a halftime show.
Hoover is one of a team of several Fort Myers male officers who will dress as female cheerleaders and perform a practiced dance routine for the crowd.
"We kind of take it seriously," he said. "It's more than entertainment, it's a bunch of guys getting together to have fun."
Educational presentations by the various Lee County public safety offices, including fire safety drills by the Cape Coral Fire Department's public education program, begin at 2 p.m.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Local officials warn of fire danger during dry spell
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/14/09
Drought conditions have Cape firefighters taking to the streets today-warning residents of the potential of brush fires a month earlier than usual.
Having already responded to 12 brush fires locally within the past few months, firefighters are hoping safety information will spark a civic and personal responsibility in residents that will keep them from accidentally sparking a fast-spreading wildfire.
"Our drought index numbers are much higher than they were this time last year," said Tom Tomich, the Cape Coral Fire Department's chief of operations. "Our ground is starting to dry out to the 6- and 7-inch depths."
The South Florida Water Management District says rainfall is down 6.65 inches from the historical average, only partway through this year's dry season. In February, south Florida saw an historically low average of .41 inches of rain.
A 2,400-acre fire that spread across north Cape Coral in 2007 began under similarly dry conditions, Tomich said.
"Certainly this year is going to be challenging, we understand that," he said.
The Cape Coral Fire Department faces potential challenges with budget shortfalls and resource management due to the economy, a problem other agencies who typically aid in major brush fires face as well, Tomich said.
Atop the possibility of a brush fire onslaught, the fire department responds to an average of 50 to 60 calls daily.
"That stuff doesn't stop just because there's a fire going on in the north end," he said. "As time goes on we're going to be doing more with less, and it's going to be a real concern."
Residents can help tremendously by doing their part, with simple steps such as avoiding campfires at dry times of year, properly irrigating their lawn and reducing dead vegetation around their homes, and not throwing cigarette butts from car windows, the fire department warned in a release earlier this week.
"Even something as seemingly innocuous as a cigarette butt... can cause a wildfire and burn homes down," Tomich said. "It's just dangerously dry."
Also, residents should alert authorities when they see suspicious behavior or something that might cause a fire so they can get to it before a fire grows out of control, he said.
Senior Forester Michael Weston with the Caloosahatchee District Department of Forestry said the department has responded to 29 fires in Lee County this year, totaling 63.9 acres.
Lehigh Acres has been a primary concern given the intensely dry conditions, while in Cape Coral forested areas to the north, such as those off of Burnt Store Road and near Del Prado Boulevard and Kismet Parkway, are prone to brush fires, Weston said.
Usually the heart of dry season is centered around April and May, but this year conditioned have worsened much more quickly, he said.
"This year, because of the freezes we've had, and because of the real lack of winter rains we've had, we're at least a month ahead of schedule," Weston said. "As we get further and further into the dry season, the fires are going to pick up speed and burn a lot quicker. If we start getting a fire that really moves, one to two miles per hour is pretty quick for us down here. We've had fires that have moved over a day's period a couple miles, when it wasn't quite expected to do that."
Dry conditions will continue for the next three months, but programs such as city mowing of vacant lots is extremely helpful against fires, Weston said.
"That's really why the north Cape doesn't have the same issues as Lehigh has," he said. "Cape Coral fire rescue can very easily knock down a grass fire, and they don't necessarily need us to come out."
Lee County Commissioners have agreed to fund a mitigation project in Lehigh Acres to help reduce the risk of fires, Weston said. Though prescribed burns will likely slow to a halt for the time being, conditions may cause pine trees to burn.
In Lee County, 2008 was a relatively inactive brush fire season, with about 59 fires totaling 600 acres-many fewer than the 124 fires in 2007, burning upwards of 5,849 acres.
Awareness played a large part in the reduced numbers last year, Weston said.
"People were very, very conscious of the dangers that were out there," he said. "If a community acts together... they're able to help knock down the risk of fire being an issue."
Planning beforehand is key, Weston said.
Having 30 feet of defensible, well-landscaped space around a home, having water on hand for situations involving flammable materials and cleaning dead vegetation from gutters and rooftops are some of the steps residents should take to keep their families safe, he said.
"When a wildfire's running towards your house, the planning stage is really over," he said. "Also it's better to do it now versus when it's 95 degrees out and you have to drink gallons and gallons of water."
Additional wildfire safety tips are available from the Lee County American Red Cross by visiting arclcc.org.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/14/09
Drought conditions have Cape firefighters taking to the streets today-warning residents of the potential of brush fires a month earlier than usual.
Having already responded to 12 brush fires locally within the past few months, firefighters are hoping safety information will spark a civic and personal responsibility in residents that will keep them from accidentally sparking a fast-spreading wildfire.
"Our drought index numbers are much higher than they were this time last year," said Tom Tomich, the Cape Coral Fire Department's chief of operations. "Our ground is starting to dry out to the 6- and 7-inch depths."
The South Florida Water Management District says rainfall is down 6.65 inches from the historical average, only partway through this year's dry season. In February, south Florida saw an historically low average of .41 inches of rain.
A 2,400-acre fire that spread across north Cape Coral in 2007 began under similarly dry conditions, Tomich said.
"Certainly this year is going to be challenging, we understand that," he said.
The Cape Coral Fire Department faces potential challenges with budget shortfalls and resource management due to the economy, a problem other agencies who typically aid in major brush fires face as well, Tomich said.
Atop the possibility of a brush fire onslaught, the fire department responds to an average of 50 to 60 calls daily.
"That stuff doesn't stop just because there's a fire going on in the north end," he said. "As time goes on we're going to be doing more with less, and it's going to be a real concern."
Residents can help tremendously by doing their part, with simple steps such as avoiding campfires at dry times of year, properly irrigating their lawn and reducing dead vegetation around their homes, and not throwing cigarette butts from car windows, the fire department warned in a release earlier this week.
"Even something as seemingly innocuous as a cigarette butt... can cause a wildfire and burn homes down," Tomich said. "It's just dangerously dry."
Also, residents should alert authorities when they see suspicious behavior or something that might cause a fire so they can get to it before a fire grows out of control, he said.
Senior Forester Michael Weston with the Caloosahatchee District Department of Forestry said the department has responded to 29 fires in Lee County this year, totaling 63.9 acres.
Lehigh Acres has been a primary concern given the intensely dry conditions, while in Cape Coral forested areas to the north, such as those off of Burnt Store Road and near Del Prado Boulevard and Kismet Parkway, are prone to brush fires, Weston said.
Usually the heart of dry season is centered around April and May, but this year conditioned have worsened much more quickly, he said.
"This year, because of the freezes we've had, and because of the real lack of winter rains we've had, we're at least a month ahead of schedule," Weston said. "As we get further and further into the dry season, the fires are going to pick up speed and burn a lot quicker. If we start getting a fire that really moves, one to two miles per hour is pretty quick for us down here. We've had fires that have moved over a day's period a couple miles, when it wasn't quite expected to do that."
Dry conditions will continue for the next three months, but programs such as city mowing of vacant lots is extremely helpful against fires, Weston said.
"That's really why the north Cape doesn't have the same issues as Lehigh has," he said. "Cape Coral fire rescue can very easily knock down a grass fire, and they don't necessarily need us to come out."
Lee County Commissioners have agreed to fund a mitigation project in Lehigh Acres to help reduce the risk of fires, Weston said. Though prescribed burns will likely slow to a halt for the time being, conditions may cause pine trees to burn.
In Lee County, 2008 was a relatively inactive brush fire season, with about 59 fires totaling 600 acres-many fewer than the 124 fires in 2007, burning upwards of 5,849 acres.
Awareness played a large part in the reduced numbers last year, Weston said.
"People were very, very conscious of the dangers that were out there," he said. "If a community acts together... they're able to help knock down the risk of fire being an issue."
Planning beforehand is key, Weston said.
Having 30 feet of defensible, well-landscaped space around a home, having water on hand for situations involving flammable materials and cleaning dead vegetation from gutters and rooftops are some of the steps residents should take to keep their families safe, he said.
"When a wildfire's running towards your house, the planning stage is really over," he said. "Also it's better to do it now versus when it's 95 degrees out and you have to drink gallons and gallons of water."
Additional wildfire safety tips are available from the Lee County American Red Cross by visiting arclcc.org.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Judge: Cape teen guilty in Circle K robberies
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/10/09
A Cape Coral teen was adjudicated guilty of robbing four Circle K convenient stores in January, and sentenced to undergo a residential drug treatment program Tuesday afternoon in a Lee County courtroom.
Brian Robert Covello, 17, was charged with four counts of robbery after he allegedly implied he had a gun and robbed the four Cape Coral stores under the influence of narcotics. He pleaded no contest to the charges last month.
Despite Covello's remorse, pleas of family members and defense lawyer Joseph Viacava's hopes Covello would get a lighter sentence, Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle sentenced him to undergo the moderate-risk program.
Kyle cited Covello's intelligence and accomplishments at Canterbury School as reasoning that Covello should have found a way to seek help for drug issues in lieu of robbing the stores.
"You of all people should know better," he said. "I have no choice but to adjudicate you guilty on all counts."
Covello got two breaks, Kyle said. The first was that the State Attorney's Office did not pursue charges against him in adult court. The second, he said, was that not a single clerk at any of the stores pulled a gun on him.
"You're lucky to be alive today," Kyle said.
The "life skills" program could last anywhere up to several months, though Covello will try to complete the program as quickly as possible, Viacava said.
Covello expressed remorse to those he robbed and a willingness to accept his punishment before the courtroom Tuesday.
"No matter what punishments are imposed on me ... more than anything I'll do it willingly and upfront," he said. "I just want the court to know there's not a day goes by in the past month that I don't think about my actions."
The highly intelligent 11th-grader who spent his entire school career at Canterbury had to leave the school and lost his shot at several colleges he was hoping to attend, he said.
Covello will aspire to become an oral surgeon, though that goal was made notably tougher when he began self-medicating an anxiety problem with Xanex and marijuana, things he said led to the night of robberies and his subsequent arrest.
Mother Jackie Covello told the court her son had always aspired to greatness in all that he did, and that what he did was unforgivable. She said she is glad no one got hurt in the robbery incidents, including her son.
"The best thing to ever happen was for him to be arrested," she said.
Assistant state attorneys and the robbery victims told Kyle that Covello's "gifts" and accomplishments were not enough to warrant leniency.
"Although he threatened he had a gun, this was very scary for my employees," Linda Concord, owner of several of the Circle K stores Covello robbed, wrote in a statement read aloud by a court aid Tuesday. "He should be punished and not be associated with the public for a while."
Several store clerks also urged Kyle to impose a strong sentence.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/10/09
A Cape Coral teen was adjudicated guilty of robbing four Circle K convenient stores in January, and sentenced to undergo a residential drug treatment program Tuesday afternoon in a Lee County courtroom.
Brian Robert Covello, 17, was charged with four counts of robbery after he allegedly implied he had a gun and robbed the four Cape Coral stores under the influence of narcotics. He pleaded no contest to the charges last month.
Despite Covello's remorse, pleas of family members and defense lawyer Joseph Viacava's hopes Covello would get a lighter sentence, Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle sentenced him to undergo the moderate-risk program.
Kyle cited Covello's intelligence and accomplishments at Canterbury School as reasoning that Covello should have found a way to seek help for drug issues in lieu of robbing the stores.
"You of all people should know better," he said. "I have no choice but to adjudicate you guilty on all counts."
Covello got two breaks, Kyle said. The first was that the State Attorney's Office did not pursue charges against him in adult court. The second, he said, was that not a single clerk at any of the stores pulled a gun on him.
"You're lucky to be alive today," Kyle said.
The "life skills" program could last anywhere up to several months, though Covello will try to complete the program as quickly as possible, Viacava said.
Covello expressed remorse to those he robbed and a willingness to accept his punishment before the courtroom Tuesday.
"No matter what punishments are imposed on me ... more than anything I'll do it willingly and upfront," he said. "I just want the court to know there's not a day goes by in the past month that I don't think about my actions."
The highly intelligent 11th-grader who spent his entire school career at Canterbury had to leave the school and lost his shot at several colleges he was hoping to attend, he said.
Covello will aspire to become an oral surgeon, though that goal was made notably tougher when he began self-medicating an anxiety problem with Xanex and marijuana, things he said led to the night of robberies and his subsequent arrest.
Mother Jackie Covello told the court her son had always aspired to greatness in all that he did, and that what he did was unforgivable. She said she is glad no one got hurt in the robbery incidents, including her son.
"The best thing to ever happen was for him to be arrested," she said.
Assistant state attorneys and the robbery victims told Kyle that Covello's "gifts" and accomplishments were not enough to warrant leniency.
"Although he threatened he had a gun, this was very scary for my employees," Linda Concord, owner of several of the Circle K stores Covello robbed, wrote in a statement read aloud by a court aid Tuesday. "He should be punished and not be associated with the public for a while."
Several store clerks also urged Kyle to impose a strong sentence.
Guest speaker Cape crime author, forensic specialist; Event to feature meet-and-greet, signing
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/10/09
Cape Coral crime novelist and forensic specialist Lisa Black will appear at the Southwest Florida Museum of History tonight to present her latest novel, "Takeover," as well as participate in a meet-and-greet book signing.
Black's readers will enjoy coffee and dessert during this month's "Night at the Museum ... An Author's Evening." The event kicks off at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m., and costs $10 to attend including admission to the museum.
"Takeover" is Black's third novel. She previously published two novels under the pseudonym Elizabeth Becka and will publish her fourth book, "Evidence of Murder," in August.
"Takeover" follows fictional forensic scientist Theresa Maclean as her fiance is taken hostage during a bank robbery at Cleveland's Federal Reserve. Maclean's professional expertise mirrors Black's, who analyzes crime scenes and fingerprints for the Cape Coral Police Department.
"It's always hard to separate yourself from your main character," Black said. "I wouldn't have her doing anything that I wouldn't do, and I wouldn't have me doing anything that she wouldn't do."
Black said she tries to keep an element of realism in her writing, as many people are not properly educated on the subject of forensic science due to the dramatization of it on television.
"That's why I try to stick with how things really are in the real world," she said. "People are usually surprised to find out ... 'Wow, that doesn't work the way it does on TV.' Reality is interesting enough."
Deciding to pursue a career in forensics, Black went back to school to get a degree in biology at Cleveland State University. She worked as a forensic scientist at the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office and later at the Cape Coral Police Department, where she is currently employed.
"I always wanted to be a homicide detective," she said. "I like crime solving, but I don't want to be a police officer and I really like science, so that's the best of both worlds for me."
Black will be at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival March 21 at the Harborside Event Center and Centennial Park in Fort Myers, and also will appear at Bubba's Roadhouse and Saloon on Pine Island Road Monday for a book signing.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/10/09
Cape Coral crime novelist and forensic specialist Lisa Black will appear at the Southwest Florida Museum of History tonight to present her latest novel, "Takeover," as well as participate in a meet-and-greet book signing.
Black's readers will enjoy coffee and dessert during this month's "Night at the Museum ... An Author's Evening." The event kicks off at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m., and costs $10 to attend including admission to the museum.
"Takeover" is Black's third novel. She previously published two novels under the pseudonym Elizabeth Becka and will publish her fourth book, "Evidence of Murder," in August.
"Takeover" follows fictional forensic scientist Theresa Maclean as her fiance is taken hostage during a bank robbery at Cleveland's Federal Reserve. Maclean's professional expertise mirrors Black's, who analyzes crime scenes and fingerprints for the Cape Coral Police Department.
"It's always hard to separate yourself from your main character," Black said. "I wouldn't have her doing anything that I wouldn't do, and I wouldn't have me doing anything that she wouldn't do."
Black said she tries to keep an element of realism in her writing, as many people are not properly educated on the subject of forensic science due to the dramatization of it on television.
"That's why I try to stick with how things really are in the real world," she said. "People are usually surprised to find out ... 'Wow, that doesn't work the way it does on TV.' Reality is interesting enough."
Deciding to pursue a career in forensics, Black went back to school to get a degree in biology at Cleveland State University. She worked as a forensic scientist at the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office and later at the Cape Coral Police Department, where she is currently employed.
"I always wanted to be a homicide detective," she said. "I like crime solving, but I don't want to be a police officer and I really like science, so that's the best of both worlds for me."
Black will be at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival March 21 at the Harborside Event Center and Centennial Park in Fort Myers, and also will appear at Bubba's Roadhouse and Saloon on Pine Island Road Monday for a book signing.
Weekend parade and block party celebrates Cape Coral
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/8/09
Near 20,000 people lined Southeast 47th Terrace Saturday night as a stream of parade floats passed through.
The event marks this year's TIB Bank Celebrate Cape Coral Block Party and Night Parade, which kicked off with a block party at 4 p.m., with the parade following at 6:30 and festivities well on into the evening.
A total of 58 floats from various Cape Coral organizations, businesses and schools beckoned the attention of parade-goers, and live music from country music artist Ken Randolph entertained the masses under the early-evening stars.
Jeff and Lori Hively came out for the first year with their 2-year-old grandson, Elijah Hively.
"We just heard there was a block party," Jeff Hively said. "It was very good. I was impressed."
The parade, notably the Cape Coral High School Marching Band, caught their attention, he said.
Elijah seemed to have enjoyed the parade as well, having danced along with the music of passing parade entrants.
"He loved it," Lori Hively said. "He got into it."
The Hivelys have attended Cape Coral events in the past, including the Red White and Boom 4th of July event and local Cinco de Mayo Celebrations.
They also appreciated the sentiment that the event was free.
"Free entertainment and a free night out," Lori Hively said.
Parade Chair Donna Meola had said the event was free to encourage Cape Coral to band together in tough times, and to support the struggles of local businesses.
The German American Social Club, American Red Cross, Araba Shriner's Hospital, Oasis Charter Elementary School, Cub and Boy scouts of America and Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, among others, participated in the parade.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/8/09
Near 20,000 people lined Southeast 47th Terrace Saturday night as a stream of parade floats passed through.
The event marks this year's TIB Bank Celebrate Cape Coral Block Party and Night Parade, which kicked off with a block party at 4 p.m., with the parade following at 6:30 and festivities well on into the evening.
A total of 58 floats from various Cape Coral organizations, businesses and schools beckoned the attention of parade-goers, and live music from country music artist Ken Randolph entertained the masses under the early-evening stars.
Jeff and Lori Hively came out for the first year with their 2-year-old grandson, Elijah Hively.
"We just heard there was a block party," Jeff Hively said. "It was very good. I was impressed."
The parade, notably the Cape Coral High School Marching Band, caught their attention, he said.
Elijah seemed to have enjoyed the parade as well, having danced along with the music of passing parade entrants.
"He loved it," Lori Hively said. "He got into it."
The Hivelys have attended Cape Coral events in the past, including the Red White and Boom 4th of July event and local Cinco de Mayo Celebrations.
They also appreciated the sentiment that the event was free.
"Free entertainment and a free night out," Lori Hively said.
Parade Chair Donna Meola had said the event was free to encourage Cape Coral to band together in tough times, and to support the struggles of local businesses.
The German American Social Club, American Red Cross, Araba Shriner's Hospital, Oasis Charter Elementary School, Cub and Boy scouts of America and Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, among others, participated in the parade.
Luck of the Irish brings thousands to Cape festival
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/8/09
Anyone who didn't know about the 5th Annual Irish American Festival and drove past the Bavarian Gardens this weekend may have found themselves confused.
The usual lederhosen and German brews frothing over the sides of mugs to the sounds of polka were nowhere to be seen.
However, there was no shortage of green shirts and hats, good cheers and traditional Irish music, dance and cuisine.
The German American Club, where the Bavarian Gardens are located, allowed the Irish American Club to host the 5th year of their all-things-Irish celebration at the expansive outdoor locale. This year's event appeared to have successfully proven there's a little Irish in everyone, Cape Coral not being the exception.
"We were expecting a great turnout, and it's very good," event chair Bud Martin said Saturday, day one of the weekend-long festival. "Hopefully it continues like this. It's going to surpass our goal."
The Irish American Club predicted about 4,000 people would enjoy the area's Irish heritage over the two-day period, Martin said. About 3,100 people came on Saturday alone.
In addition to feasting on Irish foods, watching live bands and sharing a drink with friends and countrymen, the Irish American Club offered Irish descendants the opportunity to join the club. By Saturday afternoon, twelve new members had already signed up.
"We want to continue to promote Irish culture in Southwest Florida," Martin said.
In previous years, the festival was held at Cultural Park and saw somewhere around half the turnout expected for this year's event.
Martin tributes the German American Club for working closely with the Irish American Club, helping bring the event to fruition on their grounds.
"We've had wonderful working relationships with the German American Club over the past eight months," Martin said.
The festival attracted everyone from those merely looking to enjoy the food and song to those of strong Irish blood.
Steven Cook, who came out to share in the festivities with wife Karla, is the latter.
A second-generation Irish American, Cook is a direct descendant of explorer, navigator and cartographer Captain James Cook.
Born and raised in the United States, Cook has spend 17 years in the Cape. This was his first year at the Irish American Festival.
"I never knew they had an Irish festival for five years," Cook said.
Cook met Karla in Nicaragua during his time in the military. Dressed in festively green attire, they enjoyed the food, drink and music together.
"That's the point, isn't it?" Cook said.
The Bavarian Gardens saw a number of Irish music groups take the stage Saturday and Sunday, including Kathy and Andreas Durkin, Tommy Barr, the West of Galway Band, Noel Kingston and 12-year-old dancer Delaney O'Shea.
A percentage of the proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Mahigan Scholarship fund for dancers, Boy Scouts of America and other charitable causes.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/8/09
Anyone who didn't know about the 5th Annual Irish American Festival and drove past the Bavarian Gardens this weekend may have found themselves confused.
The usual lederhosen and German brews frothing over the sides of mugs to the sounds of polka were nowhere to be seen.
However, there was no shortage of green shirts and hats, good cheers and traditional Irish music, dance and cuisine.
The German American Club, where the Bavarian Gardens are located, allowed the Irish American Club to host the 5th year of their all-things-Irish celebration at the expansive outdoor locale. This year's event appeared to have successfully proven there's a little Irish in everyone, Cape Coral not being the exception.
"We were expecting a great turnout, and it's very good," event chair Bud Martin said Saturday, day one of the weekend-long festival. "Hopefully it continues like this. It's going to surpass our goal."
The Irish American Club predicted about 4,000 people would enjoy the area's Irish heritage over the two-day period, Martin said. About 3,100 people came on Saturday alone.
In addition to feasting on Irish foods, watching live bands and sharing a drink with friends and countrymen, the Irish American Club offered Irish descendants the opportunity to join the club. By Saturday afternoon, twelve new members had already signed up.
"We want to continue to promote Irish culture in Southwest Florida," Martin said.
In previous years, the festival was held at Cultural Park and saw somewhere around half the turnout expected for this year's event.
Martin tributes the German American Club for working closely with the Irish American Club, helping bring the event to fruition on their grounds.
"We've had wonderful working relationships with the German American Club over the past eight months," Martin said.
The festival attracted everyone from those merely looking to enjoy the food and song to those of strong Irish blood.
Steven Cook, who came out to share in the festivities with wife Karla, is the latter.
A second-generation Irish American, Cook is a direct descendant of explorer, navigator and cartographer Captain James Cook.
Born and raised in the United States, Cook has spend 17 years in the Cape. This was his first year at the Irish American Festival.
"I never knew they had an Irish festival for five years," Cook said.
Cook met Karla in Nicaragua during his time in the military. Dressed in festively green attire, they enjoyed the food, drink and music together.
"That's the point, isn't it?" Cook said.
The Bavarian Gardens saw a number of Irish music groups take the stage Saturday and Sunday, including Kathy and Andreas Durkin, Tommy Barr, the West of Galway Band, Noel Kingston and 12-year-old dancer Delaney O'Shea.
A percentage of the proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Mahigan Scholarship fund for dancers, Boy Scouts of America and other charitable causes.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Cape Coral police to get $164,000 from stimulus bill
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/7/09
President Obama's economic stimulus package will buy the Cape Coral Police Department some new gear, something the city just wouldn't have been able to budget.
The stimulus package allots $164,000 to the department's Justice Assistance Grants fund, money that will go towards gear for SWAT team members and crime prevention, as well as the possibility of acquiring new K-9 dogs to the police force.
Those are all things CCPD would have asked the city for as supplemental requests, but declining property-tax based revenues meant they likely wouldn't get those items, said Deputy Chief Jay Murphy Friday.
"Over the past couple years, beginning in 2002, our funding level went from $50,000 to roughly $10,000," Murphy said.
Murphy said the department has never seen a number higher than $50,000 to the JAC fund in any given year.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office will receive somewhere around $800,000, while the Fort Myers Police Department will receive about $300,000-$400,000.
"Typically it's allocated relative to crime rate," Murphy said. "Because we have a relatively low crime rate, we don't benefit as greatly as other cities do."
The department will not use the money to hire new officers.
"We would purchase equipment as opposed to hire people, because there's no guarantee the funds will be there next year," Murphy said.
Additionally, "$164,000 is not going to put a lot of boots on the street," he said.
Murphy said they would be more likely to hire new officers if they received an amount similar to the $1.2 million Columbus, Ohio received from the stimulus bill.
The city of Cape Coral faces a $33.4 million loss in revenue for the next fiscal year as property values continue their downward trend.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/7/09
President Obama's economic stimulus package will buy the Cape Coral Police Department some new gear, something the city just wouldn't have been able to budget.
The stimulus package allots $164,000 to the department's Justice Assistance Grants fund, money that will go towards gear for SWAT team members and crime prevention, as well as the possibility of acquiring new K-9 dogs to the police force.
Those are all things CCPD would have asked the city for as supplemental requests, but declining property-tax based revenues meant they likely wouldn't get those items, said Deputy Chief Jay Murphy Friday.
"Over the past couple years, beginning in 2002, our funding level went from $50,000 to roughly $10,000," Murphy said.
Murphy said the department has never seen a number higher than $50,000 to the JAC fund in any given year.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office will receive somewhere around $800,000, while the Fort Myers Police Department will receive about $300,000-$400,000.
"Typically it's allocated relative to crime rate," Murphy said. "Because we have a relatively low crime rate, we don't benefit as greatly as other cities do."
The department will not use the money to hire new officers.
"We would purchase equipment as opposed to hire people, because there's no guarantee the funds will be there next year," Murphy said.
Additionally, "$164,000 is not going to put a lot of boots on the street," he said.
Murphy said they would be more likely to hire new officers if they received an amount similar to the $1.2 million Columbus, Ohio received from the stimulus bill.
The city of Cape Coral faces a $33.4 million loss in revenue for the next fiscal year as property values continue their downward trend.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Employee reportedly steals $40 from home
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/6/09
A Cape Coral man spent his first day on the job with a local painting company handing out fliers, and that night in jail after police said the man stole $40 from a Cape home Wednesday afternoon.
Wayne B. Palhete, 22, of 924 N.E. Fourth St., was charged with unarmed burglary and petit larceny, and remained in the Lee County Jail Thursday evening. According to jail records, his bond is set at a combined $9,000.
Palhete reportedly admitted to swiping the $40 from the front porch of a Cape home in the 100 block of Southeast 46th Street. He was handing out fliers in the neighborhood for Riverside Painting.
The homeowners left the money in a bank envelope for a contractor when Palhete stole it at about 2 p.m., they told Cape Coral officers.
The owner of Riverside Painting said Palhete was a new hire, and no longer has a job with the company due to the incident.
"I had no idea (Palhete) was doing this," said the owner, who requested not to be identified by name. "We will not hire him back by any means."
The owner said that when he learned of the incident, he went to the home Palhete allegedly burglarized and offered to make things right with the homeowners. The homeowners told him they did not find the company at fault in the incident.
Riverside Painting has the proper permitting to advertise in neighborhoods, though Palhete's arrest has led the company to implement a more stringent hiring policy, the owner said.
"We are doing very, very strict background checks since this happened," he said. "We're sorry that this happened, and I'm going to do everything in my power to be more careful of who I hire."
The homeowners positively identified Palhete as the person who took the money, and told police they would like to press charges.
The money and envelope were recovered by police.
Palhete has not previously been arrested in Lee County, records show.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/6/09
A Cape Coral man spent his first day on the job with a local painting company handing out fliers, and that night in jail after police said the man stole $40 from a Cape home Wednesday afternoon.
Wayne B. Palhete, 22, of 924 N.E. Fourth St., was charged with unarmed burglary and petit larceny, and remained in the Lee County Jail Thursday evening. According to jail records, his bond is set at a combined $9,000.
Palhete reportedly admitted to swiping the $40 from the front porch of a Cape home in the 100 block of Southeast 46th Street. He was handing out fliers in the neighborhood for Riverside Painting.
The homeowners left the money in a bank envelope for a contractor when Palhete stole it at about 2 p.m., they told Cape Coral officers.
The owner of Riverside Painting said Palhete was a new hire, and no longer has a job with the company due to the incident.
"I had no idea (Palhete) was doing this," said the owner, who requested not to be identified by name. "We will not hire him back by any means."
The owner said that when he learned of the incident, he went to the home Palhete allegedly burglarized and offered to make things right with the homeowners. The homeowners told him they did not find the company at fault in the incident.
Riverside Painting has the proper permitting to advertise in neighborhoods, though Palhete's arrest has led the company to implement a more stringent hiring policy, the owner said.
"We are doing very, very strict background checks since this happened," he said. "We're sorry that this happened, and I'm going to do everything in my power to be more careful of who I hire."
The homeowners positively identified Palhete as the person who took the money, and told police they would like to press charges.
The money and envelope were recovered by police.
Palhete has not previously been arrested in Lee County, records show.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Cape adult store reports sign stolen; Owner: If return sign, will not press charges
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/4/09
A laser die-cut "mudflap girl" on a Cape Coral adult boutique's store sign may have been so cool that a van of thieves just had to steal it.
Tender Moments, located at 1242 S.W. Pine Island Road, Suite 51, is sans one $500 custom sign after someone grabbed the sign and took off in a dark green van Tuesday at about 3:49 p.m., the store's owner told police.
"That sign has sat out there every day for the past year," said owner Angela, who requested not to be identified by last name.
Angela said she had been warding off would-be thieves from the time the sign had been modified to include the custom die-cut and lighting in December. But she figured they would take the girl on the top and leave the sign.
"Why would they want a sign that says 'Tender Moments'?" she asked.
All the alleged thieves left were tire tracks and a weight that had been holding the sign in place at its base. They even managed to run over the weight.
"They nabbed it pretty much moving," she said.
Angela signed a statement telling police she would press charges. The value of the sign makes its disappearance grand theft, a felony.
However, Angela has a peace offering, she told the Cape Coral Daily Breeze.
"We will drop the charges if somebody brings it back," she said.
Angela does not want anyone charged, she just wants her sign returned.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/4/09
A laser die-cut "mudflap girl" on a Cape Coral adult boutique's store sign may have been so cool that a van of thieves just had to steal it.
Tender Moments, located at 1242 S.W. Pine Island Road, Suite 51, is sans one $500 custom sign after someone grabbed the sign and took off in a dark green van Tuesday at about 3:49 p.m., the store's owner told police.
"That sign has sat out there every day for the past year," said owner Angela, who requested not to be identified by last name.
Angela said she had been warding off would-be thieves from the time the sign had been modified to include the custom die-cut and lighting in December. But she figured they would take the girl on the top and leave the sign.
"Why would they want a sign that says 'Tender Moments'?" she asked.
All the alleged thieves left were tire tracks and a weight that had been holding the sign in place at its base. They even managed to run over the weight.
"They nabbed it pretty much moving," she said.
Angela signed a statement telling police she would press charges. The value of the sign makes its disappearance grand theft, a felony.
However, Angela has a peace offering, she told the Cape Coral Daily Breeze.
"We will drop the charges if somebody brings it back," she said.
Angela does not want anyone charged, she just wants her sign returned.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Person of interest charged in Cape man’s killing; Authorities yet to charge woman
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze
and the Naples Daily News 3/4/09
"Please don't kill me. I've got money."
Those were some of the last words heard from Cape Coral man Richard Gardner before he was murdered aboard his boat in Key West, according to a statement made to Monroe County detectives.
The statement was Kristena Whitmore's. A co-suspect in Gardner's murder, she reportedly told detectives what she heard and saw when Gardner was killed the evening of Feb. 10.
Her statement was part of a body of information leading the Monroe County State Attorney's Office to charge 32-year-old Jonathan LeBaron, Whitmore's boyfriend and a suspect in the killing, with the first-degree murder of Gardner.
Whitmore had not been charged as of Tuesday evening, but she is in custody in Utah, where police said they found her and LeBaron in a motel Feb. 22 with various belongings of Gardner.
State attorneys are in the process of deciding how to charge Whitmore, Monroe County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Becky Herrin said Tuesday.
"I anticipate there will be charges," she said.
Evidence collected at the scene of the slaying includes latent fingerprints found at various locations throughout Gardner's boat, called the Flo To Me, a table cushion, fingerprints with blood from the area where Gardner's body was found and items "consistent with the collection of DNA evidence," according to LeBaron's arrest warrant.
Whitmore reportedly told Monroe County detectives that the sequence of events leading to Gardner's death began when she made contact with Gardner through a Craig's List Internet posting she had made in October or November.
She had performed oral sex for Gardner in exchange for money on several occasions prior to his death, and Gardner had agreed to let her stay on his boat when she told him she did not have a place to stay, she told detectives.
Whitmore and LeBaron spent the night on Gardner's boat Feb. 9, though Gardner did not know LeBaron was with her, Whitmore reportedly said.
Whitmore said that when Gardner arrived from Cape Coral the evening of Feb. 10, Gardner met with her on the dock and entered the cabin of his boat with her by flashlight, reports state.
LeBaron, she said, was waiting inside.
Though Whitmore said she did not see LeBaron kill Gardner, she described the sounds of "bones crunching" and "sounds of a struggle" to detectives, as well as the weight of Gardner's body as he fell atop her.
She described later seeing blood on herself and on Gardner's legs, as well as hearing "gurgling noises."
Gardner had suffered a broken jaw and had several teeth knocked out, an autopsy by the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed.
Detectives would not release additional information regarding Gardner's injuries Tuesday, citing an ongoing investigation.
LeBaron and Whitmore cleaned up, turned on the air conditioning in the boat and left the scene in Gardner's Mercury Marquis, Whitmore reportedly said.
She said LeBaron threw a switchblade knife, a rubber mallet and Gardner's cell phone off a bridge on U.S. Highway 1 while still in the Key West area.
Monroe County investigators are not saying if the knife or mallet are related to fatal injuries suffered by Gardner.
It is possible they may not have enough information to search for the weapons and cell phone due to the large number of areas where the highway crosses over water, Herrin said.
It is not clear whether investigators will conduct a search for the items, she said.
Gardner's body was found Feb. 13, three days after his alleged murder, during a well-being check by law enforcement officers where the boat was docked at King's Pointe Marina on Stock Island.
LeBaron and Whitmore were pulled over in Gardner's car Feb. 12, a day prior, by Memphis police officer Jason Moore. Moore subsequently released them after they told him that they had been beat up and mugged in Ocala, Fla., and that the car belonged to their grandmother.
Lebaron had a black eye, and Whitmore had suffered a swollen lip, injuries suffered during the fatal struggle with Gardner, Whitmore later told detectives.
The couple ditched Gardner's car in Memphis, later recovered by police, and headed to Midvale, Utah, where they stayed at a motel for several days before Midvale police caught up with them.
Whitmore was charged with pawning Gardner's laptop with a false identification, and LeBaron was additionally charged with grand theft auto.
LeBaron and Whitmore remained in custody in Salt Lake City on Tuesday evening, and LeBaron will be brought back to Monroe County on the first-degree murder charge, Herrin said.
The State Attorney's Office determined LeBaron's alleged killing of Gardner to be premeditated based upon the facts of the case, she said.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze
and the Naples Daily News 3/4/09
"Please don't kill me. I've got money."
Those were some of the last words heard from Cape Coral man Richard Gardner before he was murdered aboard his boat in Key West, according to a statement made to Monroe County detectives.
The statement was Kristena Whitmore's. A co-suspect in Gardner's murder, she reportedly told detectives what she heard and saw when Gardner was killed the evening of Feb. 10.
Her statement was part of a body of information leading the Monroe County State Attorney's Office to charge 32-year-old Jonathan LeBaron, Whitmore's boyfriend and a suspect in the killing, with the first-degree murder of Gardner.
Whitmore had not been charged as of Tuesday evening, but she is in custody in Utah, where police said they found her and LeBaron in a motel Feb. 22 with various belongings of Gardner.
State attorneys are in the process of deciding how to charge Whitmore, Monroe County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Becky Herrin said Tuesday.
"I anticipate there will be charges," she said.
Evidence collected at the scene of the slaying includes latent fingerprints found at various locations throughout Gardner's boat, called the Flo To Me, a table cushion, fingerprints with blood from the area where Gardner's body was found and items "consistent with the collection of DNA evidence," according to LeBaron's arrest warrant.
Whitmore reportedly told Monroe County detectives that the sequence of events leading to Gardner's death began when she made contact with Gardner through a Craig's List Internet posting she had made in October or November.
She had performed oral sex for Gardner in exchange for money on several occasions prior to his death, and Gardner had agreed to let her stay on his boat when she told him she did not have a place to stay, she told detectives.
Whitmore and LeBaron spent the night on Gardner's boat Feb. 9, though Gardner did not know LeBaron was with her, Whitmore reportedly said.
Whitmore said that when Gardner arrived from Cape Coral the evening of Feb. 10, Gardner met with her on the dock and entered the cabin of his boat with her by flashlight, reports state.
LeBaron, she said, was waiting inside.
Though Whitmore said she did not see LeBaron kill Gardner, she described the sounds of "bones crunching" and "sounds of a struggle" to detectives, as well as the weight of Gardner's body as he fell atop her.
She described later seeing blood on herself and on Gardner's legs, as well as hearing "gurgling noises."
Gardner had suffered a broken jaw and had several teeth knocked out, an autopsy by the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed.
Detectives would not release additional information regarding Gardner's injuries Tuesday, citing an ongoing investigation.
LeBaron and Whitmore cleaned up, turned on the air conditioning in the boat and left the scene in Gardner's Mercury Marquis, Whitmore reportedly said.
She said LeBaron threw a switchblade knife, a rubber mallet and Gardner's cell phone off a bridge on U.S. Highway 1 while still in the Key West area.
Monroe County investigators are not saying if the knife or mallet are related to fatal injuries suffered by Gardner.
It is possible they may not have enough information to search for the weapons and cell phone due to the large number of areas where the highway crosses over water, Herrin said.
It is not clear whether investigators will conduct a search for the items, she said.
Gardner's body was found Feb. 13, three days after his alleged murder, during a well-being check by law enforcement officers where the boat was docked at King's Pointe Marina on Stock Island.
LeBaron and Whitmore were pulled over in Gardner's car Feb. 12, a day prior, by Memphis police officer Jason Moore. Moore subsequently released them after they told him that they had been beat up and mugged in Ocala, Fla., and that the car belonged to their grandmother.
Lebaron had a black eye, and Whitmore had suffered a swollen lip, injuries suffered during the fatal struggle with Gardner, Whitmore later told detectives.
The couple ditched Gardner's car in Memphis, later recovered by police, and headed to Midvale, Utah, where they stayed at a motel for several days before Midvale police caught up with them.
Whitmore was charged with pawning Gardner's laptop with a false identification, and LeBaron was additionally charged with grand theft auto.
LeBaron and Whitmore remained in custody in Salt Lake City on Tuesday evening, and LeBaron will be brought back to Monroe County on the first-degree murder charge, Herrin said.
The State Attorney's Office determined LeBaron's alleged killing of Gardner to be premeditated based upon the facts of the case, she said.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Cape mom accused of abusing son
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/2/09
A Cape Coral mother was charged with aggravated battery on a child Saturday, accused of abusing her juvenile son.
Michele Lee Guerra, 34, spent the night in the Lee County Jail and was released Sunday on $25,000 bond, according to jail booking records.
A telephone number or address for Guerra could not immediately be determined Monday.
Guerra's son told Cape officers that Guerra was intoxicated and became physically abusive during an argument at about 2 a.m., punching him in the face and chest, hitting him with a broom and choking him, according to reports.
A younger sibling reportedly told police that he or she heard Guerra and her son fighting, but did not witness the fight.
The son suffered a black eye, red and purple marks on his neck, scratches on his arms and neck, and a welt on his upper back and complained of pain in his right hand, officers reported.
Guerra reportedly told police the fight began when her son would not listen to her and was out of control.
Guerra's children were taken to their grandfather's home temporarily, reports state.
The Department of Children and Families was contacted regarding the alleged abuse.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 3/2/09
A Cape Coral mother was charged with aggravated battery on a child Saturday, accused of abusing her juvenile son.
Michele Lee Guerra, 34, spent the night in the Lee County Jail and was released Sunday on $25,000 bond, according to jail booking records.
A telephone number or address for Guerra could not immediately be determined Monday.
Guerra's son told Cape officers that Guerra was intoxicated and became physically abusive during an argument at about 2 a.m., punching him in the face and chest, hitting him with a broom and choking him, according to reports.
A younger sibling reportedly told police that he or she heard Guerra and her son fighting, but did not witness the fight.
The son suffered a black eye, red and purple marks on his neck, scratches on his arms and neck, and a welt on his upper back and complained of pain in his right hand, officers reported.
Guerra reportedly told police the fight began when her son would not listen to her and was out of control.
Guerra's children were taken to their grandfather's home temporarily, reports state.
The Department of Children and Families was contacted regarding the alleged abuse.
Monday, March 2, 2009
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the article you did that appeared in the Daily Breeze about the Guardian Angels Yard & Bake Sale. The Guardian Angels greatly appreciate all the help we can get to promotethe need for everyone to do all they can to help the developmentally disabled adults in our area. It seems whenever budget cuts come our most vulnerable area the first to suffer.
If you would like to tour the Special Populations Center at any time, someone from the Guardian Angels or the Center would be happy to make arrangements. Please call me at XXX-XXXX or you may call the Special Populations Center directly at XXX-XXXX and ask for the Director Sara Sansone.
Again, thank you so much.
Barbara Piskorz
Annual fund-raiser generates cash for Special Populations
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 2/8/09
If you would like to tour the Special Populations Center at any time, someone from the Guardian Angels or the Center would be happy to make arrangements. Please call me at XXX-XXXX or you may call the Special Populations Center directly at XXX-XXXX and ask for the Director Sara Sansone.
Again, thank you so much.
Barbara Piskorz
Annual fund-raiser generates cash for Special Populations
by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 2/8/09
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