****alert-read This!!!!!****

[Kaylara]

Teen girls abducted from California 'lovers lane'

LANCASTER, California (CNN) -- Police issued a statewide alert early Thursday for man in a white Ford Bronco who allegedly kidnapped a pair of teenage girls at gunpoint from a popular "lovers lane" in Los Angeles County, California.

The suspect, described 30 to 40 years old with a medium build and dark complexion, reportedly left the scene with Tamera Brooks, 16, and Jaqueline Marris, 17, who had been in separate vehicles with male friends at a Quartz Hill parking area shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday, near Lancaster, police said.

As law enforcement officials spread the search over the entire Southwestern United States, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonivich announced "a $10,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the suspect who has kidnapped these two girls."

The vehicle, a white, 1980 Ford Bronco with a gray camper shell, oversized tires and a raised suspension designed for off-road use, belonged to Brooks' friend, Joshua Brown, according to Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Deputy Brian Lendman.

Authorities said the Bronco was the only vehicle in the parking lot when the suspect arrived at the Quartz Hill water tower -- popular with teens because of its seclusion and sweeping views of the valley below -- in a stolen Saturn. That car was reported stolen in a car-jacking in Las Vegas, but authorities said they did not have details of the car-jacking.

Brown, who said he turned 18 Thursday, said that moments after he heard a car pull into the parking lot, the suspect was at his window with a semiautomatic handgun.

"He told me to give him all my money," he said. "I thought he was going to kill us."

The suspect left the girl in the truck, he said, warning her to keep her head down, tied Brown to a pole and blindfolded him.

The young man said the suspect "pointed (the gun) to the back of my head."

"He told me he was going to kill me, but he didn't want to," he said. "He actually just wanted to tie me up. He wanted the truck. ... It sounded like he was trying to decide if he was going to kill me or not."

As the suspect was preparing to leave, Brown said, he heard another car pull into the parking lot, apparently Marris and her companion.

The companion, who identified himself as Frank, said the suspect first tried to tape the two teenagers together in the car, but when that didn't work, he taped Frank to his car seat and steering wheel and left with both girls in the Bronco.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Capt. Tom Pigott said one of the boys worked himself free and "ran down the hill to a pay phone."

Pigott also said that the suspect apparently doused the Saturn in gasoline or some other flammable liquid, apparently intending to set fire to it, "but for some reason elected not to do that."


Found at:
http://www.cnn.com/2002/US/08/01/teen.abduction/index.html

[Semele]

Damn!

I make it a point to not watch much news, but lately have heard enough bits and pieces to know there have been several kidnapping episodes recently all over the U.S. What is going on?

Please everyone be careful and watch your kiddos, even those rotten teens!

I am hoping and praying that this disturbed man stays on the path of choosing the lesser over the greater evil. He didn't shoot the boy or catch the other on fire...maybe he will let the girls go.

[Kaylara]

I do not have a good feeling about this... (Duh) I hope that I am wrong.

Kaylara

[Flaire-FireStar]

I'm getting chills down my spine



:meanface: Hope they catch this guy!

[Phoenix Blue]

It honestly sounds like the kidnapping cases are getting more press, not that they're necessarily happening more often. . .

[MidnightSun]

They found the girls..unharmed :) Thank the Goddess these 2 didn't end up like the others.

[Melysande]

CNN also reports that police shot the suspect.

[WtchyChick13]

Latest report as of 5pm EST:

Girls are ok, they still don't know if anything "happened" to them. The suspect was also a wanted individual for rape. After letting the girls go, he then fled to Las Vegas and in a failed car-jacking attempt was then shot dead by police.

Let us hope that he didn't do anything to the girls.

It's a happy ending for the parents--their daughters are home. With all of the children in the news lately being taken (and those who never make the news) it's nice to hear when some actually make it home.

Blessings to their families!!!

[Phoenix Blue]

Quoth Melysande:
CNN also reports that police shot the suspect.
That's one case of police brutality I won't lose any sleep over. :p

[SimplyStrange]

I'm so glad they're ok... poor girls... and their families and friends! They must have all been soo worried... :(

I'm so glad I don't have any kids to worry about...

[Twig]

Girls OK. Found in back of bad guys stolen SUV

Bad guy Dead

Thank you Andrasta for bringing protection and swift justice in their time of need.

Peace
Twig

[WtchyChick13]

Originally posted by Twig
Girls OK. Found in back of bad guys stolen SUV

Bad guy Dead



Well hell, if THAT doesn't sum it up...nothing will. LOL ;) :p ;)

[WandererInGray]

Originally posted by Phoenix_Blue
That's one case of police brutality I won't lose any sleep over. :p

*smiles* That's not police brutality, Love....that's Justice in action.

[Semele]

Originally posted by WandererInGray


*smiles* That's not police brutality, Love....that's Justice in action.

OK, I know I am gonna get slammed on this one but, come on guys. Do you really believe that people are inheritantly all bad or all good? Do you think that perhaps something had happened in this mans life to cause him to act so irrationally? I am not condoning his behavior by any means, but I can't help but think that he could have used a little understanding and prayer himself. His very indecisiveness on committing the brutal murderous acts he had thought of and his lack of apparent calculated planning tells us he is acting out of desperation. I really think he was hurting inside as well.

I am glad the girls were unharmed and I am glad he wont be hurting anyone else. I do say bless the families of the victims, but also bless this mans family if he has one. Also I hope and pray that now his tormented soul is finding peace and preparing for a new life with lessons learned in tow. It has all ended, we are all obviously glad that the girls are ok, but what purpose does it really serve to say hateful things about a man who has already paid the highest price for his crimes? Does it make us feel better? Maybe...maybe not.

[WandererInGray]

*shrugs* No slam...just this.

Don't read hatred into a statement where there was none.

I might get slammed for this, but it's the way I feel.

No, I have no sympathy for people who chose to committ crimes, especially crimes like this.

He was already wanted for rape.

Sometimes justice is done through the courts, other times through the barrel of a police officer's gun. My sympathy is for the girls who will have memories of their ordeal...and my relief goes to the ones who will never have to know what crimes he was capable of.

I have no hatred for the man....that would require more energy than I believe he would be worth.

[Semele]

Wanderer,
I didn't mean to imply necessarily that your post was hateful...I just quoted yours as the last comment along the same lines of thought as I saw it. I am not saying we should have tolorance for violent crimes, just perhaps a little more understanding that most of the offenders are acting out of their own pain or mental illness.

Have you ever Chosen to do something that you later regretted and were even perhaps ashamed of? I have and my only saving grace is that I hurt noone else in doing so...luckily...well to my knowledge anyway.

I am sorry that you feel, without knowing anything other than what you have been told of this individual, that he isn't even worthy of the energy it requires to hate him. I notice you were very quick to offer your sympathy and relief to those you percieved to be the only victims.

I am not pointing fingers at you, even if it seems that way. ;) I just think that all the positive energy and prayers we offer up each and every day for folks we don't know is a great attempt at helping heal and protect humanity. I also, however, feel that we often miss out on the opportunity to offer the same love and spiritual support to those who need it most. I am speaking of the mentally ill and sick people of the world that it is easier to just despise. I am afraid as long as the world continues to treat these people with loathing and disgust...we can continue to expect to be offering love and support to their victims.

I just have a hard time believing that as an infant this man or any other murderer was any less prescious than my own child. Something went wrong in his life and I think it is a great tragedy...sure the tragedy is worsened by his hurting others. I think that if we could strip away all the barriers we would find the same vulnerable child reaching out for love. Do I think we can fix every deranged lunatic? Not at all...but if we are gonna feel anything for them at all...why not try to offer a little compassion rather than disdain. It can't hurt to ask for ease in their suffering. If their own pain is more managed they just might not inflict so much on others. Just a thought.

[Phoenix Blue]

**Shrugs** Just because you want to love someone and wish him well doesn't mean you shouldn't punish him for his actions. Just the opposite--if you don't discipline a wayward child, he learns only that you don't care enough to discipline him.

Remember, the cops had a reason for shooting this guy, and that very strict circumstances govern the events under which a police officer may fire his weapon.

[Semele]

Originally posted by Phoenix_Blue
[B
Remember, the cops had a reason for shooting this guy, and that very strict circumstances govern the events under which a police officer may fire his weapon. [/B]


LOL!!! You expect me to believe that you believe that?? You called it police brutality didn't you??;)

Yeah, I agree we have to punish those who committ crimes etc. I punish my child even if it breaks my heart to do so, because I would rather have a small amount of pain now than a huge heartache later if he thinks actions have no consequences.

I have no doubt in my mind that this perpetrator wanted to be killed by police or anyone else. When I read the post that the girls were safe I sighed with relief, then the next line when they said he had been shot and killed I felt an overwhelming sense of loss. Perhaps for whatever was lost in him long ago.

[Tammy Sullivan]

You know Semele, in a strange sort of way I feel a loss for his happiness etc. but that gives him no right to stomp on others happiness. I believe in Karma and he chose to live by the sword therefore.....you know the rest.
But I also see your point and how it is important for us to evolve to a higher level, and see the whole situation. But honestly where exactly would that lead us? We must also wear the dark face sometimes, for our own protection. Now in no way am I slamming you or your opinion, only exploring the topic and presenting one point of view.

[Phoenix Blue]

Quoth Semele:
LOL!!! You expect me to believe that you believe that?? You called it police brutality didn't you??;)
Since I was being sarcastic at the time? :p Yeah, I know, big surprise there. . .

I wasn't there. But given Mr. Daisy-Pusher's background, I'm willing to believe the shooting was warranted.

[FelixFire]

I saw this on the front page of today's paper.

According to my paper, he did rape both the girls, and was on his way to the desert to murder them and dump their bodies.

A quote from Kern County Sheriff Carl Parks: "He already raped them and there wasn't anything left to do"

So...while I might feel sorry for the child that Roy (the rapist) once was, it's nothing compared to the relief I feel knowing that he cannot rape (or murder!) another girl.

When my hubby read to me that he'd been shot, I said "GOOD! Damn good.". Too often rapists are allowed off with a slap on the hand, then they go out and rape and kill until they finally get caught again. He was already wanted for rape, then he raped two more girls and was most likely on his way to murder them...I doubt he would have been very rehabilitatable. (is that a word?)

Serial rapist/near murderer shot to death - to me that equals justice served. Yes, I pity him, but now nobody else will be harmed by him, and since I believe in reincarnation I see death as the ultimate second chance for people like this. May the Lady heal his soul and send him back for a kinder lifeline.

[WandererInGray]

*shrugs and grins* I make no bones about the fact I'm only studying Buddhism....I haven't yet found the place of enlightenment that the Dali Lama is in where I can care for all living things regardless.

Can people change? Sure...I've seen it with my very own eyes. But until they make the changes (which it seems to me from my limited knowledge of the situation, he was NOT making an attempt to change) they are not in my realm of pity or sorrow or sympathy.

We all have dark and light in us....and we ALL make the choice to act one way or another. And in my mind, it's that simple choice which defines us to the path of good or ill.

We hold the keys to our humanity, there is something precious and viable in all of us...but if we chose to lock it away and starve it to death, then we deserve all the fury of the universe for destroying something Divine.

[WtchyChick13]

When my hubby read to me that he'd been shot, I said "GOOD! Damn good.". Too often rapists are allowed off with a slap on the hand, then they go out and rape and kill until they finally get caught again.

I personally like my mother's idea for rapists---castration with a dull spoon. :)



I'm really surprised that this thread has taken the turn that it has. The girls are home with their families. Yes, they went through one hell of an ordeal, but they are home.

The man who did this had absolutely nothing to lose. He was facing the death penalty anyway--he got off easy in my opinion.

I too am a big believer in what goes around comes around and am sure that he is paying a huge price now. I do feel sorry for his family and of course send my blessings to the girls and their families as well.

I also give out my blessings to those who helped in finding these girls--the authorities and those who used that wonderful new alert system to call in that the ford bronco had been spotted. Without them, the girls would not have had a chance.

It was also nice to see on the press conference today one of the sheriffs (sp?) break down and say how happy and emotional he was that after 38 years on the job, something good can still happen. So it's not just the families who are touched, but those who are there to "protect and serve" as well.

My focus now goes to those, like the Smart family, who still have no closure. To the other families who don't know if their children will ever return. These poor people hold personal vigils hoping that the next time their front door opens, their child will be coming through it.

I ask (and of course you don't have to agree with me) that instead of us going back and forth with each other about who's way of "justice" is correct, why don't we all sent these families healing light so that they too can gain the closure that they need.

Let us hope that these children come home safely and soon.

***Brightest Blessings***

--Wtchy :)

[Semele]

Originally posted by FelixFire
May the Lady heal his soul and send him back for a kinder lifeline.


This is the kind of response I was thinking of. Yes, it perfectly acceptable to feel outrage and anger over the pain he has caused and the after affects of his actions on the lives of others. One thing that we may not be thinking of though, is how much more prescious each of the people directly and indirectly involved in the tragedy hold the lives they are able to keep living. Not saying that he should be given a medal for making us appreciate life more.

I, myself, tend to believe more in reincarnation and that we keep getting recycled so to speak until we are done learing or teaching the lessons necessary. Which is why, yes he got what he deserved and that is good I suppose, but I feel strongly that his soul could use a little healing energy so that he can make the necessary changes in his next life. How do I know I wasn't some horrible person in a previous life and maybe that is why I have the sympathy I do???

WtchyChick13,
I absolutely agree with you that we need to offer what we can to the families still waiting for their children to be found. Yet, again I say...what of the perps who took them? What if it is someone who is confused and sick and trying to struggle through the ordeal and not sure what to do next. An offering of energy to these folks just may help them make the right decisions and get these kids home safely. I think it is sad to assume that the damage has already been done. Sure each day they are gone there is a higher chance that the children are dead, but rather than pray for closure for the parents...I hope they keep believing that the kids can hear and feel the love they send. I have seen far to often instances where folks where supposed to be "dead" to the outside world and the love and strength that the family shows pulls them through the impossible. Some may argue and say it is unhealthy to keep hoping and put your life on hold over something that is so obviously a loss. To them I say...if it were my child my life would never be the same and I will always hold a vigil to and for them in my daily life...even if their body were found. I feel that they need that energy and love after death as much as in life.

[Alaiyo]

Originally posted by WandererInGray
*shrugs* No slam...just this.

Don't read hatred into a statement where there was none.

I might get slammed for this, but it's the way I feel.

No, I have no sympathy for people who chose to committ crimes, especially crimes like this.

He was already wanted for rape.

Sometimes justice is done through the courts, other times through the barrel of a police officer's gun. My sympathy is for the girls who will have memories of their ordeal...and my relief goes to the ones who will never have to know what crimes he was capable of.

I have no hatred for the man....that would require more energy than I believe he would be worth.



Hear, hear!

I too tried to not do the dance of joy when I found out that he lost his life but I just get so mad. I am tired of creeps like this feeling like it's open season on anyone that is more vulnerable than they are.
I am sick of Predators going around in need of a power boost and victimizing whoever is in their path.
I am sick of hearing that 7 of out 10 women will be at least assaulted once in her lifetime and 3 out of 5 will be raped.
(This came from Oprah, she did a show about violent crimes against women and exposed the stupidity of some departments to treat sex crimes esp rapes as a lower priority thus resulting in rape kits gathering dust on the shelves in the evidence rooms for years. I taped most of it)

I'm pleased at least that they made this a lead story instead of fooling around with that story of the buffoon with the William Shatner toupee.

I think what's even sadder is that something like "parking" you can't do anymore without someone messing with you. Granted, people had been messed with in the past. I was told a story about how a black couple "parked" in the 40s and got themselves lynched for no other reason than they were out after dark and it was NC.

Part of me was completely like, "he's lucky they killed him because if it were my child, he would have begged them kill him."
Then I calm down and remember that revenge rarely solves anything. And the bigger picture is that they [victims]are alive. And that he will have learned from this in the next life.