Quote:
Originally Posted by JonDuke
I fail to see the big picture, often, so I'd like some advice.
Let's say someone organized a community search for the bodies. Random volunteers focusing on multiple rural roads in that area. Teams of 3-5 spread out on each side of multiple roads. Whatever...something like that. It would be planned out. Use Facebook and Twitter to spread the word, get maps and designate people/teams to roads, etc, etc.
With the police already having laid charges, they must be confident their case is somewhat court ready. And they're asking rural residents to check their own properties.
Would a community search like the one above do more harm than good? (ie: evidence)
I'm out of town until Thursday, but would really like to start working on something like this and plan it for Saturday IF there were no possible negative implications to the case. .
Good idea or should it be left as good intentions and not be done?
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by calgarygeologist
One big issue with this is that you can not organize and send people on a search on private land without getting appropriate permission from the land owner. You should be fine on public lands but not private lands.
|
Bang on. The police are allowed to search anyone's property, either with the owner's consent, or with a search warrant. There are legal issues involved with searching private property. And then on top of that, the police are trained in basic forensic procedures, where as the average volunteer is not. The police don't want to run the risk of contaminating evidence, and having their case tossed out in court on a technicality because a DNA sample was contaminated, or a fingerprint rubbed out. There's a reason why the police work at the pace that they do, and don't just tear up the place looking for a single smoking gun.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldDutch
I think what really ticks me off is what others have said. That he didn't want to leave witnesses because he thought he was a "smart" criminal. The innocent boy died, so he could get away with it, for all of 1 week. What a piece of human garbage. I hope this haunts him and he never finds peace.
Arg, I am going to stop typing as I am going to say something I will regret. Thoughts and prayers to that poor young family. Know that Calgary has you.
|
+1...I knew that the outcome was going to be bad, but I was absolutely devastated to hear Chief Hanson announce the charges. Definitely been holding back some tears this afternoon.
Got to feel for all the cops involved too. It's got to be heartbreaking, going through all the evidence, working around the clock, hoping to find the little guy safe and sound. They go through a lot of cases, but I can't imagine having to work on a case involving a child, only to have it end badly. And the suspect doesn't have to give up anything, because he's only going to incriminate himself further if he doesn't keep his mouth shut.
What really pisses me off is, the he didn't have to do anything to the kid. Just leave him at a gas station or restaurant and drive off, for god's sake. The little guy will most likely know to get help, and people will recognize him right away. It leaves a witness, but, come on. IT'S A KID! He's going to be so scared and in such a state of shock that he wouldn't be able to give the police much anyway. It brings tears to my eyes imagining the grandparents pleading for Nathan to be spared.
Rest in peace, little guy.