It may be pointless to open the comment threads back up. It appears nothing is happening with the Michelle Young case right now. I was on the verge of abandoning this blog last November, so my interest in the Young case is virtually the only thing keeping the doors open.
It's not that I'm no longer interested in, or keeping up with, the other cases I've written about in the past; I'd just lost interest in continuing to blog about them. Some of them -- Natalee Holloway, Trenton Duckett, George Smith, IV, John Fiocco, Jr. -- may never be solved. I don't like it, but I've come to accept it. Others -- Tracy Tribble, Michelle Gardner-Quinn, Nona Dirksmeyer, Tiffany Souers, Imette St. Guillen -- appear to be proceeding toward satisfactory conclusions. I don't feel compelled to press on about them.
It's the uncertainty of an arrest and prosecution, the mystery of what investigators know but aren't revealing, that holds my interest in the murder of Michelle Young. And it's the apparent stagnancy of the investigation that frustrates me to no end. The forums devoted to discussion of the case at various message boards have all but died, progressing from a Groundhog Day-like continual loop of hash and rehash to a virtual standstill. Sparse information publicized by early media coverage and scant search warrants and leaked by people close to the family has been dissected and analyzed past the point of monotony to the brink of exasperation. I can only hope that the investigation being conducted by the Wake County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney Colon Willoughby's office has not gone as cold as the daily discussions at the crime forums. It's too dang quiet.
So like I said, it may be pointless to open the doors here, but I'm doing it anyway. Something's gotta give. Often, all it takes is one little change, one minute vibration of activity, to get the ball rolling. This is my insignificant contribution.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Riddle me this...
A passenger in his own SUV;
Wan and silent or red-faced and sobbing?
The Young pack holds the safety net
Beneath Jason’s tightrope.
Cross Smith’s palm with silver,
And hope springs eternal.
$1,000,000. Baby, that’s a lot of pesos!
A few more than the average death would bring.
Is that a white Bronco in the garage?
Jason drives an Explorer, silly Billy.
The journey spans three states.
In what county does it re-enter North Carolina?
In a perfect world, Cassidy would have her mommy.
In our imperfect world, Mommy’s killer will be tried.
Linda waits for word.
Is her in-law an outlaw?
Turn this riddle every which way,
But don’t lose sight of the big picture.
The answer will get you close;
You must forego the compass to get there.
Solve it,
And you’ll make my day.
Wan and silent or red-faced and sobbing?
The Young pack holds the safety net
Beneath Jason’s tightrope.
Cross Smith’s palm with silver,
And hope springs eternal.
$1,000,000. Baby, that’s a lot of pesos!
A few more than the average death would bring.
Is that a white Bronco in the garage?
Jason drives an Explorer, silly Billy.
The journey spans three states.
In what county does it re-enter North Carolina?
In a perfect world, Cassidy would have her mommy.
In our imperfect world, Mommy’s killer will be tried.
Linda waits for word.
Is her in-law an outlaw?
Turn this riddle every which way,
But don’t lose sight of the big picture.
The answer will get you close;
You must forego the compass to get there.
Solve it,
And you’ll make my day.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Jason's Journey Addendum
If the previous entry, Jason's Journey, was too convoluted for you to follow, the map below should help you to follow along. Click on it for an enlarged image.
The legend at the left of the image shows most of the location labels. Marker #9 labels the green area where I believe Jason's Friday morning business meeting had to have been.
Of course, Jason and some of his family traveled from Brevard back to Raleigh, and ultimately, to Meredith's house in Fuquay Varina (#8) on Friday evening, but I didn't feel it necessary to draw that route on the map.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Jason's Journey
When the murder of Michelle Young was first presented to the public, we learned from media reports only that Jason had traveled to Virginia on business. The exact location of his meeting and hotel were not revealed, and it wasn't even clear if investigators had that information. It could be inferred that the meeting was most likely in the western part of Virginia, as his route ostensibly provided the opportunity to swing by his mother's house in Brevard, North Carolina, before returning to Raleigh. In an earlier entry, I wrote the following in considering potential sites for Jason's lodging on the night in question:
What else do we know or can we surmise of Jason's travels over those fateful two days? His friend, Rhett Fussell, states that Jason was traveling to Virginia for a business meeting and that he left on Thursday evening to get a head start. Commonly, evening is dinner-time to bed-time, or 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., though some consider evening to extend to midnight. It wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that Jason ate dinner with his family and hit the road after rush hour traffic dissipated. A forum member by the name of "just the facts" stated early on that Jason had called Michelle around 11 p.m. that night to let her know that he had arrived safely at his hotel. Allegedly, all was well at that time, but that phone call has not been publicly confirmed by any other source. Assuming that it is factual or even feasible, Jason had to have left home prior to 8:15. It seems reasonable to deduce that his departure fell some time in between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., more likely in the early portion of that spectrum. A CourtTV member who posts under the name Raleigh Resident reported hearing that Jason may have left as early as 4 p.m. If that were the case, where was he throughout the remaining afternoon and evening? He certainly would have had time to make it to his destination rather than stopping for the night less than three hours from his home.
The location and time of Jason's business meeting are two additional details that investigators have kept close to the vest. However, a CourtTV forum member, and self-described friend of Jason Young, by the name of gojo recently revealed that the meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m. Additionally, a receipt for gas purchase at the Get-It Market places Jason in Duffield, Virginia at some point on Friday, November 3. A full tank of gas could easily have gotten Jason's 2004 Ford Explorer from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Duffield, Virginia, and beyond. I consider Duffield to be a wayside stop that Jason made after his meeting. Why? For a couple of reasons:
As I stated earlier, Jason allegedly arrived at his mother's home at approximately 3 p.m. His step-father met him in the yard and broke the devastating news of Michelle's murder, whereupon Jason "fell plumb to his knees." According to gojo, Jason's mother, sister and brother-in-law drove him back to Raleigh, setting off around 4:30 p.m. and arriving in Raleigh between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. During the drive, gojo claims, Mrs. Young called the Wake County Sheriff's Department to let them know that they were on their way and willing to do whatever necessary to assist in the investigation. Meanwhile, Jason was inconsolable and sobbing uncontrollably. The deputy is alleged to have asked if Jason was with her, to which she replied that he was but could not talk at that time, eliciting a "he'd better be with you" response from the deputy. I'll let you decide for yourself how much weight to give that rendition of events.
It's still unclear what time Jason and company arrived at Meredith Fisher's home in Fuquay-Varina to retrieve Cassidy, the Youngs' 2½ year old daughter. That residence is only about a twenty minute drive from the Youngs' Enchanted Oaks subdivision. When the Young party arrived, Jason's SUV was quickly detained and a search warrant for the vehicle was requested by the WCSD. The warrant was issued at 3:15 a.m. and executed at 4 a.m. but it isn't specified whether the detainment commenced before or after midnight. And it isn't clear where Jason was from the time he arrived in Raleigh until he showed up at Meredith's house. What has been relayed through gojo is that Jason entered the house to reunite with his daughter and remained inside while his family dealt with sheriff's officers outside, hoping to retrieve some of their personal belongings before the vehicle was taken away.
Those are Jason's travels as we know them to be or can reasonably deduce from the information available. Now it is left to determine whether the journey was a completely innocent business trip or a carefully crafted façade. The window of opportunity for Jason to have committed this crime spans the hours of midnight to 6 a.m., according to the time of death estimation. So it's important to investigators to verify his whereabouts.
What can be deduced from the above information and musings? Either Jason Young is innocent, or he gave careful thought and consideration to ensuring that the return to Raleigh would not be documented, and verifiable information indicating his whereabouts would jibe with the legitimate business trip. Investigators have their work cut out for them, as does Jason's attorney. Will forensic evidence at the scene of the crime prove Jason was there when the murder was committed and make all of these cogitations moot? Are there any witness sightings placing Jason Young where he shouldn't have been between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.? Does Jason Young have information to prove that he was indeed where he claims to have been? Time will tell.
On Thursday, a CourtTV forum member by the name of RPD received independent confirmation that Jason's hotel was one of those included in my earlier estimation -- the Hillsville Hampton Inn, to be exact. Interestingly, it is the one in that outlined area that is closest to Raleigh, giving Jason a one-way travel time of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes over 174 miles of interstate highway.If he did commit this homicide, I surmise that he probably drove about 3 hours on Thursday evening, checking in to a Hampton Inn in the vicinity of the I-77/I-81 junction, outlined on this map. (The map takes a little while to load but is very helpful in visualizing the itinerary, so be patient. And by all means, use the zoom feature.) That stopping point is a reasonable conjecture regardless of Jason's innocence or culpability. There are plenty of accommodations there and it is centric to several options for the location of his meeting, in addition to being logistically plausible with the Get-It-Market, the side-trip to Brevard, and a possible return trip to Raleigh during the night.
What else do we know or can we surmise of Jason's travels over those fateful two days? His friend, Rhett Fussell, states that Jason was traveling to Virginia for a business meeting and that he left on Thursday evening to get a head start. Commonly, evening is dinner-time to bed-time, or 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., though some consider evening to extend to midnight. It wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that Jason ate dinner with his family and hit the road after rush hour traffic dissipated. A forum member by the name of "just the facts" stated early on that Jason had called Michelle around 11 p.m. that night to let her know that he had arrived safely at his hotel. Allegedly, all was well at that time, but that phone call has not been publicly confirmed by any other source. Assuming that it is factual or even feasible, Jason had to have left home prior to 8:15. It seems reasonable to deduce that his departure fell some time in between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., more likely in the early portion of that spectrum. A CourtTV member who posts under the name Raleigh Resident reported hearing that Jason may have left as early as 4 p.m. If that were the case, where was he throughout the remaining afternoon and evening? He certainly would have had time to make it to his destination rather than stopping for the night less than three hours from his home.
The location and time of Jason's business meeting are two additional details that investigators have kept close to the vest. However, a CourtTV forum member, and self-described friend of Jason Young, by the name of gojo recently revealed that the meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m. Additionally, a receipt for gas purchase at the Get-It Market places Jason in Duffield, Virginia at some point on Friday, November 3. A full tank of gas could easily have gotten Jason's 2004 Ford Explorer from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Duffield, Virginia, and beyond. I consider Duffield to be a wayside stop that Jason made after his meeting. Why? For a couple of reasons:
- It doesn't seem all that likely for him to have stopped for gas prior to his meeting. If he hadn't enough gas to make it from Hillsville to the meeting location, he would probably have filled up in Hillsville before embarking on the interstate. Then there's the possibility of messing up his suit or carrying a gasoline odor with him into the meeting. It just doesn't fit with my logic, however strange my logic might be.
- Duffield is more than 40 miles off of I-81, the major thoroughfare to the southwestern corner of the state. The quickest route from Hillsville to Duffield actually takes the driver down into Kingsport, Tennessee and approaches Duffield from the southeast. That route just doesn't make a lot of sense to me unless Duffield was the intended destination. And I've seen nothing to indicate that it was.
As I stated earlier, Jason allegedly arrived at his mother's home at approximately 3 p.m. His step-father met him in the yard and broke the devastating news of Michelle's murder, whereupon Jason "fell plumb to his knees." According to gojo, Jason's mother, sister and brother-in-law drove him back to Raleigh, setting off around 4:30 p.m. and arriving in Raleigh between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. During the drive, gojo claims, Mrs. Young called the Wake County Sheriff's Department to let them know that they were on their way and willing to do whatever necessary to assist in the investigation. Meanwhile, Jason was inconsolable and sobbing uncontrollably. The deputy is alleged to have asked if Jason was with her, to which she replied that he was but could not talk at that time, eliciting a "he'd better be with you" response from the deputy. I'll let you decide for yourself how much weight to give that rendition of events.
It's still unclear what time Jason and company arrived at Meredith Fisher's home in Fuquay-Varina to retrieve Cassidy, the Youngs' 2½ year old daughter. That residence is only about a twenty minute drive from the Youngs' Enchanted Oaks subdivision. When the Young party arrived, Jason's SUV was quickly detained and a search warrant for the vehicle was requested by the WCSD. The warrant was issued at 3:15 a.m. and executed at 4 a.m. but it isn't specified whether the detainment commenced before or after midnight. And it isn't clear where Jason was from the time he arrived in Raleigh until he showed up at Meredith's house. What has been relayed through gojo is that Jason entered the house to reunite with his daughter and remained inside while his family dealt with sheriff's officers outside, hoping to retrieve some of their personal belongings before the vehicle was taken away.
Those are Jason's travels as we know them to be or can reasonably deduce from the information available. Now it is left to determine whether the journey was a completely innocent business trip or a carefully crafted façade. The window of opportunity for Jason to have committed this crime spans the hours of midnight to 6 a.m., according to the time of death estimation. So it's important to investigators to verify his whereabouts.
- The hotel receipt proves only that he checked in at a certain time. Did he check out in the morning? Even if he did, the opportunity to travel to Raleigh and back during the night is still there.
- Jason was carrying at least one cell phone with him. What do his phone records indicate?
Were there pings throughout the night originating in the vicinity of the Hillsville Hampton Inn? That could be explained either of two ways:- Jason was in his hotel room all night and couldn't possibly have killed Michelle.
- Jason left his phone in his hotel room, knowing that its pings could reveal his location.
Do the pings indicate movement to and from Raleigh? That would present strong circumstantial evidence, and Jason would probably be behind bars right now if it were the case.
Was his phone turned off at the conclusion of the alleged 11 p.m. phone call and turned back on in the morning? Again, there are two logical explanations, one supporting innocence and the other supporting guilt:- He simply turned the phone off for the night to get a good night's sleep and turned it back on in the morning as he set out for the day.
- He turned it off so as not to have his movements recorded, returned to Raleigh, and turned it back on only when he was back in the vicinity of the Hillsville Hampton Inn the next morning.
- A roundtrip return to the Enchanted Oaks residence during the night would have necessitated an additional gas purchase of 17-20 gallons. But there appear to be no other fuel purchases made on the night in question. In fact, the fuel stop in Duffield fits perfectly with Jason's legitimate business travels and side-trip to Brevard. The innocent explanation is that there were no other fuel stops between the Thursday evening departure from Raleigh and the Get-It Market purchase on Friday. In which case, Jason couldn't have returned to Raleigh and committed the murder. However there are two alternative explanations:
- Jason paid cash for the additional gas purchase and discarded or destroyed the receipt.
- Jason carried in the SUV gas cans containing an adequate amount to provide for the extra mileage.
- I think it's important to note that between the alleged 11 p.m. phone call from Hillsville and the 10 a.m. meeting in western Virginia, Jason could have spent as many as 3 hours at the crime scene. Did he clean up there? Did Cassidy awaken while he was showering? Gojo has repeatedly made reference to Cassidy's isolated footprints in the bathroom across the hall. Who carried her in there? Were her little feet cleaned off with the washcloth she mentioned to Meredith during the 911 call? Did Jason get her back to sleep and spend as much time as possible with her before he felt compelled to hit the road in order to keep his business appointment? There are so many questions I'd like to have the answers to, but I'll never understand how he could leave her there alone with her mommy's bloody corpse.
What can be deduced from the above information and musings? Either Jason Young is innocent, or he gave careful thought and consideration to ensuring that the return to Raleigh would not be documented, and verifiable information indicating his whereabouts would jibe with the legitimate business trip. Investigators have their work cut out for them, as does Jason's attorney. Will forensic evidence at the scene of the crime prove Jason was there when the murder was committed and make all of these cogitations moot? Are there any witness sightings placing Jason Young where he shouldn't have been between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.? Does Jason Young have information to prove that he was indeed where he claims to have been? Time will tell.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Meredith's 911 Call
The following is a transcript that I typed up while listening to the tape of Meredith Fisher's 911 call of November 3, 2006 at approximately 1:30 pm. Meredith reportedly entered her sister's home, 5108 Birchleaf Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the request of her brother-in-law, who asked her to retrieve some documents for him. This is not an official transcript.
DISPATCHER: 911 State your emergency
MEREDITH: I need an ambulance. It’s an emergency.
DISPATCHER: What address are you at Ma’am?
MEREDITH: Um Birchleaf…5108 Birchleaf Road
DISPATCHER: Okay and your phone number?
MEREDITH: Oh my God
DISPATCHER: Ma’am, what’s your phone number in case I lose you
MEREDITH: Um…(deleted)…hang on. Let me look at the phone. (deleted)
DISPATCHER: Alright, what’s the problem. Tell me exactly what happened.
MEREDITH: Um…I…I…I think my sister’s dead.
DISPATCHER: Okay, tell me what happened, ma’am.
MEREDITH: I have no idea. Oh my God.
DISPATCHER: Alright stay on the phone with me please.
MEREDITH: Um.
DISPATCHER: What’s your name?
MEREDITH: Meredith Fisher
DISPATCHER: Alright, Meredith.
MEREDITH: And this is the Young address. Oh my God.
DISPATCHER: Meredith, listen to me please.
MEREDITH: Yeah.
DISPATCHER: Are you with the patient now?
MEREDITH: Yes and her daughter. And…she’s…
DISPATCHER: Okay, how old is the patient?
MEREDITH: …and there’s blood everywhere. She’s 28…29
DISPATCHER: 28?
MEREDITH: Should I try to move her?
DISPATCHER: Listen to me, ma’am.
MEREDITH: Yes sir.
DISPATCHER: I’m gonna tell you what to do, but you need to calm down so we can help her. You said there’s blood everywhere?
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright. Is she conscious?
MEREDITH: N..., I don’t think so. Should I try to help her?
DISPATCHER: Listen to me, ma’am.
MEREDITH: I’m listening.
DISPATCHER: Is she breathing?
MEREDITH: I don’t think so.
DISPATCHER: Have you checked?
MEREDITH: Michelle? [pause] She’s cold.
DISPATCHER: Okay. Listen to me. Did you see what happened?
MEREDITH: I don’t know. Cassidy, come here, sweetie. I’m here with her daughter.
DISPATCHER: Okay.
MEREDITH: There's...there's like blood footprints all over the house from her daugther...like her daughter's little footprints.
DISPATCHER: Okay, listen to me. What's your first name?
MEREDITH: Meredith
DISPATCHER: Alright, Meredith...
MEREDITH: Yes sir.
DISPATCHER: Did you see what happened?
MEREDITH: I..I..I just came here on a fluke. I usually, you know, don't come here during the day.
DISPATCHER: Okay.
MEREDITH: She shouldn't be home. She should be at work. Like...
DISPATCHER: Okay, listen to me.
MEREDITH: Yes sir.
MEREDITH: I...I...[inaudible] right now.
DISPATCHER: Did you say...Can you tell me why she looks dead...looks like she's dead?
MEREDITH: I don't know. I have no idea. There's blood all over the place.
DISPATCHER: Okay, did you say she's cold?
MEREDITH: Sh..uh yes.
DISPATCHER: Okay.
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright, stay on the phone.
MEREDITH: Okay
CASSIDY: [inaudible] there's blood. Can you see my...[inaudible]...get a washcloth into my...[inaudible]...?
MEREDITH: Yes, sweetie.
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
MEREDITH: Sweetie, do you know what happened to Mommy?
CASSIDY: Uhn-uh
MEREDITH: Did she fall?
CASSIDY: Um...um...she gotta boo...She got boo-boos everywhere and...and...she got…
DISPATCHER: Alright, do you think she's beyond any help?
MEREDITH: I don’t know. Honestly, um…
DISPATCHER: You don’t know? Alright
MEREDITH: I’m normally very good under pressure.
DISPATCHER: Okay, we’re gonna tell you what to do then. Okay?
MEREDITH: Yes, sir.
DISPATCHER: Are you right by her now?
MEREDITH: I...I’m keeping her daughter out of there.
DISPATCHER: Okay. Alright, so you’re not with her?
MEREDITH: I’m right outside the bedroom.
DISPATCHER: Can you get her daughter secured s…Can you carry the phone to where she’s at?
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright. Can you secure her daughter?
MEREDITH: Cassidy, sweetie, can you stay in your room for two seconds, okay?
CASSIDY: Okay.
MEREDITH: Okay, can you close the door for two seconds and I’ll be right back in here, okay, sweetie?
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: Meredith.
MEREDITH: Okay, yes sir.
DISPATCHER: Okay. You got a cordless phone?
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright.
MEREDITH: Stay right there, sweetie. Okay.
DISPATCHER: Alright, is…I want you to…is she laying on her back?
MEREDITH: No, she’s laying on her stomach.
DISPATCHER: She’s on her stomach? She’s face down?
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright, can you…can you get her on her back?
MEREDITH: [deep breath] okay…oh my God. Michelle? I don’t think so. She’s so heavy.
DISPATCHER: Alright, see if you can get her on her back.
MEREDITH: I just really think she’s dead.
DISPATCHER: Pardon?
MEREDITH: I really think she’s dead.
DISPATCHER: Okay. Are you certain?
MEREDITH: Hang on. Casssidy, sweetie, please go in your room. Okay, honey?
MEREDITH: I um…I um…I’m pretty sure.
DISPATCHER: You are?
MEREDITH: I…I don’t know…I don’t know. I’m…
DISPATCHER: Okay, we need to make sure.
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: Can you get her on her back for me?
MEREDITH: She’s kind of…twisted in a way that I can’t do that.
DISPATCHER: You can’t roll her over.
MEREDITH: Not…not easily.
DISPATCHER: You’re gonna have to try.
MEREDITH: Hang on…let me…I’m trying to see if I can get her pulse.
DISPATCHER: We gotta try to do CPR if we can get her on her back, Meredith.
MEREDITH: No, she’s ice cold.
DISPATCHER: She’s cold?
MEREDITH: Yeah.
DISPATCHER: Okay, alright.
MEREDITH: And her body is stiff.
DISPATCHER: Okay, then don’t try. If she’s cold then just…
MEREDITH: Oh my God, I (inaudible)…
DISPATCHER: …there’s probably nothing much you can do.
MEREDITH: Should I not touch anything?
DISPATCHER: Alright, try not to touch anything more than you did. Was anything out of place or unusual when you came in?
MEREDITH: This place does not look like what it normally looks like.
DISPATCHER: Okay, what’d it…
MEREDITH: There’s blood in the bed.
DISPATCHER: Okay, alright. Try not to touch anything else, okay?
MEREDITH: Okay, I just moved a pillow.
DISPATCHER: Alright. Just leave everything exactly where it is then.
MEREDITH: Okay…okay.
DISPATCHER: Do you see anything else?
MEREDITH: Um…
DISPATCHER: Do you see anything else that looks unusual?
MEREDITH: No. Cassidy, was anybody here? The dog was freaking out when I got here. Was anybody here, sweetie?
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
DISPATCHER: Alright, Meredith…
MEREDITH: Yes, sir.
DISPATCHER: Alright, I’m gonna…I’m gonna get the sheriff’s department to pick up on the line with us.
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: ‘Cause they’re gonna need to talk to you about what you’re seeing. Okay?
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: Now, I’m gonna brief them on what’s happened, and you just stay on the line.
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: What’s your last name, Meredith?
MEREDITH: Fisher.
DISPATCHER: Fisher?
MEREDITH: Her last name is Young.
DISPATCHER: Are you her relative?
MEREDITH: I’m her only sister.
DISPATCHER: Okay. Alright, Meredith. Stay with me just a minute, okay?
MEREDITH: Okay.
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
[series of clicks and tones]
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
MEREDITH: Okay.
[ring-tone]
CASSIDY: [inaudible] { some people believe they hear the words, “Daddy did it.”}
MEREDITH: Okay.
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
[ring-tone]
[ring-tone]
DEPUTY: Sheriff’s office. What is your emergency?
DISPATCHER: Hey, this is uh Brent.
DEPUTY: Uh-huh?
DISPATCHER: Look, I’ve got a lady named Meredith Fisher on the line from this address.
DEPUTY: Okay.
DISPATCHER: We’ve got E-medicine en route to Birchleaf.
DEPUTY: Okay.
DISPATCHER: And she…she’s in there with her sister. Um, she’s gonna tell you about what she’s seen, and it’s apparent it might be a Code 7 and there may be…there is evidence of trauma.
DEPUTY: We got deputies already en route.
DISPATCHER: Okay, but you need to talk to her. I’m gonna let her talk to you.
DEPUTY: I will. Thanks.
DISPATCHER: She’s on the line with you.
DEPUTY: Okay.
DISPATCHER: Meredith, go ahead.
DEPUTY: Meredith?
MEREDITH: I’m also here with [tape ends]
DISPATCHER: 911 State your emergency
MEREDITH: I need an ambulance. It’s an emergency.
DISPATCHER: What address are you at Ma’am?
MEREDITH: Um Birchleaf…5108 Birchleaf Road
DISPATCHER: Okay and your phone number?
MEREDITH: Oh my God
DISPATCHER: Ma’am, what’s your phone number in case I lose you
MEREDITH: Um…(deleted)…hang on. Let me look at the phone. (deleted)
DISPATCHER: Alright, what’s the problem. Tell me exactly what happened.
MEREDITH: Um…I…I…I think my sister’s dead.
DISPATCHER: Okay, tell me what happened, ma’am.
MEREDITH: I have no idea. Oh my God.
DISPATCHER: Alright stay on the phone with me please.
MEREDITH: Um.
DISPATCHER: What’s your name?
MEREDITH: Meredith Fisher
DISPATCHER: Alright, Meredith.
MEREDITH: And this is the Young address. Oh my God.
DISPATCHER: Meredith, listen to me please.
MEREDITH: Yeah.
DISPATCHER: Are you with the patient now?
MEREDITH: Yes and her daughter. And…she’s…
DISPATCHER: Okay, how old is the patient?
MEREDITH: …and there’s blood everywhere. She’s 28…29
DISPATCHER: 28?
MEREDITH: Should I try to move her?
DISPATCHER: Listen to me, ma’am.
MEREDITH: Yes sir.
DISPATCHER: I’m gonna tell you what to do, but you need to calm down so we can help her. You said there’s blood everywhere?
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright. Is she conscious?
MEREDITH: N..., I don’t think so. Should I try to help her?
DISPATCHER: Listen to me, ma’am.
MEREDITH: I’m listening.
DISPATCHER: Is she breathing?
MEREDITH: I don’t think so.
DISPATCHER: Have you checked?
MEREDITH: Michelle? [pause] She’s cold.
DISPATCHER: Okay. Listen to me. Did you see what happened?
MEREDITH: I don’t know. Cassidy, come here, sweetie. I’m here with her daughter.
DISPATCHER: Okay.
MEREDITH: There's...there's like blood footprints all over the house from her daugther...like her daughter's little footprints.
DISPATCHER: Okay, listen to me. What's your first name?
MEREDITH: Meredith
DISPATCHER: Alright, Meredith...
MEREDITH: Yes sir.
DISPATCHER: Did you see what happened?
MEREDITH: I..I..I just came here on a fluke. I usually, you know, don't come here during the day.
DISPATCHER: Okay.
MEREDITH: She shouldn't be home. She should be at work. Like...
DISPATCHER: Okay, listen to me.
MEREDITH: Yes sir.
MEREDITH: I...I...[inaudible] right now.
DISPATCHER: Did you say...Can you tell me why she looks dead...looks like she's dead?
MEREDITH: I don't know. I have no idea. There's blood all over the place.
DISPATCHER: Okay, did you say she's cold?
MEREDITH: Sh..uh yes.
DISPATCHER: Okay.
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright, stay on the phone.
MEREDITH: Okay
CASSIDY: [inaudible] there's blood. Can you see my...[inaudible]...get a washcloth into my...[inaudible]...?
MEREDITH: Yes, sweetie.
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
MEREDITH: Sweetie, do you know what happened to Mommy?
CASSIDY: Uhn-uh
MEREDITH: Did she fall?
CASSIDY: Um...um...she gotta boo...She got boo-boos everywhere and...and...she got…
DISPATCHER: Alright, do you think she's beyond any help?
MEREDITH: I don’t know. Honestly, um…
DISPATCHER: You don’t know? Alright
MEREDITH: I’m normally very good under pressure.
DISPATCHER: Okay, we’re gonna tell you what to do then. Okay?
MEREDITH: Yes, sir.
DISPATCHER: Are you right by her now?
MEREDITH: I...I’m keeping her daughter out of there.
DISPATCHER: Okay. Alright, so you’re not with her?
MEREDITH: I’m right outside the bedroom.
DISPATCHER: Can you get her daughter secured s…Can you carry the phone to where she’s at?
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright. Can you secure her daughter?
MEREDITH: Cassidy, sweetie, can you stay in your room for two seconds, okay?
CASSIDY: Okay.
MEREDITH: Okay, can you close the door for two seconds and I’ll be right back in here, okay, sweetie?
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: Meredith.
MEREDITH: Okay, yes sir.
DISPATCHER: Okay. You got a cordless phone?
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright.
MEREDITH: Stay right there, sweetie. Okay.
DISPATCHER: Alright, is…I want you to…is she laying on her back?
MEREDITH: No, she’s laying on her stomach.
DISPATCHER: She’s on her stomach? She’s face down?
MEREDITH: Yes.
DISPATCHER: Alright, can you…can you get her on her back?
MEREDITH: [deep breath] okay…oh my God. Michelle? I don’t think so. She’s so heavy.
DISPATCHER: Alright, see if you can get her on her back.
MEREDITH: I just really think she’s dead.
DISPATCHER: Pardon?
MEREDITH: I really think she’s dead.
DISPATCHER: Okay. Are you certain?
MEREDITH: Hang on. Casssidy, sweetie, please go in your room. Okay, honey?
MEREDITH: I um…I um…I’m pretty sure.
DISPATCHER: You are?
MEREDITH: I…I don’t know…I don’t know. I’m…
DISPATCHER: Okay, we need to make sure.
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: Can you get her on her back for me?
MEREDITH: She’s kind of…twisted in a way that I can’t do that.
DISPATCHER: You can’t roll her over.
MEREDITH: Not…not easily.
DISPATCHER: You’re gonna have to try.
MEREDITH: Hang on…let me…I’m trying to see if I can get her pulse.
DISPATCHER: We gotta try to do CPR if we can get her on her back, Meredith.
MEREDITH: No, she’s ice cold.
DISPATCHER: She’s cold?
MEREDITH: Yeah.
DISPATCHER: Okay, alright.
MEREDITH: And her body is stiff.
DISPATCHER: Okay, then don’t try. If she’s cold then just…
MEREDITH: Oh my God, I (inaudible)…
DISPATCHER: …there’s probably nothing much you can do.
MEREDITH: Should I not touch anything?
DISPATCHER: Alright, try not to touch anything more than you did. Was anything out of place or unusual when you came in?
MEREDITH: This place does not look like what it normally looks like.
DISPATCHER: Okay, what’d it…
MEREDITH: There’s blood in the bed.
DISPATCHER: Okay, alright. Try not to touch anything else, okay?
MEREDITH: Okay, I just moved a pillow.
DISPATCHER: Alright. Just leave everything exactly where it is then.
MEREDITH: Okay…okay.
DISPATCHER: Do you see anything else?
MEREDITH: Um…
DISPATCHER: Do you see anything else that looks unusual?
MEREDITH: No. Cassidy, was anybody here? The dog was freaking out when I got here. Was anybody here, sweetie?
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
DISPATCHER: Alright, Meredith…
MEREDITH: Yes, sir.
DISPATCHER: Alright, I’m gonna…I’m gonna get the sheriff’s department to pick up on the line with us.
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: ‘Cause they’re gonna need to talk to you about what you’re seeing. Okay?
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: Now, I’m gonna brief them on what’s happened, and you just stay on the line.
MEREDITH: Okay.
DISPATCHER: What’s your last name, Meredith?
MEREDITH: Fisher.
DISPATCHER: Fisher?
MEREDITH: Her last name is Young.
DISPATCHER: Are you her relative?
MEREDITH: I’m her only sister.
DISPATCHER: Okay. Alright, Meredith. Stay with me just a minute, okay?
MEREDITH: Okay.
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
[series of clicks and tones]
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
MEREDITH: Okay.
[ring-tone]
CASSIDY: [inaudible] { some people believe they hear the words, “Daddy did it.”}
MEREDITH: Okay.
CASSIDY: [inaudible]
[ring-tone]
[ring-tone]
DEPUTY: Sheriff’s office. What is your emergency?
DISPATCHER: Hey, this is uh Brent.
DEPUTY: Uh-huh?
DISPATCHER: Look, I’ve got a lady named Meredith Fisher on the line from this address.
DEPUTY: Okay.
DISPATCHER: We’ve got E-medicine en route to Birchleaf.
DEPUTY: Okay.
DISPATCHER: And she…she’s in there with her sister. Um, she’s gonna tell you about what she’s seen, and it’s apparent it might be a Code 7 and there may be…there is evidence of trauma.
DEPUTY: We got deputies already en route.
DISPATCHER: Okay, but you need to talk to her. I’m gonna let her talk to you.
DEPUTY: I will. Thanks.
DISPATCHER: She’s on the line with you.
DEPUTY: Okay.
DISPATCHER: Meredith, go ahead.
DEPUTY: Meredith?
MEREDITH: I’m also here with [tape ends]
Friday, February 02, 2007
Perhaps to my peril...
Better known as "The Ring Story"
As a blogger, I have, from time to time, received interesting information about the subjects that spark my interest. Usually, I am asked to keep whatever is shared confidential, as its release may be detrimental to the investigation or the anecdote may be self-evident as to its source. On the rare occasion, I am permitted to publish that with which I've been entrusted. Actually, rare is an understatement. It's rare that I get information that hasn't already been made public either through legitimate news reports, public statements by law enforcement officials, or word-of-mouth. Rarer still that I am able to publish.
The very brief story I'm about to share may be considered nothing more than grapevine gossip. That's the reader's prerogative. However, I will say that I have more faith in it than that. You will have to judge its merit on the basis of your own standards.
Without further ado, here is the story...
So there you have it. And you can make of it what you will.
Update: 2/5/2007, 4:52 pm, CT
Some of the feedback on this story indicates that several readers doubt the veracity of it. For those who doubt, I can only say that I have also received independent verification of some of what I wrote. As well, I've been set straight on a couple of details. The incident was apparently Jason's idea of a practical joke rather than a drunken party gag. It did not occur at a party, but among a small group of people at the Youngs' home. You'll have to decide for yourself whether that makes it worse or better.
As a blogger, I have, from time to time, received interesting information about the subjects that spark my interest. Usually, I am asked to keep whatever is shared confidential, as its release may be detrimental to the investigation or the anecdote may be self-evident as to its source. On the rare occasion, I am permitted to publish that with which I've been entrusted. Actually, rare is an understatement. It's rare that I get information that hasn't already been made public either through legitimate news reports, public statements by law enforcement officials, or word-of-mouth. Rarer still that I am able to publish.
The very brief story I'm about to share may be considered nothing more than grapevine gossip. That's the reader's prerogative. However, I will say that I have more faith in it than that. You will have to judge its merit on the basis of your own standards.
Without further ado, here is the story...
Now, even though I was given permission to share this story, I held off at first, uncertain what to do with it. Frankly, it left me aghast. Amid other concerns, the disturbing nature of the incident and its provocative connotations, at first glance, seemed a bit too unsavory and not necessarily relevant. Upon further pondering and discussion with a friend whose opinion I value, I came to the realization that it is indeed useful in giving a glimpse of the personality of Jason Young -- a window on his character, limited though the scope may be. It adds a whole new dimension to the affable, gregarious, late-blooming but charismatic and athletic mountain boy-cum-successful IT salesman previously presented by friends and relatives. Jason's exploit -- what some may consider a frat-boy prank -- demonstrates a total disregard for the sensibilities of the young woman, as well as complete and utter contempt and disdain for the sanctity of marriage, including but not limited to his own marriage to Michelle. I can only imagine the reactions of those who witnessed or were subjected to the despicable stunt.At a party shortly before Michelle's murder, Jason Young, ostensibly as a drunken party gag, swallowed the engagement ring of a female friend, later passing it and returning it to the betrothed --undoubtedly astonished and probably appalled --young woman the next day.
So there you have it. And you can make of it what you will.
Update: 2/5/2007, 4:52 pm, CT
Some of the feedback on this story indicates that several readers doubt the veracity of it. For those who doubt, I can only say that I have also received independent verification of some of what I wrote. As well, I've been set straight on a couple of details. The incident was apparently Jason's idea of a practical joke rather than a drunken party gag. It did not occur at a party, but among a small group of people at the Youngs' home. You'll have to decide for yourself whether that makes it worse or better.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Young Autopsy Report
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of North Carolina released the autopsy report of Michelle Young on Monday, confirming that the 29-year-old pregnant mom died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head. In summary, the pathologist wrote the following:
Michelle did not die quietly. She fought for her life. A set of fingernail scratches on the left side of her neck illustrate her attempt -- a discernibly successful attempt -- to stave off the strangulation, which is evidenced by hemorrhage of the strap muscles in her neck. It appears that the killer then resorted to a barbaric and merciless barrage of blows, the majority of which are concentrated on the head, that left the victim with skull fractures, a broken jaw, at least twenty-five lacerations, multiple abrasions and contusions, and fractured and avulsed teeth. Scrapes and bruises to the backs of Michelle's hands, as well as a laceration on her left thumb, demonstrate that she attempted to shield her head from the flurry of blows rained down by her attacker. But to no avail. Most likely attacked in her bed in the middle of the night, she was at a distinct disadvantage. Perhaps startled from sleep by an unknown presence in the house or the throttling grasp of the intruder's hands, she was barefoot, unarmed and 20 weeks pregnant. The murderer, on the other hand, likely had the advantage of size, strength, stealth and malevolent intent. Abrasions and contusions on the left shoulder may be an indication that she crouched in a defensive position against the side of her bed or perhaps cowering in the niche between bed and nightstand during part of the onslaught.
Some may disagree with my assessment and interpretation, and of course, the Average Jane Disclaimer applies. I've read speculation that this may have been a verbal altercation that escalated to a physical assault and ultimately death. I admit that the same thought crossed my mind upon first reading the report. But on further review and rumination, I don't believe the evidence supports that theory. The injuries to the mouth were the result of crushing impact that split both upper and lower lips, broke off and knocked out teeth, and fractured the surrounding bone. This was no backhanded slap in response to a verbal offense. There is no evidence that the assailant chased Michelle around the room landing poorly aimed blows on her retreating back. The injuries are concentrated and don't appear to be inflicted by someone swinging in a blind rage. There are no scrapes or bruises on her legs to indicate that she was repeatedly knocked down. The location of her avulsed teeth on the floor near her head implies that she was stationary during much of the attack.
Some contend that Michelle's clothing is proof that she had not yet gone to bed for the evening.
As for the weapon, some of the lacerations and abrasions -- the crescentic abrasion on the left deltoid, in particular -- have the appearance of being inflicted by a hard, cylindrical object. I tend to envisage the barrel of a hefty flashlight rather than a bat, which in my unlearned opinion, would have resulted in more numerous and pulverizing skull fractures. If the murder weapon has been recovered or identified by investigators, they have not yet revealed that detail.
There isn't enough information to determine if any items of evidentiary value in identifying the murderer were found on Michelle's body. The scratches on her neck provide the possibility that Michelle also scratched her attacker. Her nails were clipped by the ME and preserved for DNA testing of any skin scrapings beneath them. If the murderer was not wearing gloves, his fingerprints may have been found on Michelle's neck, detectable with cyanoacrylate (superglue) fumes. Certainly, the evidence of a struggle gave investigators reason to believe that the perpetrator may have been injured and prompted them to demand DNA samples and photographs of Jason Young's body. A hair found adhered in blood to Michelle's hand was also preserved for testing. However, it wouldn't be very strong evidence unless it proved to be from someone who had no reason for being in the Youngs' house. The presence of a follicle attached to the hair could boost its evidentiary value if it turned out to be Jason's though.
A prelimary report issued in early November placed the time of death between midnight and 6 a.m. on November 3, 2006. The completed autopsy report does not specify time of death. However, there are some details listed that may have been useful in narrowing it. Upon discovering the body at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Meredith, the victim's sister remarked that she was cold to the touch and her limbs were stiff, apparently in full or near full rigor. When the ME examined the body at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, rigor was not detectable. Meredith informed the 911 operator that her sister was lying face-down, but the ME denotes that livor was dark and posterior upon his examination, indicating that it had not yet set when the body was discovered. There was approximately 70 grams of thick, partially-digested food in Michelle's stomach. All of these things might be useful to a trained expert in narrowing the timeline. Perhaps, a more thorough report of the pathologist's findings and interpretations already exists. If one isn't made publicly available beforehand, I'm sure he will be questioned about and testify to his opinions regarding time of death and possible murder weapons when this case goes to trial.
In the meantime, the findings in this report offer more to study in conjunction with information included in other previously released documents. I hope to do that in a future entry. Actually, I was working on an interpretation of the investigation prior to the release of the autopsy report and hope to finish it soon. Bear with me.
Though the public has awaited this report for 2½ months, that part -- the cause of death -- was to be expected, having been widely published mere days after the murder. Unforeseen by many is the extreme brutality and viciousness of the attack. An attempted strangulation and some thirty blows to the head, neck and shoulder make it indubitably clear that the assailant intended to kill this woman and was determined to see it through to the bitter end.Michelle Young was a 29-year-old woman who was found dead in her home along with her small child.
Autopsy examination shows extensive blunt force injury. Multiple blunt force injuries to the head have resulted in lacerations, extensive abrasions and contusions, multiple fractures of the mandible, avulsion of teeth, multiple skull fractures, and subarachnoid hemorrhage of the brain. There is injury to the neck consistent with manual strangulation. Blunt force injury to the left deltoid region has resulted in an abrasion and multiple contusions. Blunt force injury to the extremities has resulted in laceration of the left thumb, abrasion of the right wrist, and multiple confluent bruises over both hands. Other anatomic findings include an intrauterine pregnancy. A postmortem alcohol determination is negative.
Death is most likely due to blunt force injuries to the head.
Michelle did not die quietly. She fought for her life. A set of fingernail scratches on the left side of her neck illustrate her attempt -- a discernibly successful attempt -- to stave off the strangulation, which is evidenced by hemorrhage of the strap muscles in her neck. It appears that the killer then resorted to a barbaric and merciless barrage of blows, the majority of which are concentrated on the head, that left the victim with skull fractures, a broken jaw, at least twenty-five lacerations, multiple abrasions and contusions, and fractured and avulsed teeth. Scrapes and bruises to the backs of Michelle's hands, as well as a laceration on her left thumb, demonstrate that she attempted to shield her head from the flurry of blows rained down by her attacker. But to no avail. Most likely attacked in her bed in the middle of the night, she was at a distinct disadvantage. Perhaps startled from sleep by an unknown presence in the house or the throttling grasp of the intruder's hands, she was barefoot, unarmed and 20 weeks pregnant. The murderer, on the other hand, likely had the advantage of size, strength, stealth and malevolent intent. Abrasions and contusions on the left shoulder may be an indication that she crouched in a defensive position against the side of her bed or perhaps cowering in the niche between bed and nightstand during part of the onslaught.
Some may disagree with my assessment and interpretation, and of course, the Average Jane Disclaimer applies. I've read speculation that this may have been a verbal altercation that escalated to a physical assault and ultimately death. I admit that the same thought crossed my mind upon first reading the report. But on further review and rumination, I don't believe the evidence supports that theory. The injuries to the mouth were the result of crushing impact that split both upper and lower lips, broke off and knocked out teeth, and fractured the surrounding bone. This was no backhanded slap in response to a verbal offense. There is no evidence that the assailant chased Michelle around the room landing poorly aimed blows on her retreating back. The injuries are concentrated and don't appear to be inflicted by someone swinging in a blind rage. There are no scrapes or bruises on her legs to indicate that she was repeatedly knocked down. The location of her avulsed teeth on the floor near her head implies that she was stationary during much of the attack.
Some contend that Michelle's clothing is proof that she had not yet gone to bed for the evening.
Without a more specific description, it could just as easily be argued that this was loungewear commonly worn by women of Michelle's generation. It might be explained as the pragmatic choice of a mother whose husband is away on business, the indifference of a pregnant woman too tired to bother with changing, or a personal preference. Of note is the fact that she was not wearing shoes, socks, or a bra and her hair was not pulled up or tied back.The decedent is clothed in a hooded sweatshirt which is zipped up, a T-shirt, black pants, and pink panties.
As for the weapon, some of the lacerations and abrasions -- the crescentic abrasion on the left deltoid, in particular -- have the appearance of being inflicted by a hard, cylindrical object. I tend to envisage the barrel of a hefty flashlight rather than a bat, which in my unlearned opinion, would have resulted in more numerous and pulverizing skull fractures. If the murder weapon has been recovered or identified by investigators, they have not yet revealed that detail.
There isn't enough information to determine if any items of evidentiary value in identifying the murderer were found on Michelle's body. The scratches on her neck provide the possibility that Michelle also scratched her attacker. Her nails were clipped by the ME and preserved for DNA testing of any skin scrapings beneath them. If the murderer was not wearing gloves, his fingerprints may have been found on Michelle's neck, detectable with cyanoacrylate (superglue) fumes. Certainly, the evidence of a struggle gave investigators reason to believe that the perpetrator may have been injured and prompted them to demand DNA samples and photographs of Jason Young's body. A hair found adhered in blood to Michelle's hand was also preserved for testing. However, it wouldn't be very strong evidence unless it proved to be from someone who had no reason for being in the Youngs' house. The presence of a follicle attached to the hair could boost its evidentiary value if it turned out to be Jason's though.
A prelimary report issued in early November placed the time of death between midnight and 6 a.m. on November 3, 2006. The completed autopsy report does not specify time of death. However, there are some details listed that may have been useful in narrowing it. Upon discovering the body at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Meredith, the victim's sister remarked that she was cold to the touch and her limbs were stiff, apparently in full or near full rigor. When the ME examined the body at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, rigor was not detectable. Meredith informed the 911 operator that her sister was lying face-down, but the ME denotes that livor was dark and posterior upon his examination, indicating that it had not yet set when the body was discovered. There was approximately 70 grams of thick, partially-digested food in Michelle's stomach. All of these things might be useful to a trained expert in narrowing the timeline. Perhaps, a more thorough report of the pathologist's findings and interpretations already exists. If one isn't made publicly available beforehand, I'm sure he will be questioned about and testify to his opinions regarding time of death and possible murder weapons when this case goes to trial.
In the meantime, the findings in this report offer more to study in conjunction with information included in other previously released documents. I hope to do that in a future entry. Actually, I was working on an interpretation of the investigation prior to the release of the autopsy report and hope to finish it soon. Bear with me.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
A Brief Note on Michelle Young's Autopsy
I understand that some of you are wondering why I haven't posted an entry about Michelle Young's autopsy findings. You would think I'd be on top of it being that I posted last Friday that the report would very shortly be available. I can only chalk up my untimeliness to a busy real life. I did spend most of my free time yesterday studying the report and briefly discussing it with an acquaintance, so I hope to have a thorough entry up soon. As a matter of fact, I awoke last night with a pretty good discourse running through my head, but today I cannot recall the words. I probably should have typed it up last night, but my husband might have seriously considered having me committed to an institution if I'd gotten out of bed in the middle of the night to post a blog entry. So, be patient and check back later. I will get to it -- hopefully, sooner rather than later. In the meantime, read the report yourself and feel free to discuss it in the comment section. The link in the first sentence of this entry will take you to WRAL.com's copy of the report in a flash media format. Be prepared though. It was an extremely brutal and extensive attack. It's not an easy read by any means.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Back to Basics: The Murder Discovered
While we await news in the Michelle Young murder investigation, I'd like to revisit the events of Friday, November 3, 2006, as can be gleaned from various news reports, court documents available to the public, and unconfirmed reports provided by those who claim inside information and/or a personal relationship with the Youngs. My reasons are two-fold. First, as is usually the case, the process helps me to organize my thoughts and inspires new questions. Second, as more information has become available, some of the theories expressed in earlier entries have become unlikely -- some disproven -- and are not a good representation of my current beliefs about the case.
At about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 3, Meredith Fisher called 911. She had gone to the Young's residence, 5801 Birchleaf Drive in Raleigh, NC, at the request of her brother-in-law, Jason Young, to retrieve a document from the computer printer. Upon arriving, Meredith discovered an unbelievable and horrific scene. The family dog was in a highly agitated state; Michelle Young was lyng face-down in a pool of blood on the floor of the master bedroom; and Cassidy, her 2½-year-old daughter, was unharmed by her mother's side.
Meredith soon discovered that her sister was dead and had been for many hours. Her body was cold to the touch and in an advanced state of rigor mortis. A preliminary report by the medical examiner estimates that Michelle had died from blunt force trauma to the head sometime between midnight and 6 a.m. It's unknown at this time whether the time of death has been further narrowed by completion of the autopsy. That report is not yet available. However, of note is the exclusion of the 1½ hours between 10:30 p.m., the time that Michelle was last seen alive, and midnight. It's doubtful that a preliminary examination by the ME could rule out that period of time, so investigators must have some other evidence, such as telephone or computer use perhaps, indicating that Michelle was alive until midnight.
Meredith informed the 911 operator that her sister's house did not look like it usually does; there was blood in the bed and small bloody footprints everywhere. In trying to help her mother and bandage her "boo-boos", Cassidy had tracked Michelle's blood throughout the house. It's been stated by those "in the know" that the dog had also tracked through the blood.
Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison informed the public that the murder did not have the appearance of a random crime. There was no sign of forced entry and nothing appeared to be missing from the home. Someone claiming to know the Youngs disagrees, insisting that she was told by a person who observed the crime scene that drawers were missing from Michelle Young's jewelry box in the master bedroom and valuable jewelry was taken. Additionally, this person states that Michelle's purse was on the floor. According to this 11/21 search warrant, Michelle's purse was in the kitchen.
There are still a lot of unknowns regarding the document that Meredith was asked to retrieve. According to court documents, Jason Young made the request via a voicemail for Meredith. The time and location of origin of that call have yet to be released by investigators. Early reports were that the document was a fax; various outlets indicated that it had to do with a gift Jason Young planned to purchase for his wife and didn't want her to see. The search warrant for the Youngs' Compaq Presario computer includes the following information about the document:
Jason Young, the victim's husband, reportedly left home on Thursday evening to get a head-start on a Friday morning business trip to Virginia. The exact time of his departure is not known to the public. According to a friend, Jason planned to visit his parents in Brevard, North Carolina after his meeting and before returning to Raleigh. Whether that side-trip was planned before leaving home or was a spontaneous decision of Friday morning is dubious, as no one as yet has confirmed having prior knowledge of the trip. Receipts found in Young's Ford Explorer appear to confirm the trip to Virginia, but the location of his hotel has not yet been revealed. With information known to date, the timeline still allows enough leeway for Jason Young to have returned to Raleigh during the night, committed the crime, and made it to his meeting the following morning, the exact location of which is yet to be revealed. It's also unclear whether or not Jason actually attended a meeting or kept any sort of appointment on Friday morning. If investigators have that information, they've yet to make it public. What we do know is that, on Friday morning, Jason purchased gas at the Get-It Market in Duffield, VA -- a little burg off the beaten path in the southwestern corner of the state. It's a mystery what took him to that convenience store, as it is more than 40 miles off the interstate.
Jason reportedly arrived at his mother's Brevard home on Friday afternoon. He was greeted in the front yard by his step-father. Upon being told of Michelle's death, Jason "went plumb to his knees." Returning to the Raleigh area with his mother and other family members, Jason apparently drove to his sister-in-law's house in Fuquay-Varina Friday night, probably to pick up his daughter. His vehicle was observed there by WCSO Major R. L. Johnson, who noticed spots, consistent in appearance with blood, on the driver's side rear door and on the seat behind the driver's seat. Major Johnson spoke briefly with Jason Young who officials indicate has refused to be interviewed or assist with the investigation. The Ford Explorer and and all of its contents were detained and a warrant was executed early the following morning.
There have been no arrests in the case, and the Wake County Sheriff's Office has not publicly named a suspect. However, all investigatory documents released to date seem to indicate that Jason Young is the focus of the investigation. If he did commit this homicide, I surmise that he probably drove about 3 hours on Thursday evening, checking in to a Hampton Inn in the vicinity of the I-77/I-81 junction, outlined on this map. (The map takes a little while to load but is very helpful in visualizing the itinerary, so be patient. And by all means, use the zoom feature.) That stopping point is a reasonable conjecture regardless of Jason's innocence or culpability. There are plenty of accommodations there and it is centric to several options for the location of his meeting, in addition to being logistically plausible with the Get-It-Market, the side-trip to Brevard, and a possible return trip to Raleigh during the night.
The investigation goes on as officials continue to be tight-lipped about details. Perhaps we'll learn more with the release of the autopsy report, which I'm told will likely occur later today.
At about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 3, Meredith Fisher called 911. She had gone to the Young's residence, 5801 Birchleaf Drive in Raleigh, NC, at the request of her brother-in-law, Jason Young, to retrieve a document from the computer printer. Upon arriving, Meredith discovered an unbelievable and horrific scene. The family dog was in a highly agitated state; Michelle Young was lyng face-down in a pool of blood on the floor of the master bedroom; and Cassidy, her 2½-year-old daughter, was unharmed by her mother's side.
Meredith soon discovered that her sister was dead and had been for many hours. Her body was cold to the touch and in an advanced state of rigor mortis. A preliminary report by the medical examiner estimates that Michelle had died from blunt force trauma to the head sometime between midnight and 6 a.m. It's unknown at this time whether the time of death has been further narrowed by completion of the autopsy. That report is not yet available. However, of note is the exclusion of the 1½ hours between 10:30 p.m., the time that Michelle was last seen alive, and midnight. It's doubtful that a preliminary examination by the ME could rule out that period of time, so investigators must have some other evidence, such as telephone or computer use perhaps, indicating that Michelle was alive until midnight.
Meredith informed the 911 operator that her sister's house did not look like it usually does; there was blood in the bed and small bloody footprints everywhere. In trying to help her mother and bandage her "boo-boos", Cassidy had tracked Michelle's blood throughout the house. It's been stated by those "in the know" that the dog had also tracked through the blood.
Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison informed the public that the murder did not have the appearance of a random crime. There was no sign of forced entry and nothing appeared to be missing from the home. Someone claiming to know the Youngs disagrees, insisting that she was told by a person who observed the crime scene that drawers were missing from Michelle Young's jewelry box in the master bedroom and valuable jewelry was taken. Additionally, this person states that Michelle's purse was on the floor. According to this 11/21 search warrant, Michelle's purse was in the kitchen.
There are still a lot of unknowns regarding the document that Meredith was asked to retrieve. According to court documents, Jason Young made the request via a voicemail for Meredith. The time and location of origin of that call have yet to be released by investigators. Early reports were that the document was a fax; various outlets indicated that it had to do with a gift Jason Young planned to purchase for his wife and didn't want her to see. The search warrant for the Youngs' Compaq Presario computer includes the following information about the document:
The victim's sister came to the house to retrieve a document, which was on the printer, located next to the computer. The document had been printed from that computer the hours before the victim's death was discovered.Authorities have not revealed the contents of that document or where it originated, though it was referred to in the probable cause section of the warrant to search a Dell Inspiron computer belonging to Michelle Money of Ocoee, Forida. The warrant also revealed that Jason and Ms. Money had been involved in a relationship; the pair were in almost daily contact by phone and email for some three months preceding the murder. In addition, the time and location of Jason's call to Meredith have not yet been made public. Understandably, there has been a lot of speculation about the "fax", with many postulating that it was a ruse to get Meredith to the house in order to rescue Cassidy and discover the murder.
Jason Young, the victim's husband, reportedly left home on Thursday evening to get a head-start on a Friday morning business trip to Virginia. The exact time of his departure is not known to the public. According to a friend, Jason planned to visit his parents in Brevard, North Carolina after his meeting and before returning to Raleigh. Whether that side-trip was planned before leaving home or was a spontaneous decision of Friday morning is dubious, as no one as yet has confirmed having prior knowledge of the trip. Receipts found in Young's Ford Explorer appear to confirm the trip to Virginia, but the location of his hotel has not yet been revealed. With information known to date, the timeline still allows enough leeway for Jason Young to have returned to Raleigh during the night, committed the crime, and made it to his meeting the following morning, the exact location of which is yet to be revealed. It's also unclear whether or not Jason actually attended a meeting or kept any sort of appointment on Friday morning. If investigators have that information, they've yet to make it public. What we do know is that, on Friday morning, Jason purchased gas at the Get-It Market in Duffield, VA -- a little burg off the beaten path in the southwestern corner of the state. It's a mystery what took him to that convenience store, as it is more than 40 miles off the interstate.
Jason reportedly arrived at his mother's Brevard home on Friday afternoon. He was greeted in the front yard by his step-father. Upon being told of Michelle's death, Jason "went plumb to his knees." Returning to the Raleigh area with his mother and other family members, Jason apparently drove to his sister-in-law's house in Fuquay-Varina Friday night, probably to pick up his daughter. His vehicle was observed there by WCSO Major R. L. Johnson, who noticed spots, consistent in appearance with blood, on the driver's side rear door and on the seat behind the driver's seat. Major Johnson spoke briefly with Jason Young who officials indicate has refused to be interviewed or assist with the investigation. The Ford Explorer and and all of its contents were detained and a warrant was executed early the following morning.
There have been no arrests in the case, and the Wake County Sheriff's Office has not publicly named a suspect. However, all investigatory documents released to date seem to indicate that Jason Young is the focus of the investigation. If he did commit this homicide, I surmise that he probably drove about 3 hours on Thursday evening, checking in to a Hampton Inn in the vicinity of the I-77/I-81 junction, outlined on this map. (The map takes a little while to load but is very helpful in visualizing the itinerary, so be patient. And by all means, use the zoom feature.) That stopping point is a reasonable conjecture regardless of Jason's innocence or culpability. There are plenty of accommodations there and it is centric to several options for the location of his meeting, in addition to being logistically plausible with the Get-It-Market, the side-trip to Brevard, and a possible return trip to Raleigh during the night.
The investigation goes on as officials continue to be tight-lipped about details. Perhaps we'll learn more with the release of the autopsy report, which I'm told will likely occur later today.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
