marines

Episode 47 – Lorena Bobbitt and “The Amputation”

October 26, 2020 by militarymurderpodcast@gmail.com

Domestic Violence, Marines, Military Spouse, Sexual Assault, Veteran

domestic violence, John Wayne Bobbitt, Lorena Bobbitt, marines

Ep47: INFAMOUS: Lorena Bobbitt & the Amputation

For this episode, I am taking you back to the 90s to a moment when times seemed simpler. In 1993, Lorena Bobbitt (24), the wife of Marine Veteran, John Wayne Bobbitt (26), decided to take matters into her own hands. She was sick and tired of living under the thumb of her abusive husband. He had slapped her, hit her, verbally abused her, and raped her over and over again. She took a kitchen knife…and well, you’ll have to listen to the episode to see how this story ends.

Join me as I take you through a roller coaster of emotions. And listen until the end, because after the final credits, I discuss 2 non-military penis amputation cases that give this one a run for its money!

PS: Don’t forget to sign up for my Newsletter for more Bonus Content!

Lorena Bobbitt & John Wayne Bobbitt in 1989
Image found here.

The Bobbitts, 4 years before the crime that made them infamous!
Image found here.

LORENA GALLO ON THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW!

EPISODE 47-Resources:

Lauren Effron & Sean Dooley, ABC News, “The Moment John Bobbitt Realized His Wife Had Cut Off His Penis: It was a Nightmare,” December 27, 2018, https://abcnews.go.com/US/moment-john-bobbitt-realized-wife-cut-off-penis/story?id=59962578 (last accessed on 22 Mar 20).
Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, “The Lorena Bobbitt Story Offers New Lessons On Male Vulnerability,” February 15, 2009, https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-lorena-bobbitt-story-offers-new-lessons-on-male-vulnerability (last accessed on 22 Mar 20).
Lily Anolik, Vanity Fair, “Lorena Bobbitt’s American Dream,” June 28, 2018, https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/06/lorena-bobbitt-john-wayne-bobbitt-25-years (last accessed on 22 Mar 20).
Ellie Cambridge, The Sun, “Where is John Wayne Bobbitt Now, Why Did his wife Lorena Cut Off His Penis and Does He Work In Porn?” February 27, 2019, https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2254098/john-wayne-bobbitt-wife-cut-penis/ (last accessed on 22 Mar 20).
Anna Silman, The Cut, “The Bobbitt Penis Doctor on the Surgery He’ll Never Forget, February 13, 2019, https://www.thecut.com/2019/02/lorena-bobbitt-penis-surgery-john-wayne.html (last accessed on 22 Mar 20).
Will Thorne, Variety.com, “Lorena Bobbitt Biopic Greenlit at Lifetime,” January 18, 2020, https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/lorena-bobbitt-biopic-ifetime-1203471859/ (last accessed on 22 Mar 20).
Caitlin Nolan, Inside Edition, “Lorena Bobbitt and John Bobbitt: The True Story Behind the Case That Played Out Like a Soap Opera,” February 14, 2019, https://www.insideedition.com/lorena-bobbitt-and-john-bobbitt-true-story-behind-case-played-out-soap-opera-50706 (last accessed on 22 Mar 20).
Monica Andrade, Men’s Health, “This Dangerous Habit Could Leave You With an Amputated Penis,” October 2, 2017, https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19537123/dangerous-habit-amputated-penis/ (last accessed on 23 Mar 20).
Marc Abrahams, Improbably Research, “Why Thai Women Cut Off Their Husbands’ Penises,” November 19, 2012, https://www.theguardian.com/education/2012/nov/19/improbable-research-thai-women-cut-off-penis (last accessed on 23 Mar 20).
Joel Golby, Vice, “A Brief History of Men Getting Their Dicks Chopped Off, and How You Can Avoid It,” January 15, 2015, https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/av4p5a/a-brief-history-of-getting-your-dick-chopped-off-303 (last accessed on 24 Mar 20).
National Domestic Violence Hotline, Get the Facts & Figures, https://www.thehotline.org/resources/statistics/ (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Statistics, https://ncadv.org/statistics (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).

Catherine Becker Story:

Michael Sheridan, NY Daily News, “California Woman, Catherine Becker, Cut off Her Husband’s Penis, Tossed it In Garbage Disposal,” July 12, 2011, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/california-woman-catherine-becker-cut-husband-penis-tossed-garbage-disposal-cops-article-1.161287 (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).
Jonathan Lloyd, NBC Los Angeles, “Woman Receives Life Prison Sentence For Cutting Off Ex-Husband’s Penis,” June 28, 2013, https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/catherine-kieu-penis-cut-off-severing-case/1953791/ (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).

Kim Tran Story:

Chicago Tribune, “Surgeons Reattach Penis Cut Off In Tiff, February 22, 2005, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-02-22-0502220321-story.html (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).
Stories of Abused Men in Alaska, http://www.ejfi.org/DV/dv-100.htm (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).

Episode 25 – The Murder of Maria Lauterbach

April 6, 2020 by militarymurderpodcast@gmail.com

Marines, Sexual Assault

Extradition, marines, Sexual Assault

Episode 25: MURDER – The Murder of Maria Lauterbach

Today I discuss the murder of Maria Lauterbach. I chose this case to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month because it is a case that has shaped the state of sexual assault investigations in the military.

In 2007, Lance Corporal Lauterbach made a sexual assault allegation against her supervisor, Corporal Cesar Laurean. But NCIS didn’t take her allegation serious. Corporal Laurean was a model Marine after all, and Lance Corporal Lauterbach was a problem child. But when she turned up pregnant and it was possibly Corporal Laurean’s baby, Lance Corporal Lauterbach vanished a month before her baby was due. But what happened? Did she run away from the Marine Corps or did someone make her disappear to silence her? Let’s dig in as she I navigate this particularly difficult story to tell.

Here is a copy of the Search Warrant used to search Cesar Laurean’s home after he went missing. Here is a copy of the DoD Inspector General Report, Review of Matters Related to the Sexual Assault of Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach, U.S. Marine Corps, dated October 11, 2011.

Maria Lauterbach
Image found here.

Cesar Armando Laurean
Image found here.

ATM surveillance image of the person who used Maria Lauterbach’s ATM card, a week after she had last been seen.
Image from America’s Most Wanted.

The grave Cesar Laurean dug for Maria Lauterbach.
Image found here.

Cesar Laurean, after being apprehended by the Mexican authorities
Image found here.

Charlotte Observer Article, Jan 15, 08

Episode 25 – Resources:

Facts on U.S. Military Sexual Violence, https://www.protectourdefenders.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MSA-Fact-Sheet-191205.pdf (last accessed on 2 Apr 20).
CBS News, https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/maria-lauterbach-murdered-cesar-laurean-guilty/ (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).
CNN, https://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/24/north.carolina.marine.murder/index.html (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).
ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=4170769&page=1 (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).
https://www.dayton.com/lifestyles/mother-slain-local-marine-maria-lauterbach-honored-for-survivorship-resilience/W6H9r6UhDhEdfV6dHydUzM/ (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).
https://www.army.mil/article/145996/marine_mother_shares_tragic_story_of_daughters_sexual_assault_murder (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).
Inspector General report, dated October 18, 2011, “Review of Matters Related to the Sexual Assault of Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach,” https://responsesystemspanel.whs.mil/Public/docs/meetings/Sub_Committee/20140313_VSS/16_DoDIG_Review_Lauterbach_Redacted.pdf (last accessed on 25 Mar 20).
https://militaryjusticeforall.com/tag/maria-lauterbach/ (last accessed on 26 Mar 20).
Margo Rutledge Kissell, Dayton Daily News, “SHERIFF: Vandalia Marine dead; police may have located grave,” January 12, 2008. Available at newspapers.com.
Mike Baker, Dayton Daily News, “Suspect’s Wife Gave Authorities Information,” January 12, 2008. Available at newspapers.com.
Mike Baker, Dayton Daily News, “Digging Will Start This Morning At a Shallow Grave In Suspect’s Backyard,” January 12, 2008. Available on newspapers.com.
Margo Kissell, Dayton Daily News, “Word of Missing Marine’s Fate Spreads Quickly in Vandalia,” January 12, 2008. Available on newspapers.com.
Search Warrant, In the Matter of Maria Lauterbach, http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2008/images/01/17/affidavit.pdf (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
CNN, “Police: Mom Told Us Pregnant Marine is a ‘Compulsive Liar,’” January 11, 2008, http://edition.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/01/10/missing.marine/index.html?eref=rss_topstories (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
CNN, “Autopsy: Marine’s Neck Wound Could be Post-Mortem,” https://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/03/14/missing.marine/index.html (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
FBI Wanted Alert, https://web.archive.org/web/20080117113305/http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/alert/laurean_ca.htm (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
Reward Offered In Pregnant Marine Murder Case, https://web.archive.org/web/20080313003833/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/03/ap_laurean_award_030308/ (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
Tristan Talton, Marine Corps Times, “Fomer Cpl to Face Murder Trial This Summer,” December 8, 2009, https://web.archive.org/web/20120308055749/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/12/marine_murdertrial_120809w/ (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
https://www.witn.com/home/headlines/82618302.html (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
Fox News, “Former Marine Gets Life in Prison for Killing Pregnant Colleague,” August 24, 2010, https://www.foxnews.com/us/former-marine-gets-life-in-prison-for-killing-pregnant-colleague (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
CNN Justice, “Mexico Issues Warrant for Laurean a Week After Sighting,” January 28, 2008, https://web.archive.org/web/20101125044051/http://articles.cnn.com/2008-01-28/justice/missing.marine_1_interpol-maria-lauterbach-arrest-warrant?_s=PM:CRIME (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
Margo Kissell, Springfield News-Sun, “Family of Slain Maine Sues Her Accused Killer,” December 14, 2009, https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/crime–law/family-slain-marine-sues-her-accused-killer/0m0FBSr1tY1gYyaNoXUEoM/ (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
Mary McCarty, Dayton Daily News, Lauterbach sexual assault case prompts policy reforms in military,” December 25, 2011, https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/lauterbach-sexual-assault-case-prompts-policy-reforms-military/5roFGpY1iBaCIcHjYSQzgJ/ (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
America’s Most Wanted, Cesar Armando Laurean, https://web.archive.org/web/20120111114309/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=52333 (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
The Charlotte Observer, “$25,000 Offered in Search for Marine Accused of Murder,” January 15, 2008, https://www.newspapers.com/image/632492155/?terms=cesar%2Blaurean (last accessed on 1 Apr 20).
Deadly Affairs, Burned by Desire, Season 3, Episode 3, https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/tv-shows/deadly-affairs/full-episodes/burned-by-desire (last accessed on 4 Apr 20).
Deadly Sins, Carnal Appetite, Season 1, Episode 1

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Episode 8-MURDER (x’s 2): The Murder of Janek Pietrzak & Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak

December 16, 2019 by militarymurderpodcast@gmail.com

Death Penalty, Marine Corps, Murder

death penalty, janek pietrzak, marines, military murder, quiana jenkins, true crime, veterans

Episode 8 – The Newlywed Murders – Marines Killing Marines

In 2008, Marine Sergeant Janek Pawel Pietrzak and his beautiful wife, Quiana Jenkins, were living the dream. They had recently purchased a beautiful standalone house in French Valley, California, recently gotten married (8.8.08), and Jan had accepted a $30k bonus in exchange for reenlisting in the Marines. Life was good, but not for long.

In October 2008, after not showing up for work, a police officer was called to the Pietrzak’s house for a welfare check. Upon arrival, the front door was open, and the contents of a purse were in the entrance. Upon entering the home, the police immediately saw that Jan and Quiana had been brutally murdered in their living room. Expensive items were missing from the home, and racial slurs had been spray painted on the walls. Was this double murder propelled by greed or was it racially motivated. Jan was Polish-American and Quiana was black. The police and prosecutors said it was motivated by greed, while Jan and Quiana’s mother still believe the murders were motivated by race.

The investigation would be conducted by civilian investigators and Naval Criminal Investigators (NCIS). Everyone thought the perpetrator or perpetrators were probably connected to Camp Pendleton, California, since Quiana’s card had been used after her murder at an ATM card less than a half mile from Camp Pendleton.

After interviewing everyone who had worked with Sergeant Pietrzak when he was assigned at Camp Pendleton, ONE name kept coming up over and over again – Lance Corporal Tyrone Miller. Dig in with Margot as she discusses the twists, turns, and disturbing turn of events that lead to two innocent people losing their lives.

*Click the images to go directly to the location where I found them.

Jan & Quiana on their wedding date!

Police Picture of Jan & Quiana’s bedroom as it was discovered
after their murder.

Police Picture of the 3 distinct footprints discovered at the
crime scene.

Police Picture of the Mechanix glove found at Tyrone
Miller’s home, which matches the glove seen on the
surveillance video seen at the ATM machine.

Lance Corporal Tyrone Miller

(Left) Jan & Quiana
(Right) The 4 Marines responsible for the Pietrzak’s murder

Cox, John, & Miller were tried together in 2013.
Cox had his own jury.
John & Miller shared a jury.
(Left) Kevin Cox (Life Sentence)
(Middle) Emrys John (Shooter-Death Sentence)
(Right) Tyrone Miller (Mastermind-Death Sentence)

Kesaun Sykes – tried alone in 2014 – Sentenced to Death

Kesaun Sykes loveaprisoner.com letter can be found below, but here is what it says:

“Smile, Why? Because you will make me smile! Greetings, my name is Sean, and I am a kleptomaniac; but I swear I am taking something for it! During this difficult time in my life it would help to have a few friends to support me mentally. Since real friends are hard to find, I am hoping you would be interested in being a ray of sunshine that all of us need to endure those dark times. As you brighten my days with your presence, I will do my best to always make you smile, and encourage you in every way as our friendship grows. Now I am a former US Marine who spent 3 years on active duty; I am a diamond eyed Taurus with a pocket full of jokes; after earning both a GED and HS diploma I’m looking to pursue a BA Degree; these accomplishments have allowed me to travel around the US but now journey in the world has been halted, unless you would be willing to open up your world to me. My hobbies include: drawing/painting, writing, reading, music, crafting, sports, and learning how to enjoy every breath of life. Now you don’t have to be shy just grab a piece of paper, and let’s share a few laughs with a smile or two. Despite what the state of California would have you believe, I don’t bite, I tickle! Looking forward to you being a ray of sunshine in my life. Semper, Sean.”

Sykes Letter on Loveaprisoner.com

(Sykes letter continued)

Episode 8 – Resources:

CBS News Special Transcript: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/execution-style-slayings-of-marine-sergeant-wife-involved-torture-greed-double-lives/
CBS News: NCIS – The cases they can’t forget; Unbreakable, 19 Jun 2019, https://www.cbsnews.com/video/ncis-the-cases-they-cant-forget-unbreakable/ (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Miller, J., Court of Appeal of the State of California Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, Sept 14, 2015, https://casetext.com/case/people-v-cox-381 (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Wikipedia Page, Murder of Jan Pawel & Quiana Jenkins Pietrzak, Sep 26, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Jan_Pawel_and_Quiana_Jenkins_Pietrzak (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Dillon, Nancy & Siemaszko, Corky, Daily News, “Confession in torture, slay of Brooklyn-raised Marine sergeant and wife.” Nov 7, 2008, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/confession-torture-slay-brooklyn-raised-marine-sergeant-wife-article-1.334255 (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0811/06/ijvm.01.html
Salazar, Carolyn, New York Post, “A Few ‘Bad’ Men.” Nov 7, 2008, https://nypost.com/2008/11/07/a-few-bad-men/ (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Dillon, Nancy & Siemaszko, Corky, Daily News, “Brutal Slay of Marine and his Wife Was Not Racially Motivated, Says Cop.” Nov 14, 2008, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/brutal-slay-marine-wife-not-racially-motivated-article-1.334654 (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Dillon, Nancy & Siemaszko, Corky, Daily News, “Grim Twist in Torture-Slay of Marine Sgt. Jan Pietrzak and Wife: Racial Epithets on Walls of Home.” Apr 3, 2009, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/grim-twist-torture-slay-marine-sgt-jan-pietrzak-wife-racial-epithets-walls-home-article-1.359457 (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Canada Free Press, “Anguished Marine Mom Turns to ‘President Obama’ for Help.” Nov 14, 2008, https://canadafreepress.com/article/anguished-marine-mom-turns-to-president-obama-for-help (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Siemaszko, Corky, Daily News, “White House Apologizes to Mom of Brooklyn Marine for Form-Letter Flap.” Jul 28, 2009, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/white-house-apologizes-mom-brooklyn-marine-form-letter-flap-article-1.400621 (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/new-york-daily-news/20090509/282668978307010
AP News, San Diego Union-Tribune, “Calif Murder Defendant Urinates in Courtroom.” Feb 1, 2011, https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-calif-murder-defendant-urinates-in-courtroom-2011feb01-story.html (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Avants, Maggie, Patch.com, “Statements of Marines Accused in Slayings to be Played in Court.” Apr 17, 2013, https://patch.com/california/temecula/statements-of-marines-accused-in-slayings-to-be-played-in-court (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Press-Enterprise, “French Valley: Jurors Split on Penalties for Ex-Marines.” Jun 20, 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BktBF2qTI7o (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Press-Enterprise, “CRIME BLOTTER: Death Sentence for Former Marine Who Murdered Couple.” Jul 19, 2003, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rxbeyDo7g0 (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Burge, Sarah, Press-Enterprise, “FRENCH VALLEY: Death Verdicts for Two Ex-Marines Who Murdered Couple.” Jun 20, 2013, https://www.pe.com/2013/06/20/french-valley-death-verdicts-for-two-ex-marines-who-murdered-couple/amp/ (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
NPR.org, “Gov. Gavin Newsom Suspends Death Penalty in California.” Mar 12, 2019, https://www.npr.org/2019/03/12/702873258/gov-gavin-newsom-suspends-death-penalty-in-california (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Burge, Sarah, Press Enterprise, “FRENCH VALLEY: Mother of Murdered Marine Gives Tearful Testimony.” Jun 10, 2013, https://www.pe.com/2013/06/10/french-valley-mother-of-murdered-marine-gives-tearful-testimony/amp/ (last accessed on 15 Dec 19).
Love A Prisoner website: http://loveaprisoner.com/2017/09/kesaun-sykes/
Kesaun Sykes Letter: http://loveaprisoner.com/content/2017/09/Kesaun-Sykes_online-profile-1.jpg
Definition of Semper Fidelis: https://www.marines.com/who-we-are/our-values.html

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Episode 47 – Lorena Bobbitt and “The Amputation”

Episode 25 – The Murder of Maria Lauterbach

Episode 8-MURDER (x’s 2): The Murder of Janek Pietrzak & Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak

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