Evidence Released During Kirkpatrick Press Conference
by Jenne Carmen, Informer Staff
July 14, 2000

Information concerning various pieces of evidence that had been previously submitted to the Cape Marassas Police Department (C.M.P.D) was released to the public on July 8, 2000. Newly appointed Sergeant Burton Kirkpatrick conducted the press conference.

About Kirkpatrick, Miranda Myles said, "I thought he did a fine job. He is new here and he handled himself professionally, and it's good to have our citizens informed of the current status of affairs." Jon Garfield shared that Special Inspector Terissa Chavez recently hired Kirkpatrick and added that,"...Tuesday (July 4) was when she introduced (Kirkpatrick) and the constables." Jasmine Cronin said, "I've never seen Kirkpatrick before, but he seems to know what he's doing... he was professional he dealt with the crowd of curious onlookers and press agents effectively."

Concerning the press conference, Jesse Jones said, "I was glad that evidence was revealed." Sami Market said, "I learned a lot about past events I didn't already know. Kirkpatrick told us a lot of things, but could have been more informative." Similarly, Garfield said, "It was informative, not really sure how else to describe it. Maybe kinda suspenseful, or it seemed like he tried to make it that way, anyway."

Some were dissatisfied due to the lack of information disclosed. Allan Bullest said, "I thought he presented his report clearly and to the best of his ability. I found it to be in line with the quality of content that the CMPD has previously produced. Which is to say, it was poor." Nina Perrson said, "They're never too wordy. I would have liked to hear a little bit more, but not getting much info from the PD didn't shock me at all." Ami Stuart said, "Well I still feel the PD is a joke ... haven't made any headway with who killed Olsen, and to the rest of the cases we already knew what had happened, and they're still obviously very corrupt."

In support of the C.M.P.D. withholding some of the information, Myles speculated, "It's proper procedure. It insures the quality of the evidence as it relates to the case. Sometimes too much information isn't necessarily a good thing." Thet Mes comments, "I believe there was a lot of information withheld. Granted, I'm sure it was to avoid harming the investigation that is certainly probably still continuing, but nevertheless..." Scarlett FyrreBrehm said, "Well, it's understandable they can't share too much, but I do get tired of hearing 'no comment'. I mean, why ask for our help when they don't tell us anything worthwhile?" Danie Roberts simply stated, "I think they shared what they could."

The first piece of evidence disclosed was obtained from fragments of an incendiary device that had exploded earlier in the week. The device had reportedly been thrown by Chandler Ghent after some heated words with tourists. Kirkpatrick stated: "Information on incendiary device used by C. Ghent on 000703 approx. 11:00 PM ACT. By accounts taken by eyewitnesses, it may be an An-M14 TH3 Incendiary Hand Grenade, a military weapon of US Manufacture. Available through the black market in almost any country. Generates heat of up to 2200c. Had the grenade been dropped in the crowd rather than thrown, most persons in the vicinity would have been incinerated instantly."

Sami Market, a witness to the incendiary device being thrown said, "Lucky me. The only thing I really have to say about that was that it was very unexpected. And the fire hurt. We were hit by walls of flame." At the press conference, Sami Market asked Kirkpatrick, "You couldn't tell us who all was at the bomb scene could you? I was there, but after being in the hospital I don't remember much." Kirkpatrick replied, "I don't have that information available right now... Witness testimony is still conflicting in that matter."

The type AN-M14 TH3 incendiary hand grenade is often used to start fires in areas containing flammable materials, but it may also be used to destroy equipment. However, in order to destroy equipment, it must be placed in contact with the object and left in place upon release. The Palm Frond Pub, where the incendiary device was dropped, is known to have a large stock of flammables on site.

After the press conference, Bullest asked Kirkpatrick, "I have a two part question, so bear with me a bit detective... According to the report you just read, 'Information on incendiary device used by C. Ghent on 000703 approx...' is that a correct quotation of the report? And if so...is any action being taken on the Mr. C. Ghent who launched such incendiary device?" Kirkpatrick responded to Bullest, "The report is accurate to the best information available to us, but the matter is still under investigation. The CMPD has no further official statement on that issue."

Chandler Ghent's presence at the press conference was intimidating to some. Danie Roberts said, "Especially since his name was in part of the report. The part with the grenade he tossed at a group I was in. He tossed it at the group of us and walked away." Mark Grant was not intimidated by Ghent, but he seemed perplexed when he said, "...as to knowing Ghent tossed the bomb at the pub, I can't understand what the hold up is in arresting him."

The second piece of information released was about the shuriken that was reportedly thrown at Morgan Whitney on the same day of the previously mentioned explosion. Kirpatrick recited, "PE:000704.1U-S.b Weapon: Shuriken - stainless steel, silver finish (type: Seban). Manufacture: California, USA. Place of Purchase: Unknown. Item returned full and partial prints of identified witnesses only. One edge revealed a fragment of leather, presumed to be from a glove worn by the assailant (see PE:000704.2U-S.b). Wear on the weapon was extremely light. Blood typing matches that of victim, Morgan Whitney."

Kirkpatrick continued the statement with, "On that shuriken, we recovered a fragment from what we believe to be the glove of the assailant. PE:000704.2U-S.b Fragment: Leather, glove, rough finish. Manufacture: Oklahoma, USA. Place of Purchase: The Trench (see statements: Jerrod, K.,000705/U-S.b, McClure, G. 000705/U-S.b)."

Kirkpatrick explained, "Based on witness testimony, we've been able to get a lead on a possible suspect. The suspect is a male, Caucasian, in his early to mid 30's. He is about 6 feet tall, average build, with sandy brown hair, thick-lashed brown eyes, and tan skin. He was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans, white tennis shoes, and two translucent plastic watches."

Roberts asked, "Who was able to identify Morgan's possible attacker, and where was he last seen?" To which Kirkpatrick replied, "As the report states, the suspect in that case was tied to a leather fragment on the weapon. The leather fragment lead the investigation to the Trench, where the glove was purchased. That led to the suspect's description. However, all witnesses have been asked not to comment on this case until further notice from the CMPD."

Drew Fischer said, "Unfortunately, I did not witness the actual attack on Ms. Whitney. Thankfully, however, the CMPD was able to collect a critical clue off of the weapon. A single fiber from a leather glove was obtained off of the shuriken. At that time, authorities asked Jerrod if any individuals had recently bought such gloves. Then again, a lot of criminal-types frequent The Trench."

Immediately after the press conference, Kirkpatrick posted in the squad room a wanted poster bearing the suspect's description. When asked if he believed the suspect to be easily identifiable, Fischer replied, "I believe so. He appears to have drawn attention with his... choice of apparel. Although I suppose that technically counts as a type of accessory." Conversely, Thet Mes replied, "Probably not, to be honest. Morada, and Cape Marassas specifically, is a gathering place for tourists. There is a huge influx and outflux of strangers, and therefore, I believe the search for the suspect in Morgan's attack may be a bit harder than initially anticipated."

Miranda Myles believed that the suspect would have been easily recognized saying, "I would have, had I gotten the chance." Adrian Wiley said, "He was found (dead) in the alley behind the pub." Garfield said, "Main distinguishing features were thick eyelashes and that he wore not one, but two translucent plastic watches. David (Adams) found a body in the alley behind the pub... Matched perfectly, right down to the watches and eyelashes." The wanted poster bearing the suspect's description was removed after the discovery of the suspects dead body on July 13, 2000.

Market asked Kirkpatrick after the press conference, "When the shuriken was thrown into the pub, it could have hit any of us present. Was Morgan Whitney targeted out for some reason? And if she was, do we know the reason? Also, is the police department looking for the suspect now?" Kirkpatrick responded to Market, "Unfortunately, I'm not able to comment on exact witness testimony, but it seems that there were some arguments between several people in the pub that evening."

Bullest asked Kirkpatrick, "I noted that on the report in addition to the name of Ms. Jerrod, I believe, there perhaps was the name of a McGlure, if memory serves me? Can you explain that?"

Kirkpatrick replied, "Witness testimony is being kept confidential at this point."

Bullest asked, "Is he listed because he is a witness?"

Kirkpatrick continued, "For the protection of the witnesses and to preserve the integrity of the case."

Bullest asked, "If his protection is sought, then why list his name?"

Kirkpatrick said, "The content of the testimony is the critical part."

Chandler Ghent, a business associate of McClure's, contributed saying, "Glint will take care of himself."

Ghent asked Kirkpatrick, "I hear tell Ms. Karinovna uses throwing stars at times. Was this considered before the now suspect of that shuriken attack was made?" To which Kirkpatrick replied to Ghent, "Information on suspects or possible motives is not being released at this time."

The next group of evidence released by Kirkpatrick was about a ring that was submitted to the police by Grant. A package for Mark Grant had been delivered to Jon Garfield, who in turn gave it to Grant. Grant found a note and ring inside. The note said something along the lines that the ring would "protect you from him." Grant was not aware of who the note was referring to and he promptly submitted the ring and package to the police.

Kirkpatrick recited the following group of information:

"PE:000704.1U-S.a Container: box, cardboard. Standard shipping of medium grade cardboard. Manufacture: Washington, USA. Place of Purchase: Unknown. Item returned several full and partial prints, including one unidentified set. No match in database."

"PE:000704.2U-S.a Note: printer quality weight. Manufacture: Unknown. Place of purchase: Unknown. Item returned several full and partial prints, all of which are identified as witnesses. Ink is consistent with that used with laser-jet style computer printers. Type style is "Courier New Type". Paper gave up no dust or particles inconsistent with locations used by witnesses."

"PE:000704.3U-S.a Jewelry: Ring, 18kt yellow gold, ruby (approx. 3 kt weight, square cut). Manufacture: Unknown. Place of Purchase: Unknown. Item returned latent prints for witnesses, but no unknown. Upon inspection, a .05 cm "box" was shown in crown of ring, under stone setting. Panel to box was sealed."

"Unfortunately, that's all we're ever going to know about the ring ... when the tech removed the panel, the ring blew up, killing the tech and destroying the ring, in addition to the other physical evidence in that portion of the lab."

Mark Grant said to Kirkpatrick, "So now we are actually dealing with another murder, for the bomb killed the technician. I have one (question) about the ring. I would like to know how I might be able to send money to the technician's family... a shame someone had to die over it. Could there be a donation box set up here?"

Kirkpatrick answered Grant, "The identity of the technician is not being released to the public at this time, however there may be a fund setup at some point in the future." Kirkpatrick put a donation jar in the squad room for the Officers' Memorial Fund shortly after the press conference was over. Grant said later when given a few days to get over the shock of the news, "Well I obviously was very shaken up as to the results about my ring. I hope his family is holding up. Well, to be honest, I was shaken a bit after learning of the bomb, for I nearly gave the ring to Miranda to wear before I turned it in, thinking it would protect her, so I didn't catch everything that was said, but I was satisfied with the way the meeting went."

Danie Roberts was also affected by the technician's death, "I think most of us were stunned and saddened by the news that a lab tech had died during this investigation. Grateful it wasn't someone close to us, but still, it's awful, just awful."

Ransom Blackhawk said, "I was a bit shocked... well the entire thing puzzled me really. I didn't even know what the ring was supposed to be for, and just who it was meant to "protect" him from. I was just shocked, basically."

Likewise, Miranda Myles said, "We both felt terrible. I am sure everyone in the room that evening felt the same way. It's not easy to say, it's part of the job risk, as that poor fellow isn't a cop, walking the streets. It's a shame is what it is, and the suggestion for a memorial jar was the least we could do... the donation jar is there for his family."

Many were relieved that Grant was not hurt by the blast. Some speculated that the motion of sliding the ring onto the finger may even trigger the ring to explode, but there is no proof to support this idea. Grant never tried on the ring although he was encouraged to by some of his friends. Grant admitted that it was a lovely ring, and it matched his other accessories, specifically his fez. In spite the danger to himself, Grant's main concern was for his fiancie, Miranda Myles. Grant said, "Tell me about it... would have made Miranda a widow before a bride." Kirkpatrick advised Grant to retain the evidence receipt although the evidence had been destroyed.

When Thet Mes was asked about his thoughts on the ring, he said, "I can't say that discovery surprised me. Given the circumstances involving the ordeal, Mr. Grant was wise to be as cautious as he was. I believe he refused to even try the ring on... he made a good decision, in hindsight."

Madison Woodrow inquired more about how the box may have been installed into the ring, but that information was confidential and could not be shared at this time. Kirkpatrick explained, "Most of which are related to preserving the integrity of the case, and preventing further copycat-type crimes." Then, Woodrow asked, "A knowledge of electronics and or technology would have helped, can you answer that at least?" Kirkpatrick answered, "Yes, I feel that is safe to say." Similarly, Grant asked, "Do you know at all if it was a time delay bomb or a was it triggered?" Again, the information was confidential.

When asked his thoughts about the ring, Fischer replied, "Of course, my first thoughts are to the technician and his family... and I'm thankful that Mr. Grant was not seriously injured or killed as a result of the explosive on the ring. The individuals who did this were obviously proficient with explosives and detonation devices."

Woodrow questioned the source of the ring by asking, "You mentioned earlier, Detective Kirkpatrick, that the location where the ring was purchased could not be identified. Is it likely then, that it too had been purchased off a black market?" Kirkpatrick answered, "Nothing is impossible, though I can't say for certain. That is a valid guess, though. And it's something that the CMPD is looking into."

Thet Mes compared the pieces of information in his question to Kirkpatrick by first asking, "Would you say that whomever "rigged" the ring, so to speak, covered his or her tracks pretty well?" Kirkpatrick answered, "Yes, I would say so, considering that the ring and all the evidence relating to it has been destroyed before a trace could be completed."

Thet Mes asked next, "Would it also be safe to say that whomever threw the bomb and/or attacked Ms. Whitney with the shuriken did NOT cover their tracks well?" To which Kirkpatrick said, "Well, that is what lead to the leather fragment trace. So yes."

Thet Mes later shared his interpretation of the information, "Ah, I also believe that, based on the evidence presented by Detective Kirkpatrick, many people wrongfully jumped to a premature conclusion that one Mr. Chandler Ghent has been responsible for most of the recent events. While he may not be entirely blameless... I believe there were several inconsistencies people overlooked, to support their views... though Mr. Ghent may have played a hand in the bombing, and possibly even in Morgan's incident, I do not believe he had anything to do with Mr. Grant's ring incident. Ghent doesn't seem to be the type to hide when he wants something done -- if he wanted Mark dead, he'd have gone after him full-forced, instead of sending a ring-bomb. I am of the opinion that someone out there is either taking the opportunity to attack people they don't like, or taking the opportunity to add to Ghent's negative reputation he seems to have already accumulated."

Some say that they believe Ghent gave the ring to Grant in the hopes that he would wear it near Ananya Karinovna when it exploded since Grant is one of the few who knew where Karinovna was hiding, but this was pure speculation. In contrast, Bullest described another idea about the ring when he explained, "That its victim was certainly not intended. I think the ring was a device in the assassination attempt of Mr. Ghent. I think the ring was intended to harm Mr. Ghent. Thank heavens it didn't. You see... I've found Mr. Ghent to be an honorable, trustworthy, kind human being who is totally misrepresented here in terms of public opinion."

When asked his opinion about Ghent, Ransom Blackhawk said, "Well... to tell you the truth he doesn't intimidate me at all. I don't see what's so scary about him. Every halfway crooked businessman has henchmen, but... he doesn't deny that he has these connections and that is why I kinda have respect for him. I don't entirely go with this story that seems to follow the Ananya and the PD. I'm sure you know all about Ananya Karinovna... and there's just too many strange things with the PD that don't add up. Oh I know, Ananya is quite polite, but I have reason to believe that she has lied about some pretty crucial things. I know that Ghent can be very dangerous, but from the sounds of things so can Ananya."

Some speculated that Ghent was at the press conference to keep an eye on someone. In response to this idea, Thet Mes said, "I believe those that speculate such things are eager for a single scapegoat on which to focus all their negative attention."

Bullest summarized by saying, "I think the press conference was a continuation of the horrible police work done by the CMPD, hence their inability to bring the suspect to justice who attacked Ms. Whitney. And lastly... I just wanna say that I believe, that the Phoenix will arise and take its place aloft the world." When asked about the Phoenix being Ghent's group, Bullest expounded, "Ghent's group? Hardly! It's just an opinion It means that the evil that dwells on this island, will be soon caught and disposed of." Bullest stated that he believes the C.M.P.D is evil.

The last question asked at the conference was by Thet Mes, "Detective Kirkpatrick, taking into account all the evidence the C.M.P.D. has acquired, how long do you speculate the investigation will take, approximately?"

Kirkpatrick answered, "Well, the evidence has produced several leads, but a large part of that is going to depend on help from citizens."

Silvana StoneSkye said softly, "As usual." Ghent was seen smiling at StoneSkye in response.

Any leads relating to any of these crimes may be reported to the Cape Marassas Police Department at 43 Jacaranda Way, or by calling 891-2359.

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