justiceforterry.com - Will it Work?

[JDevin]

Hello all,

I was referred to this site and told there are some strong minds here.

Here's the situation. A beautiful, but troubled woman is murdered in Norfolk, NE. No alarm bells are sounded, and there's no sense of urgency on the part of law enforcement to get the word out about a killer on the loose. In the three and a half years since Terry Armstrong was killed, there were only six very brief articles written about her slaying.

Two persons of interest had their names released, but there were no pictures. No description of the vehicle Terry was last seen driving away in with one of the two. There was no biographical information at all on either the two POI's or the victim. . . not where they worked, or hung out. . .
nothing.

Between the town and the rural area, Madison County has over 35,000 people. Someone likely saw something that may have helped investigators either implicate or exonerate one of the two POI's -- but the public was never given that opportunity.

Fast forward three and a half years, and the investigation is still stalled, and the family is desparate for answers. Working with the sister of the victim, I decide to launch a website, http://justiceforterry.com. The problem is -- the Sheriff's office has refused any assistance. They won't even tell us if the two original persons of interest are still under consideration. Access to public records has been outright denied or thwarted, and neither the victim's family or I live in Nebraska. They have turned what was supposed to be a cooperative effort for them to gain leads into a virtual nightmare, and have caused the family and others to question their intentions.

Obviously, there is only so much I can do, or the family can do, that would be legal and appropriate. So my question to you is -- does it have any chance of working? Can you offer any suggestions to make it better?

Any assistance or expertise appreciated.

Thanks,

Jane

[Charon]

Hi.

Way to go. Wish there were more people like you.

[readmylips]

Jane,

My opinions on this: Setting up a website to share or gather information about Terry and what happened to her can be a tool or it can be a weapon. It all depends on how it is handled. I cringe every time I see a website that was created for the purpose of pointing a finger at someone for a crime. Those kind of websites become hate sites and the saddest part of that is that the hate seeps into the loved ones left behind. I believe that hate is the last thing a person mourning the loss of a loved one should feed their soul with. The pain that is already in their heart can soak up that hate and it is an ugly mixture that only hurts the loved ones more imo. I don't think anyone starts a site with the intention of it becoming a hate site but it can turn in to that without intent.

If a website is developed with the true purpose of gathering presently unknown information and it is handled responsibly then it can only be a good thing. Just be aware that it takes a lot of work and a lot of stamina to keep it on track. You should expect to experience a somewhat cool reception from law enforcement to the idea. I would guess that is because of the many considerations around this. Liability, the possibility of sharing info that could hurt a case should it go to trial, the fear of supporting something that turns into something unmanageable, etc..

A lot of times when a crime occurs people make assumptions about who is responsible for that crime and they run with it. Many lives are terribly affected by those kinds of behaviors. From what I have read about Terry's death it seems that there is a strong poi. It might be easy to use a website to go after that person without even realizing the negative effects it can have in so many ways. I am guessing that law enforcement has not been able to find enough evidence to prosecute to date? How do you think your site will help them find the evidence that they need to prosecute? What purpose will the site serve?

If you truly believe in your heart that the site will help then you should do it. You did a wise and courageous thing by posting your questions here. There are a lot of people here who have been directly affected by similar circumstances and maybe they will chime in and offer their input. At the end of the day though you have to do what is in your heart. Just know that it will not be an easy journey. I know that it has not been an easy journey anyway considering so much time has passed and still no answers, no closure. You want to do something that feels like you have accomplished something. Maybe this is it and maybe not. Keep researching and talking to people. It looks like you are on the right track to me.

I wish you and Terry's family the best in your quest for answers and for closure. I'm not sure that I offered anything of real value but I hope it at least lets you know that there are people who care about your plight and understand to some degree. I will keep your quest in my heart with positive thoughts for conclusion for you.

I did find an article online about Terry's case that left a favorable impression of law enforcement involvement. I hope that continues to be the case. For anyone interested, here is a link to the article:
http://www.madisoncountysheriff.com/armstrong_1.html

Regards,
readmylips

[One2Snoop]

Awesome post rml and excellent advice.

[JDevin]

Your advice and input was so appreciated, thank you.

Having researched this case, my impression of the investigation is less than admirable. They have had the same two POI's for three years, yet have no good evidence against either. I think it's very much a case of not examining other possibilities and other possible perpetrators.

Worse, the Sheriff's department never released pictures, vehicle descriptions, or anything that might have spurred potential witnesses to come forward when it was timely. My belief is that they jumped to the conclusion that the murder was a domestic assault gone bad based on the victim's history of being abused. Under that assumption, they saw no reason to sound a community alarm to warn others, and no reason to seek the public's help.

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your view, the website has been taken down.

I have learned a great deal through this experience, though, and deeply appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge.

[readmylips]

Originally Posted by JDevin

Your advice and input was so appreciated, thank you.

Having researched this case, my impression of the investigation is less than admirable. They have had the same two POI's for three years, yet have no good evidence against either. I think it's very much a case of not examining other possibilities and other possible perpetrators.

Worse, the Sheriff's department never released pictures, vehicle descriptions, or anything that might have spurred potential witnesses to come forward when it was timely. My belief is that they jumped to the conclusion that the murder was a domestic assault gone bad based on the victim's history of being abused. Under that assumption, they saw no reason to sound a community alarm to warn others, and no reason to seek the public's help.

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your view, the website has been taken down.

I have learned a great deal through this experience, though, and deeply appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge.

You are welcome. It sounds like a horribly frustrating case. I cannot imagine what the family has gone through. I hope that they find peace with or without a conviction for the person responsible for Terry's death. It is the hardest thing for us humans to do but sometimes in life it really is best for our own wellbeing to leave the cause for justice in God's hands. It is a concept that requires that we constantly remind ourselves that He has full control but if we can truly do that there is some peace to be found.

It is so sad to me to see the effects that this kind of terrible situation has on the ones left here to deal with it day after day.

My best to you and to Terry's family. It is great that you want to help them and you will find a way to help. I feel sure of it. You probably already have. It just may not be the path you expected when you first signed on for the task.