Disappearance of Mary Denise Lands, Marshall, Michigan- March 12, 2004

"Lee's Legacy"- U.S. Army veteran murdered in New Year's Day tragedy

2012-01-05T15:47:00.004-05:00

Help create "Lee's Legacy" It was indeed a pleasure today to be invited by the Taylor family to the service that was attended by hundreds of family and friends. A military conculsion to the service was completed with Taps and an American flag being given to his wife Lyn. Later, Captain Oscar Brady Post No. 298 & our Auxiliary hosted a funeral luncheon for all and it was a great event on behalf of the decease veteran, Leeroy J. "Lee" Taylor. He was a member of our Post, and a U.S. Army veteran who was tragically murdered on New Year's Day.
I spoke to the family and have an idea to create an annual memorial for Mr. Taylor, in which we could get together each year to advocate against violence in our community. Mr. Taylor was a great person and beloved by all who would come into contact with him. Many of the friends at the service helped in the last few years in promoting public awareness of the "Ride for Mary". As most of you know, Mary Denise Lands has now been missing for 7 years, 9 months, and 24 days. I hope that the Taylor family will find comfort and peace and that justice will prevail in this tragedy. A suitable name for an annual event could be; "Lee's Legacy". Let's all make this happen. We must never forget what happened to this veteran.

You may view and sign the Guestbook for Lee offered by Shaw Funeral Home & the Battle Creek Enquirer-
Lee Taylor Guestbook- Shaw Funeral Home, Battle Creek
Lee Taylor Guestbook- Battle Creek Enquirer

Jim Carlin
Adjutant, Post No. 298
1st Vice Commander, 3rd District Association

Mary Denise Lands/S.A.F.E Place Balloon Project & Silent Witness National Initiative

2011-10-08T12:30:00.004-04:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 8, 2011- UPDATE- PRATT DENIED PAROLE

Today was a great day in our quest for "Justice for Mary" as we learned that Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt will not be given parole at his first eligibility date in February 2012. It is our hope that he will continue to be incarcerated until his scheduled discharge date of June 2022, or until he is charged in a Calhoun County Court for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands.

At 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the Calhoun County Criminal Justice Center (1st floor atrium) we will hold a press conference to announce the Mary Denise Lands/S.A.F.E. Place Balloon project. It will be on ongoing effort as a legacy to Mary Denise Lands, and all the other victims of domestic violence.

S.A.F.E. Place Executive Director Jennifer Fopma will be present and also unveil a new national project that recognizes victims of abuse. It is called the Silent Witness National Initiative. The project highlights the silhouette of anonymous victims, and includes a breastplate with words from the families of those who have been abused. Mary's inscription will be the first one produced by S.A.F.E. Place Shelter.

We anticipate having representatives of local law enforcement and the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office present and they will speak for a few minutes on how we can promote public awareness against domestic violence in our community.

Domestic violence is defined as a "pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner". The violence can be described as physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological abuse that is designed to exert power and control.

The Marshall family and I hope that this legacy for their daughter will inspire others on the national tragedy of domestic violence. If one victim can be saved from injury or death, Mary Denise Lands will not have died in vain. We will never give up our efforts to bring Mary home, and to ask for justice in her case.

Jim Carlin, M.A. MFT

Justinian Investigative Services
Battle Creek, Michigan

Pratt to remain in prison after formal hearing by MDOC Parole Board

2011-10-05T09:00:00.005-04:00

October 8, 2011- UPDATE- PRATT DENIED PAROLE
Today was a great day in our quest for "Justice for Mary" as we learned that Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt will not be given parole at his first eligibility date in February 2012. It is our hope that he will continue to be incarcerated until his scheduled discharge date of June 2022 or until he is charged in a Calhoun County Court in the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands

October 5, 2011- There has still been no decision released by the MDOC Parole Board on the request by Inmate Pratt to be released at his first eligibility date in February 2012. As soon as we learn of a ruling, it will be published.

September 14, 2011- Last week the MDOC Parole Board, for the first time since this felon went to prison, heard a request by Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt that he be granted parole. His earliest eligibility release date is February 2012. The decision of the full Board is expected within two weeks and we will keep you advised. In January 2008 Calhoun County Judge Stephen Miller sentenced this vicious perpetrator to 5-15 years in prison for the violent crimes against a more recent girl-friend. Inmate Pratt has now been incarcerated for 4 years and 3 months. Mary Denise Lands has now been missing for 7 years and 6 months.

June 24, 2011- It was 4 years ago today that this evil vicious perpetrator was taken into custody for the violent attack on his former girl-friend. She like Mary, thought this Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde sociopath would be a good husband, and father to their children. How wrong they were in that position. Inmate Pratt has been in custody now for 4 full years. Let's keep the psycho in custody for another 18, or until he tells the police where Mary may be recovered?

New YouTube link on Pratt Parole Board Hearing

June 22, 2010- Today, all the individuals and victims who are on the MDOC notification list for Inmate Pratt's transfers, change in level of incarceration, and/or parole hearings received official letters from Victim Services that his parole hearing has been scheduled. The recipients and/or the public have 30 days to respond. Please be sure to send a letter back to them if you wish to oppose parole. Your letters remain confidential and the inmate does not have access to them. Decisions are usually made by the Parole Board approximately one month after the hearing. Let's hope that we can have a happier holiday season knowing that the "Creeper" will not be paroled.

We have just received word that Christoper Luke Pratt- Inmate #673261 is scheduled for a Parole Board hearing during the week of September 5-9, 2011. His earliest release date is February 12, 2012. This individual must not be released and returned to society as so many people are fearful of this sociopathic predator. It is our hope that he will remain in prison until the expiration of his sentence in June 2022 and/or he is charged for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands.

MDOC OTIS Link- Inmate # 673261-Christopher Luke Pratt

We urge you to complete the form link for MDOC noted on the right and send it to Lansing. The Parole Board does examine these forms and letters from concerned citizens in the community. This person is a severe danger to society and must never be released from prison. Do your part to keep the "Creeper" in prison.
Today, Mary has been missing for 7 years, 3 months, and 14 days. Inmate Pratt has only served 4 years of his 15 year sentence. On June 24, 2011, it will be the 4th anniversary of his violent assault on Noreene Parker. For her sake, his ex-wife, and those of his many victims, including Mary Denise Lands, he must continue to be held in custody. Parole is unacceptable for this type of criminal. He can never be rehabilitated. He may be able to con prison officials at Central Michigan Correctional Facility, however even from prison he writes about returning home and picking up his guns, because they are such an important party of his life. Yes, Inmate Pratt, guns and violence are all you care about in life.
Read the letter from Ms. Parker to Judge Miller at the sentencing of Chris Pratt in January 2008. It may be found below by scrolling down, and it is also noted on the next post. It gives you a profound view of the mind of this sociopathic dysfunctional predator. We hope that the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Parole Board will also examine this letter.

Do you want someone like this returning to your community? He is a conniving, manipulative, dangerous, evil and violent predator who will injure other innocent victims.

January 1, 2008
Re: Sentencing of Christopher Luke Pratt
Dear Honorable Judge Miller:

We see it every day on the news, "women battered, women killed, and women missing"….Looking back on June 24th, 2007 I realize I was one of the few women that walked away from the enraged hands of a controlling individual, such as Christopher Pratt. It’s true, loving Christopher Pratt does hurt; it hurts a lot and it is a hurt that does not go away once the relationship is through. People tell me how lucky I was to get away and how proud they are of me standing up and facing him. Although I did walk away physically that day I do not know if I will ever escape him mentally; myself and my children included. The humiliation of what I have gone through during this trial has been an embarrassment I will never forget, nor will my friends, family and co-workers.
Christopher’s doing caused me to move out of the home we shared, moving myself and my children three times in six months before we finally settled. I have incurred medical bills, as well as counseling costs as well. In addition my employer hired extra guards to make sure I came and went from their facility in a safe manner while his bond was active.
He has destroyed my trust, my solitude of feeling "safe" as well as my children’s sense of safety. "If he comes home will he find us?" is a common question from the mouth of my nine year-old son. My nightmares of Christopher and that day wake me in the night, as does the little one standing beside my bed. "Can I sleep with you…are you sure Chris is still in jail?" His shadow will forever lurk in our minds.
Christopher recently made a comment from his jail cell, which entailed, "Make sure she doesn’t make it to the witness stand or I am fucked". What exactly was his evil intent behind this? Although he is locked up now, I am constantly looking over my shoulder and seldom go out at night, especially if no one is with me. I am fearful of anyone I don’t know that approaches me..fearful it’s someone that is doing Chris’ dirty work for him. Christopher is a man of trophies, of possessions, and I, in his eyes, am his forever. He has made the comment, "If I can’t have you, No one will"….and to my father, "If your daughter leaves me I will hunt her down and get her back". This behavior is not normal and for the most part, unsettling. His intents and his so-called empty threats…are too real for me..real because I know he is fully capable of fulfilling each and every threat he made to me…capable because he is one that cares not what he does, but that in his eyes, he wins at doing it.
Christopher is, in my opinion, a narcissistic evil and one of the world’s best liars. But the problem for him and a blessing for us is, he forgets what he has lied about and walks into his own net eventually. Although Christopher will tell you he is never wrong, all his problems are caused by other individuals. Christopher is fully aware of his own evil. He has told me in a fit of tears on more than one occasion that he has done things to make himself sick, that I should not be with him, however he added, "I am too selfish to let you go". Christopher also noted to a letter to his son,…"It’s because of Norrene I am here, if she hadn’t provoked me I wouldn’t have lost my temper, however Son, the good thing is that God has a place for men like me and its called prison." He knows he is a danger to me.
Christopher promised me a long and happy life with him, stating we will be sitting in our rocking chairs side by side one day…if that was the case, why was he throwing chairs at me? Simple in my mind today, he was trying to make sure I never left him…even if he had to attempt to break my ankles doing so, he would never allow me to leave him.
Your Honor, I am asking you to consider maximum sentencing possible. Letting him go on anything less, will most certainly bring dread to my family and our community. Even if he is let out with a "no contact condition", I can guarantee within an hour of his release, he will be at my doorstep. He has no authority for the guidelines for which you set, as he proved by attempting to contact me within minutes of being released from your courtroom the same day you issued a "no contact" guideline between him and me. Christopher taunts authority and does not like to be told what to do, more so, he resents the word "No".
Christopher harms children, women and animals without considering the repercussions of his actions. Do you think they forget as easily as you do? Well, they don’t. Christopher I never will and I know my children will not forget the wake you have left behind in our lives. Christopher is a man that will not learn his lesson with a slap on the hands, he is someone who has the potential to harm others for the sake of his own well-being. He is habitual. I honestly believe Christopher is lacking a human conscience, and because of this I pray for him. I pray that he finds it in himself to consider every evil thing he has done and come clean with it. Christopher can’t take back the tears he placed in my sons eyes the day he put us through this, nor can he take away the emptiness he placed in their hearts with the betrayal he brought out after promising to be so good to them and to their Mom. In my eyes, no sentencing handed to him is justifiable enough, but I know God will sentence him one day and when that day comes…God have mercy on your soul Christopher Pratt.
Again, Your Honor, please consider the maximum sentencing that is reasonable and prudent to this manner, and do so with the thought of myself and children in mind, of every soul he has waltzed upon without hesitation to their lives, their feelings, their well being. Anything less will result in a profound nightmare.
Respectfully,
Norrene Parker

Human bones found in tree's roots

2011-07-22T08:02:00.001-04:00

An anonymous person sent me this WOODTV8 story last night. As you may all know, the finding of skeletal bones in Comstock Township were not those of Mary Denise Lands, or any other known local missing women. We will keep you tracked in this latest recovery near a Van Buren County cornfield. WOODTV8- July 21, 2011 Bones found in Van Buren County

NEAR HARTFORD, Mich. (WOOD) - Human bones were found in the root system of a tree near a Van Buren County cornfield Thursday by crews harvesting fallen trees from a recent storm. The remains were discovered in an area of 65 1/2 Mile Road near Red Arrow Highway, Van Buren sheriff's officials told 24 Hour News 8.

At this time, there is no information about the person, or how and when this person died. Investigators said, though, the bones were buried more than five years ago. Authorities remain on the scene, and will continue on Friday morning with help from the Michigan State Police. 24 Hour News 8 will have more information as events develop.

Skeletal Remains Recovered in Comstock Township

2011-05-04T20:00:00.010-04:00

May 7, 2011- Today marks 7 years, one month, and 25 days since Mary allegedly walked off from her Walden Pond apartment in Marshall, Michigan, as reported by her fiancé, Christopher Luke Pratt. He is now serving a 5-15 year sentence for felony crimes against a more recent girl-friend, Norrene Parker. Inmate Pratt could be released as early as February 2012.

We are aware of the skeletal remains that were recently found approximately three miles west of the Target Distribution Center in Comstock Township.

WWMT Channel 3 News Link-

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/bones-1390341-sheriff-case.html

WOODTV8 News link-

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Families-wonder-about-Kzoo-Co-remains

Numerous bodies, both male and female, have been recovered over these last seven years in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, but none have come close to fitting the description of Mary Denise Lands. These remains, and the proximity of their location do give us hope that it may be her, and she might soon be able to rest in peace.

Battle Creek Enquirer News Link-

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20110502/NEWS01/105020308/Female-skeletal-remains-found-near-Kalamazoo?odyssey=mod|lateststories

Chief Jim Schwartz of the Marshall Police Department has always said that forensics would be the key in solving Mary's case. Whether these remains are of our Mary, or that of another missing female, the identity of this person will be soon discovered through thorough forensic examination. It may not give comfort to the Marshall family, but it will give come comfort to another family who have endured a similar tragedy of their missing daughter, granddaughter, or relative. Someone's loved one will be coming home.

May 3, 2011- WOODTV8 News Link-

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Third-family-Bones-could-be-relatives

May 6, 2011- Battle Creek Enquirer News Link-

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011105060308

We should all pray that the recovery and identity of the female in Comstock Township will bring some peace to a family in turmoil searching for their lost relative over the years.

To remind the public of the fear that this felon perpetrated against Ms. Parker we are re-publishing her letter to Judge Stephen Miller at sentencing. I am sure that the words may be similar for other women leaving in fear in an environment of domestic violence.

Jim Carlin

Justinian Investigative Services
269.753.1181

JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

April 13, 2011- Mary Denise Lands declared officially deceased

2011-05-03T23:50:00.000-04:00

WWMT-Channel 3 News Link- http://www.wwmt.com/video/c/1137706675/local-news/902042773001/wwmt-local Wednesday, April 13, 2011 was another sad and somber day for Mary's family in the courtroom of Judge Michael Jaconette as they were present asking that their beloved daughter be officially declared deceased. The hearing started at 2:00 P.M. and lasted about thirty minutes in the Justice Complex in Battle Creek. It was indeed a very difficult day for all of us, but hopefully the family will be able to achieve some small form of closure through this legal process. After testimony Judge Jaconette made an immediate decision from the bench that Mary Lands is deceased. He set her date of death as March 12, 2009, which would have been 5 years after she was last seen alive. Although Mary has now been missing for seven years, one month, and one day we still believe that the law enforcement community is actively working to close this case. We have no doubt that the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands will be held responsible. Together, we will bring Mary home! Jim Carlin (Photo credit; Corinne Kellogg, Marshall Chronicle/Advisor) April 13, 2011- Battle Creek Enquirer News Link- http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20110413/NEWS01/304130016/Judge-declares-Mary-Lands-legally-dead April 13, 20111 WOODTV8 News link- http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Lands-declared-dead-homicide-case-open

Do you recognize any of these names? "Help return family photographs to a relative who may wish to have them back"

2011-05-03T18:00:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, May 25, 2011 nearly two dozen family albums of about 700 photographs weighing 150 pounds were recovered from a secluded dumpster near the west pavilion of Willard Beach at Goguac Lake in Battle Creek, Michigan.

They include a chronological family lifespan of at least 64 years, and the reason these materials were placed in the dumpster are unknown? At least 30 calls have been made across the country trying to locate a family member that would like these photographs returned. Numerous inquiries were made to churches, veteran organizations, community groups, and to BPOE 131. Michigan obituaries have also been checked in an attempt to identify family members, but to no avail. If you have any information on these individuals, please contact me as soon as possible so that the photographs may be returned to a relative or friend that might like them. The albums contain letters and cards that were very well preserved for many decades. This family seemed to be very close and enjoyed outings with friends and other relatives. It appeared that they traveled often and may have visited Florida, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, South America, the Michigan UP and probably were well known in their respective communities. The family may have had a religious connection to the Congregational Church in Battle Creek.

The top left photo is from 1976- Radewald Farms- 1976, the family black/white photo is from 1947-June and Howard Pomeroy of Toledo, Ohio with family; Carol, Mary, Kay, Dick Ford, Dorothy, Kate and Don Donaldson, and the other is an obituary of a Robert Arthur Parrish, who previously lived in Battle Creek and died in Palm Harbor, Florida in 1989. Battle Creek Enquirer- May 28, 2011

Some of the names noted include;

Vicki L. Sneller, Holland, Michigan 1986

Kim Sneller, Holland- 1986
Richard Makela- Post card- Kalamazoo- date Unk
Robert Parrish, Palm Harbor, Fl. Obit notice 1989
June and Howard Pomeroy- Toledo, Ohio- 1946
Red Bud Foster Care, Location unknown- 1985
Ken and Alice Saathoff- 1984
Virginia and Ralph Rounds- May 1947
Wintergreen Lake, Gull Lake Bird Sanctuary- 1947

Jean Rowe- Seminole, Florida- 1985 (Business card for Prudential Realty) She is unknown there now, and Prudential has no record of this name.
Ralph Rounds- 1963
Ralph Rounds- School photo 1951/1952
Doris & Bob Johnson- Location unknown- April 1997
Change of Watch Dance- Location unknown- January 1996
Janet, Kay, Keith and Dick, Vermont Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 1945
John Doyle- Location unknown- 1949
Timmie Doyle- Capital Avenue, NE- 1946
Libby Ann Doyle- Photo taken from apartment house on Capital Avenue NE and Elm in Battle Creek
Mr./Mrs. Ed Shimm- Photo taken from across the street, 847 E. Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek, Worked and retired from General Foods in 1947
Mike Biebrich- August 1956
Tarrant County College, Class of 1999- name of Erin Lucinda Gavin checked.
Frances Quirk, Niles, Michigan- 1986
Radewald Farms, Niles, Michigan
Rev. Richard Kuhn- 1986 Morris Chapel Church, Niles, Michigan
Helen and Don Foster- Enquirer article- 1986 50th anniversary, couple living in Orlando
Poly & John Taylor, Enquirer article- September 1986
Thom & Lynne Taylor- Enquirer article- January 1987
Diane Radewald- H-P article, Appointed to Berrien County Clerk- July 1986
Adolph Knott- 1980
Bud Miller, Bud's Service Center, Seminole, Texas 1986
Francis Norris- wedding announcement for daughter Nancy to Mahlon Lee Lowery

1988 Commencement program from Lakeview High School

Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
269.753.1181
JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

"A very happy ending to the photo album mystery" Photographs returned to family in Fort Wayne, Indiana

2011-05-03T13:15:00.000-04:00

A very callous and compassionless relative here in Battle Creek discarded 64 years of family photographs last week in a dumpster at Willard Park. He claims to work there and had permission from his boss to dump the photos. 150 pounds of photographs in 25 family albums meticulously compiled by Carol M. White-Taylor, Battle Creek Enquirer Obituary over her lifetime were left in a watery and dirty trash bin. A city employee working nearby, Mike Hess, helped me recover the property. Three days later the identity of the owner was ascertained. Ms. Taylor passed away on April 26, 2011, at the age of 91 while residing at the Heritage Assisted Living Community.
After the Battle Creek Enquirer ran the story numerous calls and emails were received from throughout the country. Ms. Taylor's sister, Alice, in Maryland was especially pleased that the photos were recovered. Many of the photos were of her taken in the 1940's with other family members.
This morning, all the materials were delivered to some very happy family members in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I was told that Carol loved life, family, friends, choir, church, and teaching those around her. There is no doubt that today she is smiling down from heaven knowing that her family has come into the possession of the lifetime of photographs she put together. Thank you to Sarah Lambert of the the Battle Creek Enquirer, and to the many great friends and relatives of Carol who contacted me.

(Shenoah, Nancy & Ken White) of Fort Wayne, Indiana

Mary Lands Memorial- "Thank you for your support"

2011-03-18T15:00:00.001-04:00

Clifford & Anita Marshall would like to express their deepest appreciation to the wonderful people who turned out today for Mary's Memorial Tribute. The event was highlighted by dignitaries of the law enforcement community that included Marshall Police Chief Jim Schwartz, Calhoun County Sheriff Al Byam, Calhoun County Prosecutor Susan Mladendoff, D/Lt. Scott McDonald, and Michigan State Police D/Sgt. Mike Salman. In attendance and speaking on the issue of domestic violence were Michigan House Rep. Kate Segal, Jennifer Fopma, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. Place, and Karren Kraemer of the Broken Wings Foundation in Wisconsin. Also discussing Mary's life was Sheryl Tuck, office manager of Day One Family HealthCare, which was Mary's employer in Battle Creek. All the people were quite moved with the slide presentation of Mary's life from infancy to the last known photograph of her that was taken with Cliff & Anita on December 31, 2003. Three months and twelve days later she reportedly walked away from her Waldon Pond apartment, and was never seen or heard from again. Her fiance, Christopher Luke Pratt, at the time waited 44 hours to call Mary's parent's in California and ask if they had seen her? He is now serving a prison sentence of 5-15 years for a domestic assault on a more recent girl-friend. He is eligible for release in February 2012.
A letter was read to the audience from Mary's older sister, Gina, who resides in California about the loss of Mary to her family.
After the tribute, Cliff & Anita released one gold "star" balloon with a card attached bearing Mary's picture and the date she disappeared, March 12, 2004. It blew over the church and disappeared to the north.
A special thanks must be given to Bishop Jeremy Hyde, and his staff, of the Dexter Lake Church of God in Battle Creek. These are the individuals responsible for making this ceremony a success.
The police officials made it clear that solving Mary's case was a priority, as well as continued public awareness on the national tragedy of domestic violence. If you are willing, please make a donation to S.A.F.E. Place in Battle Creek in Mary's name. By doing so, you will honor her memory and help them with needed funds for the shelter. As reported, in 2010 they provided 11,000 nights of shelter to 1,600 persons, of which 54% were children.
Battle Creek Enquirer, News Link- March 13, 2011
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20110313/NEWS01/110313001/Saying-goodbye-not-forgetting-Mary-Lands?odyssey=tabtopnewstextFrontpage
On April 13, 2011 the parent's of Mary Denise Lands will be present in the probate courtroom of Calhoun County Judge Michael Jaconette and ask that their daughter be officially declared deceased. Although this may be the last time that the public will hear from Mary's parents, rest assured that we will never give up in seeking to bring to justice the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands.
We will bring Mary home!
Jim Carlin

Update- March 18, 2011-The Marshall's and I met with Emmett Township Public Safety Director Mike Olson this morning, and again like all our meetings with law enforcement it was very positive and productive. As much as Mike wanted to attend last week's event he was absent because of illness. He is however, like all of us committed to solving this case and bringing Mary home.
Thank you Chief.

(Photo-The Marshall's, by Trace Chrinstenson, Battle Creek Enquirer)

Farewell to Mary Denise Lands- "Memorial Tribute"- March 12, 2011

2011-03-12T02:05:00.000-05:00

Today, Saturday, March 12th, it has been seven long years since Mary disappeared.....
The Marshall family wish to announce a final farewell memorial that will honor the memory of Mary Denise Lands. The tribute is planned for Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. This date will mark the 7th anniversary of Mary's disappearance from Marshall, Michigan, in which she allegedly walked off from her Waldon Pond apartment after a disagreement with her fiancé.

We have the unique and wonderful privilege of this event being hosted by the kind and gracious Bishop Jeremy Hyde, and his staff of pastors, at the Dexter Lake Church of God, 1555 East Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek (1 mile west of the casino). We are utilizing this solemn occasion to not only say good-bye to Mary, but as a forum to promote public awareness in our community against domestic violence. The 90 minute tribute will include remarks by Jennifer Fopma, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. Place, http://www.facebook.com/safeplaceshelter.org
Rep. Kate Segal of the Michigan 62nd House District, Calhoun County Prosecutor Susan Mladenoff, Sheriff Allen Byam, Chief Jim Schwartz of the Marshall Police Department, Emmett Towsnhip Public Safety Director Mike Olson, Karren Kraemer of Broken Wings Foundation, and other members of law enforcement, and state and county government.

Update- March 10, 2011- Battle Creek Enquirer News Link-
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20110310/NEWS01/103100312/Memorial-event-Saturday-Mary-Lands-missing-since-04?odyssey=tabtopnewstextFrontpage

WOODTV8 News Story Link- March 3, 2011- Mary Lands Memorial, & 7 other stories-
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/After-7-years-Mary-Lands-still-missing

Cliff & Anita were never aware that their beloved daughter, Mary was a victim of domestic violence until after her disappearance. They hope that this event will bring light to the subject and perhaps save other victims who may be enduring this problem in their daily lives. There will be a slide presentation and video of Mary's life as well as comments by the family. If one person can avoid the national tragedy of domestic violence, Mary will not have died in vain.

Please come out and say hello to Cliff & Anita, and support them in their time of need. Please plan to attend the memorial. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email: JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

(the above 2 photographs are of a quilt that was hand-made by Mary's sister from various medical scrubs she wore while employed at Day One Family HealthCare in Battle Creek)
Jim Carlin
269.753.1181
Update- March 10, 2011- Battle Creek Enquirer News Link-
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20110310/NEWS01/103100312/Memorial-event-Saturday-Mary-Lands-missing-since-04?odyssey=tabtopnewstextFrontpage

"Pratt could soon be released and coming to a neighborhood in your community"

2011-02-28T12:15:00.003-05:00

Must be nice? Another violent perpetrator returning to a neighborhood near you. Maybe he can get his job back at Target Distribution?

As we prepare for Mary's Memorial on the 7th anniversary of her disappearance, Inmate #673261-Christopher Luke Pratt smiles and chuckles for the camera. He doesn't even have to wear his MDOC prison blues any longer, as he shows off his new sport shirt, jeans and goatee.
Although Mary's fiancé was sentenced to nearly 5-15 years for several felonies related to assault, domestic violence, and false imprisonment on a more recent girl friend, Noreen Parker, he clearly appears at ease as he awaits his release from Level I confinement at Central Michigan Correctional Facility in St. Louis, Michigan. MDOC OTIS Link; http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261
Although a suspect in the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands, he has not yet been charged.
The public need to continue to write to the Parole Board and express their concern about this deviant evil predator being returned to society. The form is noted on the link's to the right.

New GQ look for alleged rehabilitated Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt #673261

2011-01-05T10:05:00.011-05:00

Check out the new look of Inmate # 673261-Christopher Luke Pratt as he awaits his parole from the Central Michigan Correctional Facility, Level I, in St. Louis, Michigan.
Yes, this perpetrator may soon be walking the streets again near you not yet charged with any crimes against Mary Denise Lands. He has conned many victims in the past and inflicted severe emotional and physical injury. Now he is trying to con the MDOC that he is rehabilitated and should be set free. This felon must remain in prison until the expiration of his current sentence in 2022. In the interim, we hope and pray that he soon will be charged in Mary's disappearance and murder.

A sociopath is defined as a person with a "pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood". Sociopathic characteristics begin at an early age, however they go unnoticed for a long period of time, under the assumption that the child will grow up and learn a lesson. The characteristics include manipulation, incapacity for feelings or emotions, compulsive liars, shallow emotions, impulsive nature, parasitic living, radiating charm, egocentric, and no guilt. These type of individuals engage in promiscuous behavior and infidelity, entrepreneurial crime mindset, and are authoritarian and secret. They desire to kill animals, and strive for cheap goal setting, like the enslavement of victims. Many of these characteristics fit Inmate Pratt perfectly, and a person like this can never be rehabilitated.

His victims and our community need to stand up and demand that this violent offender is not released. Send in the Crime Victims Notification Form noted on the left link to the MDOC Parole Board to keep Inmate Pratt in prison.
Christopher Luke Pratt, Inmate # 673261-MDOC OTIS Link:
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

Happy Holiday's to all, from the family of Mary Denise Lands

2010-12-19T11:25:00.004-05:00

This holiday season unfortunately marks the 7th Christmas that Cliff & Anita Marshall have endured not knowing the fate of their beloved daughter, Mary Denise Lands. Unless you have walked in the Marshall's shoes for the last 6 years, 9 months, & 7 days you cannot begin to comprehend the frustration, anger, sadness, and despair they have suffered since Mary allegedly disappeared from her apartment on March 12, 2004. At this point, we can only continue to hope and pray that charges will be filed against the person/s responsible for Mary's disappearance and murder. For now, that process is in the hands of the prosecutor and the law enforcement community.

The Marshall's wish to extend a sincere Happy Holiday to all our friends and supporters, new and old, who have been with us since this tragedy unfolded. We also deeply appreciate the efforts of the Marshall Police Department, Michigan State Police, Michigan Attorney General's Office, and the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office in their resolve to close Mary's case and our best wishes to them for a joyous holiday.

We are in the process of planning a final memorial tribute to Mary and her life that will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011, the 7th anniversary of her disappearance. It will also be an event to promote public awareness on the issue of domestic violence. Details will soon be released and we hope you all will join us for this final good-bye tribute to Mary.
Update- December 20, 2010- WWMT-Chanell 3 News
http://www.wwmt.com/sections/video/?videoId=717613230001&lineupId=1137706675&play=now

For some time we have asked that anyone with information on Mary's case to come forward and provide that tip to Chief Jim Schwartz of the Marshall Police Department. We know that there is one person out there who's conscience is bothering them because they indeed could end this nightmare for Cliff & Anita. Please help this family as they have suffered long enough. Come forward, even anonymously, with the final piece of this puzzle that will allow us to close this case and bring Mary home.

"All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them" (Galileo).

Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
269.753.1181
Email: JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Mary Lands' family meets with Susan Mladenoff, Calhoun County Prosecutor

2010-12-01T14:30:00.005-05:00

Update- December 1, 2010 This morning, Cliff & Anita Marshall met with Calhoun County Prosecutor, Susan Mladenoff at the Criminal Justice Center in Battle Creek. It was a very productive discussion related to the investigation of their daughter's disappearance. Mary Denise Lands has now been missing for 6 years, 8 months, & 19 days. On March 12, 2011 it will be seven years since her former fiancé, Chris Pratt alleged that she went for a walk and never returned home. He is now serving a sentence of 5-15 years for brutal felony domestic violence offenses that were perpetrated on a more recent girl-friend, Norrene Parker.
MDOC OTIS link- Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt, #673261
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

This meeting followed up on another with Marshall Police Chief Jim Schwartz that was held yesterday. The family was reassured that the law enforcement community and the Prosecutor's Office are committed to bringing Mary home, and to prosecute the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of the Marshall's daughter.

The holiday season of 2010 marks the 7th year that Cliff & Anita have not known the fate of their daughter. As we have asked on many ocassions, if you have any information please contact D/Lt. Scott McDonald, Marshall Police Department; 269.781.2596, D/Sgt. Mike Scott, Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post; 269.483.7612, D/Sgt. Mike Salmen, Michigan State Police, Battle Creek Post; 269.968.6115, or Jim Carlin; Justinian Investigative Services, 269.753.1181, Email; JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Help bring Mary home!

Mary Lands Missing- "Now on Face Book"

2010-12-01T07:56:00.004-05:00

A special thank you to Jamie Jones, and his wife who have been long time friends and supporters of the family who recently published a Face Book page on behalf of Mary Denise Lands. Numerous law enforcement agencies across the country now utilize Face Book as a resource for tips and to identity perpetrators in their communities. Fugitive and warrant squad investigators post information on people they are seeking and positive results have been achieved from this network. Hundreds of criminals have been taken off the streets as a result of Face Book pages. Do your part in helping keep your community safe.

In addition to this site, please stop and view Mary Lands Missing of Face Book;

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Lands-Missing/178398288842131?v=wall

This is yet another method to promote public awareness for Mary's case and to bring to justice the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder.

"On the road again"- Pratt moved from Kincheloe to minimum security in St. Louis, Michigan

2010-11-26T14:49:00.000-05:00

Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt was just moved from Chippewa Correctional Facility, Level II at Kincheloe in the Upper Peninsula to a Level I, minimum security institution in St. Louis, Michigan. This facility was previously called Mid-Michigan/Pine River Correctional Facility, and is now known as the Central Michigan Correctional Facility (STF). It is located 95 miles north of Marshall, Michigan. Because of this move, Inmate Pratt may now be eligible for prisoner programs in which inmates are permitted to provide labor to the public and work at supervised public works projects away from the facility.

As we have asked in the past, if you object to Inmate Pratt's release and parole you are urged to contact; MDOC, Crime Victim Services Unit, PO Box 30003, Lansing, Michigan 48909. Telephone; (517.373.4467)

Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt # 673261 MDOC Otis Link; http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

A letter dated November 5th from the Michigan Department of Corrections states; that Inmate Pratt has been transferred to a minimum security facility. Some minimum facilities house prisoners in a camp or dorm setting which have a single security fence. Some prisoners are eligible for the Public Works program. In this program prisoners are allowed to provide labor to the public and work at supervised public works projects away from the facility. The prisoners are usually in crews of eight to ten prisoners and are supervised throughout the project. They work on renovations of nature areas, clean up parks and cemeteries, help remodel buildings and sandbag during floods, among other projects.

I, for one, vehemently oppose this program for Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt. This perpetrator is a vicious deviant who preys upon innocent women. He has expressed no remorse for his violent felony crimes against Norrene Parker, a more recent girl-friend who continues to live in fear of this criminal's release and parole. Numerous witnesses and victims also are in fear of this evil offender. We ask all our friends and supporters to contact the Michigan Department of Corrections and request that Inmate Pratt's level of status be raised and that he be incarcerated at another more secure facility. We don't want him out of any Michigan prison unless he is being transported in shackles on a prison van to the Calhoun County Jail to stand trial for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands. For now, his victims and our community will not be safe until we are assured that he will remain in prison until the expiration of his sentence in 2022. He certainly should not be in a minimum security facility at level I.

Call 517.373.0287 or 517.373.4467 and express your opinion to the MDOC, Crime Victim Services Coordinator. Ask to speak with a representative of the Parole Board. Register with them to be kept advised on Inmate Pratt or any other inmate in which you have an interest.

Jim Carlin, Justinian Investigative Services, 269.753.1181, Email; JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

September 3, 2010 would have marked the 46th birthday of Mary Denise Lands

2010-09-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

In my personal and professional opinion, had Mary Denise Lands never developed a relationship with Inmate # 673261-Christopher Luke Pratt she would be alive and well today. Her birthday was September 3, 1964, and had she not been murdered she would have been with family, friends, and grandchildren celebrating her 46th birthday.
Please help the Marshall family bring Mary home.
It has now been 6 years, 5 months, and 21 days since Inmate Pratt claimed his fiance went for a walk and disappeared forever.
Michigan MDOC OTIS link
Christopher Luke Pratt- http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261
Law enforcement and the prosecutors need your help to close this case.
Contact any of the following;

Chief Jim Schwartz, Marshall Police Department- 269.781.2596
D/Lt. Scott McDonald, Marshall Police Department- 269.781.2596
D/Sgt Mike Salmen, Michigan State Police, Battle Creek Post- 269.968.6115,
D/Sgt. Mike Scott, Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post- 269-483-7612
Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.969.6980
Office of the Michigan Attorney General- 517.241.6565

Jim Carlin
269.753.1181
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Michigan State Police Missing Person; Mary Denise (Marshall) Lands
http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1589_31786_32000-213614--,00.html

Christopher Luke Pratt, Inmate #673261 may soon be released from prison

2010-09-02T11:32:00.000-04:00

"A violent evil preditor offender may soon be returning to a community near you"

In January 2008, Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt was sentenced by a Calhoun County Circuit Court, after a jury trial, for convictions of Unlawful Imprisonment, Assault with Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault), Interfering w/Electronic Communications Causing Injury/Death, and Domestic Violence, which incarcerated this criminal in the custody of Michigan Department of Corrections for 4-15 years in prison. His earliest possible release date as noted on MDOC OTIS is February 24, 2012.
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

It now appears that this offender may be released much earlier because he is classified by MDOC as a Level II inmate with a very low risk for violence. Freedom of Information Act materials ascertained that he has only received one "ticket" during a stay at a previous facility and there is no valid reason why the MDOC Parole Board would deny his parole. Anyone who is aware of the sociopathic characteristics of violent individuals know how they utilize manipulation and deception to attain their goals. Those characteristics permitted Inmate Pratt to engage in violence and inappropriate behavior with an ex-wife, Mary Denise Lands, and the more recent girl-friend who testified against him in 2007. Two out of three of these individuals are alive today because they escaped the grasp of this evil deviant. Mary Denise Lands did not survive and although Inmate Pratt is a suspect in her open homicide investigation there is a good chance he will soon be free.

Try telling victims or the members of their families that they are safe and Inmate Pratt has been rehabilitated. He has now been in custody since June 24, 2007 and further honing his skills of manipulation. He fully knows what the parole board wants to hear. I'm sure that as he now portrays himself as having found God, and one who reads and writes letters containing the word of the Holy Scripture he will be tossing his Bible out the car window as he drives over the Mackinac Bridge and away from the Chippewa Correctional Facility in Michigan's UP.

I was at the prison yesterday in an attempt to talk with Inmate Pratt. When correctional officers asked him if he wanted to come out of his dormitory setting to speak with me, he replied, Jim Carlin? "I've never heard the name before and I don't want to talk to somebody I don't know."

As most of you do know, we have been distributing the MDOC Crime Victim Notification Request Form. We are hoping to have 1,000 people sign up as "concerned citizens" who can express their opinions to oppose parole for Inmate Pratt. We initially believed that most of these forms could be submitted in late 2011 so they would be in the hands of the Parole Board for his first hearing. Because of the possibility of a much earlier parole board date we need to have these forms submitted to the Parole Board as soon as possible. A link to this form may be found to the right on this page.

Something must be done to keep Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt in prison until he is charged in Mary's disappearance and murder or until the expiration of his current sentence in June 2022. Anything less is unacceptable to the victims and their families, and to the legacy of Mary Denise Lands. Her body is somewhere in an unmarked and unknown location, but her spirit is yearning for a proper Christian burial that may permit her family to have some type of closure in this horrible tragedy.

Today, Mary Denise Lands has been missing for 6 years, 5 months, and 7 days. Inmate Pratt has only been incarcerated for 3 years, 1 month, and 25 days. Maybe if he is kept in prison until 2022 he may have read more of the Holy Scripture that will convince him to admit his crimes, express true remorse, and tell the investigators where Mary may be found. However, sociopathic behavior developed over his miserable and unhappy life will probably never allow him to do so. He will be a sick, twisted, and evil individual till the day he dies, and he will be a recidivist in the criminal justice system.

We need your help now, more than ever. Please help Cliff & Anita Marshall in any way possible to assure them that Inmate Pratt will not be released. Call the Victim Advocates Office for the State of Michigan in Lansing; Toll Free; 877.866.5401, and submit the notification form. You do not have to be a direct victim to respond. Any concerned citizen can complete the form and your opinion will be included in the record of the Parole Board. The inmate does not know the identity of anyone who expresses their opinions so your anonymity is protected.

As we have done in past, we are including the contact information for law enforcement if you wish to contact them and/or provide a tip on Mary's case.
Please remember, "Together, we can bring Mary home".

Chief Jim Schwartz, Marshall Police Department- 269.781.2596
D/Lt. Scott McDonald, Marshall Police Department- 269.781.2596
D/Sgt Mike Salmen, Michigan State Police, Battle Creek Post- 269.968.6115,
D/Sgt. Mike Scott, Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post- 269-483-7612
Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.969.6980
Office of the Michigan Attorney General- 517.241.6565

Jim Carlin-269.753.1181
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Our final "Ride for Mary"- August 7, 2010

2010-08-07T12:12:00.011-04:00

Mary Denise Lands disappeared from Marshall, Michigan on March 12, 2004 and has now been missing for 6 years, 4 months, & 26 days. This was our 4th annual "Ride for Mary" and it will be the last. Next March, Cliff & Anita Marshall will be forced to go into a court and have their beloved daughter declared legally deceased. On March 12, 2011 Mary will have been missing for 7 years.

Today, 81 motorcycles roared, and the friends and supporters of the Marshall family came together to once again promote public awareness for Mary's case. (View YouTube video; 4th Annual Ride for Mary) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CbCAkXaeuM

A special thanks to Dick Johnson, Angie & staff of the BallJoint/Godfather's Pizza, Gary Fields Comedy Club, Bud's Wrecker in Marshall, The Marshall Area Jaycee's, The Battle Creek Police Department, the Marshall Police Department, and all those who helped make this last ride a huge success.

We still are optimistic that the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands will be held responsible in a court of law. The law enforcement community has a good idea of who the perpetrator/s may be and we will not give up until we have "Justice for Mary" and we can bring her home.

As most of you know, Mary's former fiancé, Christopher Luke Pratt is serving a prison sentence of 5-15 years for the violent assault of a more recent girlfriend. He has been in jail/prison for over three years, and Inmate Pratt is not eligible for parole until February 2012. Already hundreds have signed up to send letters to the MDOC Parole Board to keep him in prison until the expiration of his sentence in 2022. Inmate Pratt is a severe threat to his previous victims and our community. Help keep this evil person incarcerated! (MDOC OTIS- Christopher Luke Pratt, Inmate 673261) http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

If you can help with that one vital tip that is needed to close the case, please contact any of the following; "Together we can bring Mary home"

Chief Jim Schwartz, Marshall Police Department- 269.781.2596
D/Lt. Scott McDonald, Marshall Police Department- 269.781.2596
D/Sgt Mike Salmen, Michigan State Police, Battle Creek Post- 269.968.6115
D/Sgt. Mike Scott, Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post- 269.483.7612
Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.969.6980
Office of the Michigan Attorney General- 517.241.6565

Jim Carlin

Justinian Investigative Services, Battle Creek, Michigan
269.753.1181
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

4th Annual Ride for Mary- Saturday, August 7, 2010

2010-07-30T11:30:00.001-04:00

Cliff and Anita Marshall are pleased to announce the 4th annual "Ride for Mary" that will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2010 starting at the BallJoint/Gary Fields Comedy Club, 4720 Beckley Road in Battle Creek. Rain or Shine!

Registration will commence from 8:00 AM-10:00AM and the cost is $25.00 per motorcycle/vehicle & $5.00 additional fee per passenger. This includes the meal at the end of the ride. Proceeds will go to the Mary Lands Trust Fund. Plans call for stops in Burlington (Whistle Stop), Cement City (Town and Country), Tekonsha (JD's), Marshall (Riverside), and ending back at the Ball Joint in Battle Creek. As on the other rides there will be great food, door prizes, live music and "Ride for Mary" tee-shirts. Come on down for a great day of fun with the Marshall's, and support our efforts to bring Mary home! The shirts this year are grey, with orange lettering. As we have done in the past, if you would like one delivered give us a call or send an email, and we'll be glad to get them to you. The shirts will be sold at $12.00 for S, M, L, & XL. Shirts in sizes 2X, 3X, & 4X are $14.00.

Call; 269.753.1181 or 269.781.4508.
Email- Jim Carlin- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Wacky Willy's previews a new Mary Lands Banner

2010-07-27T16:50:00.013-04:00

Wacky Willy's Party Time, located at 515 S.

Kalamazoo in Marshall, Michigan donated space on their building for a new banner promoting public awareness on Mary's disappearance. The Morse family have long supported the Marshall's and the police department in this case. They were one of the first businesses that permitted "Where is Mary" flyer's to be distributed at their popular location.

Chief Jim Schwartz and D/Lt. Scott McDonald of the Marshall Police Department continue to ask the community for tips and leads that will permit us to bring Mary home, and we appreciate all the support from friends and especially the law enforcement community.

Remember the "Ride for Mary" on August 7, 2010. Sign up now!

We are also pleased to announce that Gary Fields will hold another event as a birthday memorial in September. The exact date and detials will soon be forthcoming. 2010 would have been Mary's 46th birthday.

"A 2010 Father's Day Plea to Bring Home his Daughter"

2010-06-20T00:05:00.004-04:00

June 20, 2010- Today is Father's Day- 2010, and it has been 6 years, 3 months, and 8 days since Mary Denise Lands allegedly walked away from her Waldon Pond Apartment on March 12, 2004. This is the 7th Father's Day that Clifford Marshall has had to endure not knowing the fate of his beloved daughter. Cliff's previous Father's Day appeals to the public were published on June 17, 2006, June 17, 2007, June 15, 2008.

Here are just a few comments from his appeals of the past;

MDOC Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt has been incarcerated for nearly one full year after his arrest in June 2007 for domestic violence. As you know, in January 2008 he was sentenced up to 15 years in prison for crimes against another girl-friend. If you have information on Mary's disappearance you are urged to contact the police.Clifford Marshall again must endure the anguish of his 5th Father’s Day not knowing the fate of his daughter, Mary Denise Lands.

Can anyone help me with questions about my daughter, Mary, who has now been missing for over 27 months? Mary was 39 years old when she disappeared from her apartment in Marshall, Michigan.

She was my adult daughter, but she will always be my “baby."

For over two years we have been asking, “Where is Mary?”and “When will we have justice for Mary?” Please help our family in this tragedy.

If you would like to call Cliff and say hello for Father’s Day, the telephone number is 269.781.4508. Mailing address; PO Box 63, Marshall, Michigan 49068.Cliff & Anita receive much comfort from the continued support of so many friends in the community.Together, we will bring Mary home and "we’re not going anywhere" until the job is done!

We have come a long way in nearly seven years in our efforts to bring Mary home and for the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder to be held accountable in a court of law. If you go back and read Cliff Marshall's appeals over the last many years you will see our accomplishments, and the differences of "then and now".

Today, we have a new "top cop" in Marshall, Chief Jim Schwartz who along with D/Lt. Scott McDonald is determined to solve this case, and bring the perpetrator/s to justice. We have a new prosecutor, Susan Mladenoff. We have Dan Buscher who successfully prosecuted Christoper Luke Pratt for his violent felony crimes against a former girl-friend, Norrene Parker, but most of all we continue to have the support of our friends in the community.

We also know that there are witnesses in our community who could come forward, even anonymously, and provide that final piece of the puzzle to bring Mary home. You know who you are!

Please let this be the last Father's Day for Cliff Marshall that he must lament about his daughter, and ask; "Where is Mary? and, When will we have Justice for Mary?"

As in past appeals, we are listing the contact information for members of law enforcement handling this case. You may remain anonymous. We only ask that you make the call.

Chief Jim Schwartz, Marshall Police Department-269.781.2596

D/Lt. Scott McDonald, Marshall Police Department-269.781.2596

D/Sgt Mike Salmen, Michigan State Police, Battle Creek Post- 269.968.6115,

D/Sgt. Mike Scott, Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post- 269-483-7612

Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.969.6980

Office of the Michigan Attorney General- 517.241.6565

Jim Carlin-269.753.1181

Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

ABC Television & 20/20 to feature one-hour program on Mary Denise Lands

2010-05-13T09:15:00.000-04:00

Update- May 8, 2010- Breaking News- Headlines- Battle Creek Enquirer
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20100507/NEWS01/305070005/Investigator++Lands++story+to+appear+on++20/20++
For nearly 6 years, and 2 months Cliff & Anita Marshall have lamented over the disappearance of their beloved daughter, Mary Denise Lands. For some time we have strived to have Mary's story told to the nation in order that tips could be developed and she could be brought home along with justice for the person/s involved in her disappearance and murder. Although the Michigan media has done an unbelievable amount of coverage we have not been able to convince other medias to review Mary's case.

Thanks to the March 29, 2010 Detroit News feature by Frank Donnelly, we recently received a call from ABC Television's 20/20 in New York City that they were interested in doing a one-hour feature on Mary's case that will air across the nation at the start of the Summer. The program's producer called me this morning and stated that today would be a great day to make this announcement especially since it is Cliff & Anita's 45th wedding anniversary. When Anita Marshall heard the great news, she screamed for joy, and remarked, "this is the icing on our 45th anniversary cake". She asked that the deepest appreciation be expressed to all who have made this happen and have supported the family over the last six years. The Marshall's believe that the law enforcement community and Chief Jim Schwartz of the Marshall Police Department are doing everything possible to solve Mary's case, and the family is optimistic that their daughter will soon be brought home.

We hope that the 20/20 feature will result in new leads for our law enforcement team to finally close this case and allow Mary Lands to be brought home and laid to her final rest. The Marshall family will never have a closure to this personal tragedy, but with the assistance of ABC Television and 20/20 perhaps the end is near? Maybe soon we will have the answers on two primary questions that we have asked for so long, "Where is Mary?" and "When will we have justice for Mary?"

Good news for the Marshall's on their 45th Wedding Anniversary

2010-05-07T22:00:00.001-04:00

Cliff & Anita enjoy a night out with friends and supporters at the Riverside in Marshall, Michigan.

Much of their comfort today came with the news that ABC's "20/20" is undertaking a story about their missing daughter, Mary Denise Lands. They believe this could be lead to assisting law enforcement in closing Mary's case. Thank you to all who have helped in our efforts over the last 6 years, one month, and 25 days.

Happy Anniversary Cliff & Anita from all of us, and enjoy your Mother's Day.

Cliff & Anita Marshall, 45th Wedding Anniversary, May 7, 2010

2010-05-07T11:00:00.009-04:00

Update- May 7, 2010- The American Legion School Awards Program last night was a huge success, and so many people loved the presentation of Kailee Brandon singing our National Anthem. It was quite an accomplishment for the 10 year-old Marshall resident who attends school in Olivet. We are also pleased to announce that Kailee will sing the National Anthem on June 4, 2010, opening day for the Battle Creek Bombers.
Kailee Brandon- YouTube-The National Anthem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuAsvnHparw

Remember, tonight Cliff & Anita Marshall will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary at the Riverside Pub in Marshall, Michigan. Friends are invited to gather and have an evening of entertainment provided by Brent Cole.
Come join the family for a great night of fun from 7:00 P.M.-11:00 PM.

On May 6, 2010, as Post Judge Advocate, I will be hosting an event at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium for the Captain Oscar Brady, Post 298 of the American Legion. It is the 56th Annual American Legion School Awards Program that will recognize students from nine middle schools in Battle Creek. The awards will be given to outstanding middle school students for their achievements. Kailee Brandon will introduce the event with her rendition of the National Anthem. Many have recently learned of her outstanding voice and we are also now pleased to announce that she will be singing the Star-Spangled Banner on opening night for the Battle Creek Bombers on June 4th.
If you would like to enjoy some great community events in Battle Creek, please come out to W.K. Kellogg Auditorium on May 6th for the American Legion Awards, and support the Battle Creek Bombers, our local baseball team at C. O. Brown Stadium on June 4th. You'll walk away from both events and always remember the performance of Kailee Brandon singing our country's, National Anthem.

Congratulations, D/Lt. Scott McDonald

2010-04-19T09:00:00.004-04:00

Chief Jim Schwartz continues to make positive changes in the Marshall Police Department. We were all pleased to learn of the promotion of Scott McDonald from sergeant to lieutenant, and it is a well deserved promotion that will benefit his agency and our community.
Lt. McDonald and I recently spoke again on Mary's case, and we know that his agency is committed to bringing Mary home and closing the investigation. The person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands will be held accountable in a court of law.

(Photo courtesy, Corrine Kellogg, Marshall Chronicle-Advisor)

Remembering Mary once again, "We will never give up"

2010-04-11T20:45:00.013-04:00

The Riverside Pub in Marshall hosted an event tonight to talk about the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands. The owner permitted two videos to be displayed to those in attendance. They included the YouTube video, "Mary Don't you Weep", and the slide show picture presentation of Mary's life that was initially shown to the public at the Gary Fields event over the Valentine's Day weekend. Anita Marshall narrated the slide video.
We had the pleasure of having the attendance of Marshall Police Chief Jim Schwartz at the event. Although it was his day off, he was present in full uniform to show his support. The chief talked with the people about his ideas on Mary's case and the need for citizens to come forward with any information they may have concerning the case. He emphasized from a crime scene perspective that he is going back to the first day of Mary's disappearance, and reviewing all evidence and tips. He is committed to solving the case and demonstrating the integrity of his agency.
Forms were distributed to those who may wish to go on record with the Michigan Department of Corrections, Parole Board, in opposing any parole for Christopher Luke Pratt. He is listed as a suspect in the homicide investigation of Mary Lands. To date, we have about 300 persons who have submitted letters to the Parole Board opposing any parole for Inmate Pratt. We hope to have over 1,000 letters opposing his release when he is eligible for a hearing in front of the Board. Inmate Pratt must remain in prison as he is a menace to society. He has demonstrated that he is violent, and has no regard for human life.You may find the form here on the right under "Links to Mary", or on the MDOC website under Victim Services.
http://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,1607,7-119-1384-5494--,00.html
Please note that your letters and identity are confidential and the inmate does not know your name regardless if you are in opposition or approval to parole.

The Marshall family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Chief Schwartz for his attendance, the management of the Riverside Pub, and Brent Cole of Cole Entertainment.
On Monday, April 12, 2010 the same program will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Riverside, 405 W. Pearl Street in Marshall. Cliff & Anita will be present. The two videos will again be shown for the public.
Come on out and say hello to the family, and help bring Mary home.

Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt #673261, MDOC OTIS
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

Mary Denise Lands, 6th Anniversary Vigil- "Thank you for your support"

2010-03-12T06:00:00.040-05:00

It was a great day in remembrance of Mary Denise Lands, and the Marshall family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office, Chief Jim Schwartz of the Marshall Police Department, other members of law enforcement, Michelle Hoeksma of Safe Place Shelter, Heather Holland of TrackMissing, Father Robert Creagan of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the media, and our friends and supporters who attended Mary's vigil. Thank you again for your loyal support. With all your help we have not doubt that we will bring Mary home. Mary Lands 6th Anniversary Vigil- YouTube-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuUXs3MHh94

March 12, 2010 marked the 6th year anniversary when we must once again gather in hope of bringing Mary home. It will be 2,190 days since her former fiancé, Christopher Luke Pratt claimed that she walked away from their Waldon Pond apartment on a cold winter snowy night and was never heard from again. 44 hours later he called Mary's parents and asked if she was with them in California? Today, Chris Pratt sits in a Level IV Michigan prison cell convicted of felony domestic violence crimes against a more recent girl-friend. In 2008 he was sentenced to 5-15 years and will not be eligible for parole until February 2012. Prior to any parole hearing, we plan to have citizens send 1,000 letters to the Parole Board of the Michigan Department of Corrections opposing any parole. Chris Pratt is a dangerous criminal and we are asking that he remain in prison until the expiration of his sentence in 2022.
MDOC OTIS link- Inmate Christoper Luke Pratt, #673261-
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

We welcome you to gather with us at the Brooks Memorial Fountain at the circle in Marshall on Friday, March 12th at 11:00 A.M. As we have done on five previous anniversaries, Cliff & Anita and our good friends and supporters will release balloons in honor of Mary's memory. 45 red heart-shaped balloons will be released to signify the 45 years since Mary was born. 6 yellow heart-shaped balloons will also be released, one for each year that we have had to hold these vigils on her behalf. It appears that the winter weather will not present a problem, and the forecast is for a clear and sunny 60 degree day.
An introductory prayer will be given by Rev. Robert F. Craegan, Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Battle Creek. We have asked members of law enforcement, Michigan Attorney General, Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office, representatives of Safe Place Shelter, and others to join us. Mary was a tragic victim of domestic violence and each year we use her anniversary not only to keep her name in the mind of the people in our community, but to remind us all about the crucial issue of domestic violence. Let's make 2010 the year that we can bring Mary home, and be assured that the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder will be held accountable in a court of law. One person in our community can come forward and provide that final piece of the puzzle in this case. We urge you to do it now! Help us, "Bring Mary Home".

On February 24, 2010 the Marshall family attended the "2010 Summit to Fight Interpersonal Violence". The event was sponsored by Safe Place, and The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and was held at the Crossroads Church & Ministries of Marshall. Crossroads Church graciously provided a warm and comfortable setting for the day-long seminar.
Karren Kraemer of Broken Wings Network was among the speakers and Anita also spoke to the nearly 100 professionals in the audience. They included social workers, counselors, advocates, law enforcement, attorneys, and many others who share an interest in public awareness on the national tragedy of domestic violence. Anita shared numerous photographs and a video of Mary and tearfully talked about her missing daughter.

(Cliff & Anita, with Karren Kraemer
02/25/2010)

For additional information contact Jim Carlin
Tel- 269.753.1181
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Valentine's Day Tribute to Mary Lands, a huge success!

2010-02-14T12:03:00.017-05:00

Thank you for the warm and wonderful show of support last night at the Gary Fields Comedy Club, BallJoint/Godfather's Pizza for the Valentine's Day 2010 Tribute to Mary Denise Lands. The hall was packed with nearly 200 people and we received a substantial amount of money, all of which will go into the Mary Lands Trusts Fund. The show was hosted by Dwayne Gill, America's funniest cop, who coincidently is one of the finest among the Michigan State Police.
We have posted a brief video of the event on YouTube for your interest and perusal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuf3v1CGxtY

We would also like to call your attention to another video pertinent to Mary's case; " Oh Mary, Don't you weep"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdLwAGxu9M
Please take a few minutes to view the videos and help us in our efforts to bring Mary home. Next month, on March 12th, Mary will have been missing for 6 years. We hope and pray that this will be the year we can bring her home and the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands will be held accountable in a court of law.

On behalf of the Marshall family, we again thank you for your help.

Jim Carlin

Tel- 269.753.1181
Fax-888.221.4931 (Toll Free)
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

The YouTube video also includes the following information. We hope that someone will come forward and help law enforcement close this case.

A Valentine's Day tribute on behalf of Mary Denise Lands, who disappeared from Marshall, Michigan on March 12, 2004. The event was held on February 13, 2010 at the Gary Fields Comedy Club, BallJoint/Godfather's Pizza in Battle Creek, Michigan. Nearly 200 friends and supporters of Mary filled the audience. Entertainment was also provided by Dwayne Gill, America's funniest cop. Dwayne is a 17-year veteran of the Michigan State Police. The introduction is provided by Jim Carlin, the professional investigator who has donated his time and resources to the family over the last six years.

Next month on March 12th will mark 6 years since Mary was last seen by her fiancé, Christopher Luke Pratt, after he alleged she walked away from her Walden Pond apartment on a cold snowy winter night. 44 hours later he called the family in California asking if Mary was there? The family then notified the police since her boy friend had not done so.

It has been a long and arduous struggle for Mary's parent's, Cliff & Anita Marshall. There have been 6 holiday seasons without knowing the fate of their daughter, and they need your help. This has gone on far too long and Mary needs to be brought home. The person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder must be held accountable in a court of law.

In 2007, Chris Pratt was convicted of felony domestic violence crimes against another girl-friend. He was sentenced to 5-15 years in prison and is not eligible for parole until February 2012. The family and our community plans to send over 1,000 letters to the Parole Board of the Michigan Department of Corrections to keep Inmate Pratt in prison for his full term. He is now listed as the "suspect" in the open homicide investigation of Mary Denise Lands. View the MDOC link for Inmate #673261, Christopher Luke Pratt-
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

The Marshall family thanks you for your support. We will never cease in our mutual efforts to achieve Justice for Mary and to bring her home. If you can help, please contact:

D/Sgt. Scott McDonald, Marshall Police Department- 269.781.2596
D/Sgt Mike Salmen, Michigan State Police, Battle Creek Post- 269.968.6115
D/Sgt. Mike Scott, Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post- 269-483-7612
Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.969.6980
Office of the Michigan Attorney General- 517.241.6565

Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
269.753.1181
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

A Valentine's Day Tribute to Mary Denise Lands

2010-01-05T18:47:00.029-05:00

Update- January 17, 2010- For several months entertainer, Gary Fields, the GodFather of Comedy has offered to host an event for the Marshall family on behalf of their missing daughter, Mary Denise Lands. Plans have now been finalized for a Valentine's Day weekend program that will be held at GodFather's Pizza/Ball Joint in Battle Creek. You may recall, the owner of this establishment, Dick Johnson hosted the 1st annual "Ride for Mary" motorcycle run, which was held in August 2007 to promote public awareness for Mary's disappearance. On March 12, 2010 she will have been missing for 6 years.
We have an outstanding performer for the event. He is Dwayne Gill, "America's Funniest Cop" and ironically he reigns from Lansing, and is one of the Michigan State Police finest. You may read more about Dwayne at his web site http://www.dwaynegill.com . Maybe his appearance for Mary's event is an omen of good things to come in 2010? We hope and pray that this will be the year we can bring Mary home and the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder will be held accountable in a court of law.
Tickets for the Valentine's Day Tribute to Mary are now available for $10.00 per person, with the proceeds going to the Mary Lands Trust Fund. The event will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. We hope our friends and supporters will join us for a great evening of fun and comedy. Come out and visit Cliff & Anita and have a great time. Tickets can be delivered, if requested. Contact- Cliff & Anita Marshall, 269.781.4508, or Jim Carlin, 269.753.1181, Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Battle Creek Enquirer Story & Photographs- January 5, 2010-
Gary Fields' Regular Blues Jams have Returned

From 7 to 11 p.m. tonight and every Tuesday night, blues musicians are invited to jam with house musicians at the Ball Joint, 4720 Beckley Road, the legendary Battle Creek restaurateur, comedy host and music enthusiast Gary Fields announced today.
There is no cover charge and all are invited to play, Fields said.
Also available tonight will be Fields' staple chicken wings.
The blues and wings were a staple at Fields' comedy club downtown, the only place which regularly hosted blues musicians, until the club closed in October. "It's been going real well," Fields said. "We're even thinking about starting up the Monday night bike nights down here."

Happy Holiday's from the Marshall Family

2009-12-08T07:53:00.013-05:00

Cliff and Anita Marshall would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to all our friends, supporters, and the media over this holiday season. We wish you all a safe, happy, healthy, and joyful holiday.

We especially would like to thank Chief Jim Schwartz of the Marshall Police Department, Assistant Michigan Attorney General David Tanay, Assistant Michigan Attorney General Dennis Pheney, Calhoun County Prosecutor Susan K. Mladenoff, Assistant Prosecutor Dan Buscher, D/Sgt Scott McDonald, and D/Sgt. Mike Scott of the Michigan State Police along with all the members of their investigative team. We know you are working full time to solve the disappearance and murder of their daughter, Mary Denise Lands and doing everything possible to close this case.

Unfortunately, this is now the 6th holiday season that the Marshall's have not known the fate of their daughter. December 12, 2009 will mark 5 years and 9 months since Mary's former fiance, Christopher Luke Pratt claimed that she walked away from their Waldon Pond Apartment. 44 hours later he called the Marshall's in California to ask if Mary was there?

Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt has now been in prison for 2 1/2 years as a result of his convictions for crimes of felony domestic violence against a more recent girl-friend. As you all know, he was sentenced in January 2008 to 5-15 years and his first opportunity for parole will be in February 2012.

Michigan Department of Corrections- Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt, # 673261 http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

Each year I publish this photograph of Inmate Pratt holding his favorite Christmas stocking. It is a perfect example of his narcissistic and sociopathic personality. As he now sits in the St. Louis Correctional Facility, at Level IV he claims to family that he has found God and writes letters to many people with rambling bible scripture. This is obviously all part of a plan to lead on the Parole Board that he has changed and been rehabilitated. This evil person can never be rehabilitated, and if he is paroled will commit more crimes and continue to place our community and its citizens at risk. Let's fill up Inmate Pratt's stocking with one thousand letters to the State of Michigan demanding that he be kept in prison. If he truly has found God then perhaps he will tell law enforcement officials where Mary can be recovered? Only then will he begin to genuinely display remorse, empathy and contrition for his crimes. We continue to urge decent Pratt family members and acquaintances to come forward and provide that final piece of the puzzle. Some of you indeed can provide those answers. For those in the Pratt family who are suffering from recent tragedy, we wish you comfort and peace.

With or without the help of Inmate Pratt we will bring Mary home and our efforts, and those of law enforcement will not cease until she is recovered and laid to rest.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

A Plea from Cliff & Anita, after 5 years, 8 months, and 1 day

2009-11-13T08:19:00.012-05:00

The Marshall have asked that previously posted idiotic, juvenile, false, pathetic, and immature comments please cease. This site is related to the March 12th, 2004 disappearance of their daughter, Mary Denise Lands, and how we can work together to bring her home. These inane ramblings do not help in our objectives. Yes, we can moderate the site and delete these infectious remarks, but the Marshall's wish people to see just how low, dirty and despicable some can be in their comments. For every one of you who contributes these vile remarks we have one hundred close supporters who have been faithfully with us since this tragedy unfolded.

I am cognizant that many people do not like me, and that is their opinion. However, these same people should stop and think what it would be like in their life if they woke up this morning and found a loved one missing or murdered? No one, including myself, can know what it is to walk in the footsteps of Cliff & Anita Marshall. No one can understand and feel the pain they have endured for the last 5 years, 8 months, and 1 day. Think about that pain before you write the hate-speak you seem to enjoy so much. We will not be deleting it, as we want the world to see what some twisted minds are capable of writing. We hope our other friends will continue to contribute in a positive manner with the goal to bring Mary home to her final resting place. As I have previously mentioned, you know my address and telephone numbers, if you ever wish to speak with me, please give me a call. Perhaps I can learn more on why you have so much hatred bottled up inside?

On a more positive note, Chief Jim Schwartz of the Marshall Police Department has been at the helm of his agency now for over two months. He appears to be an outstanding law enforcement professional who is dedicated to solving Mary's case. For the first time, Cliff, Anita, and I plan to meet with him this morning for a discussion about Mary's investigation. You may recall, over 3 years ago we met with the new city manager, Chris Olson. He immediately launched into a bizarre tirade and informed Anita Marshall that "we were part of the problem, not part of the solution." She abruptly left the meeting never to return again to talk with city officials. Today, Anita's tough Portuguese temperament has mellowed and she looks forward to meeting the new chief. That callous and obstructionist city manager is long gone, and we now know there is a positive professional attitude within the Marshall Police Department. Chief Schwartz, his team of diligent investigators, and the Prosecutor's Office are committed to bringing to justice the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands. Cliff & Anita know that this will occur, and we also know that through the efforts of law enforcement and information from the public we will soon bring our Mary home.

Update- November 14, 2009- Cliff, Anita, and I were extremely impressed with the honest, sincere, and genuine remarks of Chief Schwartz from our meeting on Friday. He indeed, is an outstanding police professional who will not only resolve the Mary Lands investigation, but also will restore respect and honor to his agency. Anita Marshall does not smile often enough, but she truly was pleased and beaming by the comments of Marshall's new "Top Cop". Cliff stated that he could look into this man's eyes and tell he was truly committed to what he had to say to the family. This is the hope that we have been waiting for after 5 years, 8 months, and 2 days since this tragedy unfolded.
As the Chief mentioned, his discussion focused on how we are going to address the situation at hand currently, and the Marshall Police Department’s ambitions for the future. He assured the Marshall's that his door will always be open to anyone who wishes to bring something to his attention. He also stated that he is looking forward to further discussions related to Mary's case in the near future.
The citizens of Marshall should be on notice. Although this "Top Cop" is not a sheriff, the analogy is still quite fitting and accurate. "There's a new sheriff in Marshall," and he will not stand for incompetence and laziness. He will be demanding the ultimate in professionalism from the members of his agency as they serve the citizens of Marshall. This man is no phony or token head of the Marshall Police Department. He is Chief Jim Schwartz, and he will get the job done.

Happy Birthday, Mary Denise Lands

2009-08-30T09:21:00.065-04:00

On September 3, 2009 our beloved Mary Denise Lands would have been at home with family happily celebrating her 45th birthday. She was taken from us after a tragic and abusive domestic violence relationship with her fiance, Christopher Luke Pratt. As most of you now know, Inmate Pratt is serving a 5-15 year sentence in the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections for assault and domestic violence convictions upon another more recent girl-friend. http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261
He is now incarcerated in Level IV at St. Louis Correctional Facility and is eligible for parole in February 2012. He has not been charged in any crimes related to Mary's disappearance.

A new top cop has now been appointed in Marshall to lead the investigation. Chief Jim Schwartz takes over on September 8th and plans to work closely with the Michigan Attorney General, Michigan State Police, and the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office to bring to justice the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands. Chief Schwartz was a homicide investigator and Commander of the Collier County Sheriff's Office, Crime Scene Bureau, in Florida. He is an educated police professional who knows how to solve crime. As we have done in the past, we will note the contact information for law enforcement officials. If you have any information pertaining to Mary's case you are urged to call. Help Cliff & Anita Marshall bring their daughter home.

D/Sgt. Scott McDonald, Marshall Police Department, 269.781.2596

D/Sgt. Mike Scott, Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post, 269.483.7612

D/Sgt. Mike Salmen, Michigan State Police, Battle Creek Post, 269.968.6115

Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office, Battle Creek, 269.969.6980

or you may also contact;

Jim Carlin, Justinian Investigative Services, Battle Creek, 269.963.7068

"Please Help Us, Bring Mary Home"

For those who may not have viewed or listened to our popular YouTube video from Mary's 4th Anniversary Vigil (March 2008), we have posted a new link; "Oh Mary, Don't You Weep" by Jersey boy, the Boss Springsteen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdLwAGxu9M

You might like to take another few minutes to listen to Country Gentlemen- "Bringing Mary Home." Cliff & Anita truly loved it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ0_82boXUM

Together we will bring her home!

Jim Carlin, JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

James Schwartz named as new Marshall police chief

2009-08-17T16:07:00.007-04:00

Update- August 17, 2009- Adrian, Michigan Deputy Police Chief James Schwartz has just been named the new police chief in Marshall. We welcome him to the community and hope one of his paramount objectives will be to solve the Mary Lands case. Today, Mary has now been missing for five years, five months, and five days. The Marshall family looks forward to sitting down and talking with the new chief about their daughter's case.
Acting Chief Scott McDonald did an outstanding job in the interim not only on Mary's case, but in all his duties as interim chief. We know he and his investigative team will actively work to close the case and bring to justice the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands.
Congratulations, Chief Schwartz.

Battle Creek Enquirer- After more than 18 months without one, Marshall will have a police chief next month. Adrian's Deputy Police Chief James Schwartz accepted the position shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, Interim City Manager Tom Tarkiewicz said, pending background checks. His salary will be $67,000, plus benefits, and Tarkiewicz expects him to start Sept. 8.

The city narrowed its search to two finalists last week: Schwartz and Lt. Michael Sherzer of the Battle Creek Police Department. The position has been open since January 2008, after Public Safety Director Mike Olson was placed on administrative leave for violating city policies. Since then, Det. Sgt. Scott McDonald has served as acting police chief. Marshall Human Resources Coordinator Tracy Hall said five of the 47 applicants were called in for interviews with a panel consisting of Hall, Tarkiewicz, Calhoun County Sheriff Al Byam and Coldwater Public Safety Director Brett Pehrson, who served as deputy chief in Marshall prior to taking the Coldwater job.
A new Marshall police chief could be hired this week, as the city has narrowed its search to two finalists: Det. Michael Sherzer of the Battle Creek Police Department and Adrian Deputy Chief James Schwartz.
The position has been open since January 2008, after Public Safety Director Mike Olson was placed on administrative leave for violating city policies. Since then, Det. Sgt. Scott McDonald has served as acting police chief.
Marshall Human Resources Coordinator Tracy Hall said five of the 47 applicants were called in for interviews with a panel consisting of Hall, Interim City Manager Tom Tarkiewicz, Calhoun County Sheriff Al Byam and Coldwater Public Safety Director Brett Pehrson, who served as deputy chief in Marshall prior to taking the Coldwater job. The panel called back Sherzer and Schwartz for second interviews last week.

Latest FOIA request on Christopher Luke Pratt, Inmate # 673261

2009-07-23T17:57:00.021-04:00

The latest Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request on Christopher Luke Pratt, Inmate # 673261 from the Michigan Department of Corrections is now available for viewing. He is presently incarcerated as a Level IV prisoner at Thumb Correctional Facility in Gratiot County, St. Louis, Michigan. The FOIA materials are viewable on the "Links to Mary" to the right and are in PDF format. It is a 29 MB file and may take a few minutes to download but can be read.

As we have mentioned in the past, Inmate Pratt is eligible for release in February 2012 on his 5-15 year felony convictions and could be scheduled for a parole hearing in late 2011. It is never to early for any citizen to contact MDOC and ask to be notified on transfers and parole hearings for Inmate Pratt. Anyone has the opportunity to write to the Parole Board and express your opinion in this matter. He needs to remain in jail.
In June, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed his convictions in a Calhoun County Circuit Court. This inmate is a vicious and violent sociopathic criminal and a severe threat to society and his previous victims. He deserves to remain in prison until the expiration of his sentence in 2022. He is a suspect in the open homicide investigation of his former fiancee, Mary Denise Lands.

MDOC OTIS Record on Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

Mary Denise Lands, the search in Michigan continues...

2009-07-13T14:00:00.007-04:00

It has now been 5 years and 4 months since Mary allegedly walked away from her Waldon Pond Apartment in Marshall, Michigan. Christopher Luke Pratt, Mary’s fiancé at the time has been in prison for over 2 years on a violent assault of a more recent girl-friend, Norrene Parker, and is serving 5-15 years on those felonies. Recently the Michigan Court of Appeals turned down his appeals. He may be eligible for release in February 2012. Although Inmate Pratt is a suspect in Mary’s disappearance and murder he has not yet been charged.

The search for Mary continues and during the week of June 22-26, 2009 Carren Corcoran of Canine Search Solutions in Wisconsin came to Michigan at the request of the TrackMissing Foundation to examine water and land locations in an attempt to locate Mary. Accompanying her was Karen Kraemer of the Broken Wings Network. Carren’s dog is a certified cadaver animal utilized by law enforcement agencies across the country.

Cadaver dogs are trained to alert in various different methods. The alert by Carren’s dog is indicated by the animal sitting down either in a boat or in the water. Alerts were documented during this search and they are being followed up on to ascertain the origins.
YouTube Video- Search for Mary- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K592kGX40Bg

Michigan Department of Corrections online record of Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt, #673261. He is now incarcerated at St. Louis Correctional Facility as a Level IV prisoner.
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

Another You Tube Video- Christopher Luke Pratt- Suspect, Disappearance and Murder of Mary Denise Lands-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArKvNH-hIoM

Take a good look at this person! Do you want this violent criminal offender released back into our community? Do your part to help find Mary. Take a bite out of crime and call in your tip.
We will keep you posted on progress.

Michigan Court of Appeals Affirms all convictions of Christopher Luke Pratt

2009-06-12T09:29:00.029-04:00

Battle Creek Enquirer- 06/13/09

BREAKING NEWS- The Michigan Court of Appeals in a 9-page decision affirmed all the charges and the convictions of Christopher Luke Pratt. The full decision may be read at the Michigan COA website; http://coa.courts.mi.gov/documents/OPINIONS/FINAL/COA/20090611_C284299_48_284299.OPN.PDF
The decision at the end read; In our view, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in considering the entire course of conduct beginning before and continuing through the unlawful imprisonment.
The trial court considered the entire course of events during the 15 or 20 minute incident, during which defendant, who was over six feet tall and weighed approximately 300 pounds, demanded that the victim, who was five feet, two inches tall and weighed just over 100 pounds, give him the cordless telephone; slammed the telephone on the ground, telling her that she would never discover who he was talking to; informed her that he cheated on her and laughed; grabbed her in a bear hug, lifting her feet from the ground, and squeezed her so hard that he cut her finger on her ring; cursed at her and used derogatory names; pulled down a baker’s rack full of items that scattered near the victim; ripped the telephone cord out of the wall when the victim ran to the telephone and tried to use it; and pushed the microwave oven off of the kitchen counter near her feet. When the victim then attempted to run out of the house, defendant grabbed her keys, threw them outside, blocked the doorway and restrained her. He then left in his truck when she told her son to call the police.

The threatening, anxiety-producing conduct continued throughout the commission of all the crimes, including the unlawful imprisonment. Under the facts of this case, the fear and anxiety during the short time of the unlawful imprisonment could not be separated from the incident. In the present case, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in determining that defendant’s conduct was designed to substantially increase the fear and anxiety the victim suffered during the unlawful imprisonment.
Affirmed.

/s/ Karen M. Fort Hood
/s/ Mark J. Cavanagh
/s/ Kirsten Frank Kelly

MDOC Information, Inmate # 673261-Christopher Luke Pratt
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

Michigan Court of Appeals considers Pratt convictions

2009-06-02T11:44:00.014-04:00

June 2, 2009- People of the State of Michigan v. Christopher Luke Pratt was the first case called this morning at 10:00 A.M. in the Hall of Justice, Michigan Court of Appeals. The 3 judge panel included Judge Karen M Fort Hood, PJ, Judge Mark J Cavanagh and Judge Kirsten Frank Kelly, JJ. Presiding Judge Fort made an opening statement that all the judges were very familiar with each of the cases being called and she asked that the attorneys be brief and to the point. Present in the room were approximately 12 other attorneys for various cases, and several spectators. About 10 minutes before court commenced Jeff Pratt and his mother, Louise Pratt showed up. Jeff was dressed more for a night of drinking at his Moose Lodge than for what would be appropriate attire for such an esteemed judicial proceeding.
A representative from the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office was present however the actual oral argument was conducted by a special prosecutor from Kent County, Timothy K. McMorrow. He is chief appellate attorney for the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office. No attorney was present on behalf of Chris Pratt and presumably written arguments had already been submitted to the court. Inmate Pratt also was not present for the hearing.
The Pratt matter took exactly 2 minutes and the presiding judge then called the next case.
After the hearing was closed Jeff Pratt appeared visibly upset, dismayed and perplexed and started a conversation with Mr. McMorrow. He did not realize he was speaking to the prosecutor and not his brother’s attorney. He asked, What happens now? Jeff did not appear to be in a very happy mood when he left the building.
In my opinion, it will be approximately a month before Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt will be sitting in his Level IV cell at St. Louis Correctional Facility and learn that all his convictions were affirmed by the Michigan Court of Appeals. You may follow the appellate process online- http://coa.courts.mi.gov/resources/asp/viewdocket.asp?casenumber=284299&fparties=&inqtype=public&yr=0

At the entrance of the massive Michigan Hall of Justice there are four words etched in marble; Freedom, Truth, Equality and Justice. These concepts, the foundations of our constitution, invite reflection by all who enter. Let it be known that each member of the Pratt kin should also reflect. They should reflect on the fact that Christopher Luke Pratt, now Inmate Pratt #673261 was properly and appropriately convicted for violent felony crimes in Calhoun County against a former girl friend. He is a criminal perpetrator of domestic violence who enjoys battering women. He battered his first wife, he battered Mary Denise Lands, and he battered a more recent girl-friend. He is not going to batter anyone else for 15 years. http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261
The Pratt family should now be thinking about the crimes committed against Mary Denise Lands. Their family can help bring Mary home and contribute to some type of closure for all involved in this horrific tragedy. Sooner or later it is going to happen. Jeff Pratt and others would be wise to convince their family member to do the right thing. The Marshall family is not going to go away until they can bring their daughter home to her final resting place. You'll see us at vigils, events, court hearings and every single parole hearing for Inmate Pratt until 2022. We will vehemently oppose any parole for your family member. Instead of all your denials that Inmate Pratt had anything to do with Mary's disappearance and murder you should put more effort into having someone step up to the plate and admits their responsibility. The Marshall family have suffered enough and you can make this come to an end. Do the right thing and do it now.

Do you want Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt paroled? Help keep him in prison until 2022

2009-06-02T08:00:00.007-04:00

June 1, 2009- It was just confirmed that Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt has had yet another change and a move in his prison status. He went from a Level II at Pine River Correctional Facility to Level IV at St. Louis Correctional Facility. Level IV is for inmates requiring close custody. Keep those letters coming to the Parole Board and MDOC. They do have an influence and we need to keep this inmate in prison until 2022 or until he is charged in the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands.
May 27, 2009- Inmate Pratt was just transferred from Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit to Pine River Correctional Facility in Gratiot County, St. Louis, Michigan. The facility has expanded to include Level II prisoners and Inmate Pratt remains at Level II.
He will be eligible for parole the first time in February 2012, however because of the nature of his felony domestic violence crimes against another former girl-friend he cannot be released by MDOC prior to that date. In January 2008 Calhoun County Circuit Judge Stephen Miller sentenced him to 5-15 years. http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261
Inmate Pratt has now been incarcerated for nearly 24 months. He did received credit for his county jail time while awaiting trial and has been in custody since June 24, 2007. Before you know it, he will be considered for parole.
We expect that charges will be brought against the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands within a short time. In the interim, we must do everything we can to assure that Inmate Pratt is never paroled.
Every citizen has the right to provide their input to the MDOC Parole Board concerning the possible parole of any inmate. You are not required to live in Michigan. All one has to do is complete a Crime Victim Notification Request Form and send it to Crime Victim Services in Lansing. After your name and address is placed in their confidential records you will be notified of inmate transfers and pending parole hearings. You have the right to respond with your position in opposing or favoring a parole of any inmate. The Parole Board takes every one of these letters from victims and concerned citizens into consideration so it is important that you express your opinion. The inmate does not view these letters nor are they aware of your identity so your safety and confidentiality is guaranteed. I know this system works because in the last several years I have submitted letters of opposition on other inmates and they remain in prison.
MDOC Victim Services- Inmate Notification Request Form http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CrimeVictimNotificationRequest090402_57232_7.pdf
To complete the form, include the inmate's name and MDOC number. Fill in the section with your information (victim), sign, and mail or fax to MDOC Crime Victim Services. If you are not the victim there is a box you can check as "a concerned citizen". It does not matter what your your relationship is to any inmate. Any person has the right to express their opinions on why an inmate should or should not be granted the privilege of parole.
Our community is at risk if Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt is released. Not only is he an eminent threat to his previous victims but he is a threat to others. Because of the nature of his crimes he should remain in prison until the expiration of his sentence in 2022. You can help make that happen.
We now have a large number of people on record who have sent in their notification forms to MDOC so they will be able to make their opinions known to the Parole Board. Our hope is that when Inmate Pratt’s parole hearing is scheduled that we will have 1,000 letters sent to the Parole Board opposing his release. You can help keep this vicious criminal in jail until 2022 or until there might be other action by law enforcement for allegations of other crimes.
If you need help completing the form, please feel free to call and I would even be glad to personally deliver the notification form if requested. I have a considerable amount of them available and pass them out on a daily basis to those who are interested. Help the Marshall family keep this evil person in prison. Had he been sent there years ago for his pattern of violence Mary Denise Lands would be alive today.
The forms may also be obtained by contacting MDOC Crime Victim Services. Their office has an outstanding professional staff that wants to help and answer all your questions.

Update- June 10, 2009- Don't let anyone tell you that writing letters of opposition for parole on any inmate isn't a good idea.
I submitted one opposing parole for this person and the Parole Board just made their decision.
Although Randy Tilman Slone, Inmate # 656705 was moved from the UP to Robert Cotton Correctional Facility in Jackson his parole was denied. He will not be eligible again until May 1, 2010. Keep sending those letters to MDOC Crime Victim Services. They do help protect our community.

Inmate Slone’s convictions:

Controlled Substance-Possession of Methamphetamine- 0-10 years maximum, CS - Operating/Maintaining a Lab Involving Methamphetamine- 2-20 years maximum.
He has only been in prison for less than 2 years. He deserves to remain their for another 18 years.

Michigan Department of Corrections
Crime Victim Services
PO Box 30003
Lansing, Michigan 48909

517.373.4467
Toll Free- 877.886.5401
Fax- 517.241.0536

Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
269.753.1181
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Cliff & Anita Marshall meet with Michigan Attorney General officials in Lansing

2009-05-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

Today, Cliff & Anita Marshall and I received a very warm and cordial greeting from officials of the Michigan Attorney General in Lansing. We traveled to the Capitol for a scheduled meeting with Criminal Division Chief David E. Tanay and Assistant Attorney General Dennis J. Pheney, Jr. It included a very constructive and positive 2-hour conversation. Accompanying Cliff & Anita to Lansing was a close personal friend. She has offered them support and comfort over these last several years and always been there to help the family.

In November 2008 the Attorney General wrote to the family and advised that they would review with local authorities the circumstances on the disappearance of their daughter, Mary Denise Lands, and consider providing assistance. We were previously aware that AG officials have been to Calhoun County to meet with local law enforcement authorities on Mary’s case. There have been very positive developments and we were assured that everyone is working together in a unified professional manner to help bring Mary home, and to hold the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder accountable in a court of law. The Michigan Attorney General is pleased with the ongoing progress of Calhoun County Prosecutor Susan Mladenoff, Assistant Prosecutor Dan Buscher, Chief Scott McDonald of the Marshall Police Department, and the investigators from the Michigan State Police.

Cliff & Anita brought with them to Lansing a small quilt made by another daughter residing in California. Sewn into the quilt are pieces of the many colorful medical scrubs that Mary wore when she was employed by Day One Family Health Care in Battle Creek. They also brought some of Mary's personal jewelry, which was recovered from the home that Chris Pratt shared with a girl-friend prior to his arrest in June 2007. See Video/links, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlWlhjxFLMw

As most of you you know, in December 2007 Christopher Luke Pratt-http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261 was convicted of multiple felonies for a violent assault on that girl-friend and is currently serving 5-15 years in custody of the MDOC. He is now incarcerated at Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit and is not eligible for parole until February 2012. He is a suspect in the open homicide investigation of Mary Denise Lands, but has not yet been charged in Mary’s case.

We express our deepest gratitude to the Michigan Attorney General and all the dedicated professionals who are working as a team to close Mary's case. It is ironic that in two more days, on May 7th, Cliff & Anita will be celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary. Lets all work together to assure that this will be the last wedding anniversary they must endure not knowing the fate of their daughter, Mary.
Someone out there can provide that final piece of the puzzle for law enforcement authorities to close this case. You know who you are! You know the telephone numbers to call.
Help us bring Mary home.

Jim Carlin
JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net
269.963.7068

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 marked 5 years and 1 month since Mary Denise Lands Disappeared

2009-05-01T08:15:00.000-04:00

April 12, 2009 is Easter Sunday but also marked 5 years and 1 month since Mary Denise Lands allegedly walked away from her Waldon Pond Townhouse in Marshall, Michigan. Christopher Luke Pratt, her former fiance waited 44 hours before calling Mary's parent's in California to ask if
she was there? He has told nothing but lies since then and is a "suspect" in the open homicide investigation of Mary's disappearance. He is currently serving a 5-15 year sentence at MDOC Mound Prison in Detroit for domestic violence crimes against a more recent girl-friend, Norrene Parker. Inmate Pratt's earliest possible release date is February 2012. He has not yet been charged with any crimes related to Mary's disappearance and murder.

Holidays are especially difficult for the Marshall family and we thought we would share something with our friends and supporters.
Several years ago Mary's sister put together a hand-made quilt containing pieces of the various medical scrub clothing that Mary wore during employment at Day One Family Healthcare, PC in Battle Creek. The vibrant patterns and colors truly display the vitality that Mary demonstrated each and every day during her 39 years on this earth. She was always friendly, happy, positive and optimistic with such a contagious smile, and believed her family was the most important thing in her life.
Take a few minutes this Easter weekend to view Mary's quilt and if you like please feel free to call Cliff & Anita and wish them well. (269.781.4508)
If you have any information on Mary's case you are urged to please contact law enforcement. As we have been saying for many months, 2009 will finally bring some closure to the Marshall family. The person/s persons responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands will be held accountable in a court of law, and we will bring Mary home.
Thank you for your support and on behalf of the Mary Lands family we hope you all enjoy a sunny and happy Easter Holiday with your friends and family.
http://www.badd.org/MDLQuilt3.JPG
http://www.badd.org/MDLQuilt4.JPG
http://www.badd.org/MDLQuilt4.JPG
http://www.badd.org/MDLQuilt5.JPG
http://www.badd.org/MDLQuilt6.JPG
http://www.badd.org/MDLQuilt7.JPG
http://www.badd.org/MDLQuilt8.JPG
http://www.badd.org/MDLQuilt1.JPG

Jim Carlin
269.963.7068
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Mary Denise Lands- 5th Anniversary Vigil, March 12, 2009

2009-04-02T00:10:00.001-04:00

March 29, 2009- Today we spoke with an official from Texas Equusearch, the respected and renowned mounted search and recovery organization located in Texas. They have just posted a link on Mary's disappearance. Be sure to view their own site and the great work they are doing for missing persons.

March 18, 2009- Karen Kraemer of the Broken Wings Network from Wisconsin recently appeared on the Tyra Banks Show and spoke about the disappearance and murder of her own daughter, Becky Marie (Kraemer) Marzo, of Milwaukee in 2003. Karen is helping in Mary’s case and is a great advocate for battered woman and the national tragedy of domestic violence. She commented many times on the similarities of her own daughter’s case and the circumstances of Mary’s disappearance. She will appear on a segment of the show on April 2, 2009. Check your own television listings for the exact time and station that will air her story. Don’t miss this great feature.

Battle Creek Enquirer- Letter to Editor, Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt- Prison Transfer- 03/18/09

WOOD-TV8 News- Where is Mary? Five years later? 03/12/09

WWMT Channel3News- Mary Lands, 5th Anniversary Vigil- 03/12/09

Battle Creek Enquirer- 03/13/09

Thursday, March 12, 2009 marked the 5th anniversary of the disappearance of Mary Denise Lands, and the family will hold another vigil at the Brooks Memorial Circle Fountain at Noon in Marshall, Michigan. Each year on March 12th since Mary purportedly walked away from her apartment Cliff & Anita Marshall have held a vigil on this date.
Mary's fiancé, Christopher Luke Pratt claims she went for a walk at 10:00 P.M. on a cold wintry night still wearing her light-weight medical scrubs from her job at Day One Family Healthcare in Battle Creek. He claimed she walked off wearing her favorite brown leather jacket and left her new Dodge Durango and cell telephone at the apartment. 44 hours later Chris Pratt called the family in California asking if Mary was there? The parents then notified the Marshall Police Department that their daughter was missing. Five months later in the summer of 2004 Chris Pratt was selling Mary's personal property including her brown leather jacket at a flea market in Homer. The jacket was recovered and turned over to the Marshall Police Department.
A new reward was recently reinstated in Mary’s case and the law enforcement community is working aggressively to solve the case. Christopher Luke Pratt is now serving a 5-15 year sentence for a violent assault against a more recent girl-friend. His earliest possible parole eligibility date is February 2012.
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261 Chris Pratt has been named a suspect in the open homicide investigation of Mary Lands, but has not yet been charged. He was incarcerated by MDOC at the Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit.

March 12, 2009- 9:00 A.M.- Well this is not a good sign and obviously came on a sad day for the family, the 5th anniversary of Mary's disappearance. Chris Pratt was just moved from Level II at Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit to Cooper Street Correctional Facility in Jackson. He was reduced to the minimum standard of MDOC and reclassified as Level I. Next we will hear that because of prisons closing and staff reductions he will soon be released. Because his convictions were related to domestic violence he should not be eligible for parole until February 2012. You have to wonder if that criteria enacted by the Michigan legislature will be thrown out and he is looking at a release in the very near future? Norreen Parker, his most recent victim, better be concerned about these new developments.

March 12, 2009- 5:00 P.M.- Thank you to all the good people who today called MDOC, the police and the media about Christopher Luke Pratt being transferred to Cooper Street CF in Jackson and a reduction of his Level II to Level I. It just shows the power of our community. Inmate Pratt will be shuffling off to another prison and his Level II status will be put back in place. Maybe if we are lucky it will be the UP for the rest of the winter.Thank you again to WOOD-TV8 and the viewers for all the calls. It really gave some relief to Mary's parents to know we all will be safer. Kudos to our community to keep this alleged killer in a more secure location. In my opinion, I believe he killed Mary Lands and so does the law enforcement community. Chris Pratt needs to remain in prison for the rest of his life unless he makes a deal and tells the truth. It better be soon because some other perp is going to drop a dime on him first.

March 13, 2009- 7:45 A.M- Within 24 hours of MDOC learning that Christopher Luke Pratt is an inmate who is a suspect in an open homicide investigation his classification was changed back to a Level II. Cooper Street Correctional Facility in Jackson is a Level I facility so we presume he will be transferred to a Level II correctional facility. There is a saying that the wheels of justice turn slow, but grind exceedingly fine. Chris Pratt, you can try to use your sociopathic charm on prison officials, family and friends to believe that all this is going to go away and you will soon be free. In your deluded thinking you feel no remorse or empathy, but that is just another symptom of your mental defects.
People know what you did to Mary Lands and one day you will allocute in a court of law and be held accountable for Mary’s disappearance and death. You have seen our billboards and efforts to find Mary. Your earliest possible parole date is February 24, 2012. Let me assure you that we presently have at least 220 individuals who will be writing the Parole Board to ask that you not be released until your scheduled discharge date in 2022. By the time of your review in 2011 we will have at least 1,000 letters sent to Lansing opposing any release.
We are not going away, and we will bring Mary home.

March 16, 2009- "Top of the morn'in to you all". As we have previously mentioned, there is a saying that the wheels of justice turn slow, but grind exceedingly fine.This morning, Christopher Luke Pratt, Inmate # 673261 is now back at his old digs in Level II, Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit after a brief transfer to Cooper Street Correctional Facility in Jackson that MDOC acknowledges was an error. His minimal status to Level I has also been changed back to Level II.
Happy trails Christopher, & Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Welcome back to the Mound!
Jim Carlin

Help us bring Mary home.
Oh Mary Don't You Weep- 2008 4th Anniversary Vigil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdLwAGxu9M&

(Photo-Trace Christiansen, Battle Creek Enquirer)

Press Conference on Mary's case was a huge success

2009-03-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

New Rewards- Mary Lands Case- WOODTV8 News Story, 02/18/09
WXMI Fox13 News- New Reward in Missing Woman Case- 02/19/09
Battle Creek Enquirer- Reward in Mary Lands Case- 02/19/09
WOODTV-8 News- Foundation puts up Reward in Mary Lands Case- 02/19/09
WWMT-TV-Channel3 News- Reward Offered by Foundation- 02/19/09

Cliff & Anita Marshall were very pleased at the turnout in Marshall this afternoon. Acting Chief/Sgt. McDonald made a statement on a $5,000.00 reward being offered by the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation in California. The Marshall family is also posting another $5,000.00 on their daughter’s case. Present were D/Sgt. Mike Salmen and D/Sgt. Mike Scott of the Michigan State Police, Susan Mladenoff of the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office.
The family stood together with law enforcement and vowed to bring to justice the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.
A special thank you goes out to Karren Kraemer, co-founder of the Broken Wings Network in Wisconsin for sharing the story of her daughter, Becky's disappearance. Her tragedy has so many parallels to that of Mary Lands. Karren Kraemer & The Broken Wings Network
In just one day we have already received new tips on Mary’s case and they have been passed along to the police. We continue to believe the investigation into Mary's disappearance will be resolved in 2009 and we will bring Mary home. Dateline NBC- Karren Kraemer's Story, Broken Wings Network

Note- On November 25, 2008 the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation in California was again contacted about Mary's disappearance. Their foundation places reward monies for missing persons. In February of 1999, Carole and Juli Sund and Silvina Pelosso were missing while on a sightseeing trip to Yosemite National Park. While they were missing, Francis and Carole Carrington, Carole Sund's parents, established rewards both for their safe return and for information on the whereabouts of their rental car. They believe that posting the reward money and receiving media attention on their case helped in locating the rental car, which gave them their first break in the case. It was for this reason the Carrington's established Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation. The Foundation's goal is to safely return missing persons to their homes and to secure the arrest and conviction of violent criminals. The Carrington hope is to turn their tragedy into triumph for other families.
A reward for information on Mary's case was listed for some time however was then withdrawn, as is their policy. The foundation advised us they would consider reinstating a reward in Mary's case. They require a letter from the family, which has already been received. They also require verification from law enforcement that the case is open and a reward might assist police in their investigation. A letter was provided to First Lt. Dale Peet of the Michigan State Police on 12/02/2008 asking that his agency contact Sund/Carrington about reinstating the reward. We hope by the first of the year the Sund/Carrington Foundation will have a new reward available in the Mary Denise Lands case. http://www.carolesundfoundation.com/sections/missing?person=285

Update- January 27, 2009- A special thanks to Michigan State Police Lt. Dale Peet. On December 28, 2008 he completed a compelling letter to the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation concerning the reinstatement of a reward in Mary's case. We should soon learn more on our request to Sund/Carrington and an announcement is forthcoming from members of law enforcement. We will keep you advised. A special thanks to the Michigan State Police and their professional team for continued efforts to bring Mary home.
WWMT-Channel3 News- 02/06/09- Michigan State Police & Acting Marshall Chief/Sgt. Scott McDonald attend TrackMissing Event in Albion
Battle Creek Enquirer- 02/06/2009- New Albion group, TrackMissing to help in Mary Lands case

Michigan Attorney General will examine Mary's case

2009-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Update- January 27, 2009-
Marshall Chronicle 01/16/09- Ken Morgan recommended as new Marshall Police Safety Chief

Battle Creek Enquirer- 01/14/09- City Manager Chris Olson recommends Ken Morgan as new police chief

Battle Creek Enquirer- 01/03/2009- Solis Accepts Post of Chief Assistant Prosecutor, Dan Buscher will stay on-

WWMT Channel3 News-11/18/2008

WZZM 13News 11/17/2008

In a very personal and poignant 6-page letter to Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Clifford & Anita Marshall expressed their years of anguish and frustration concerning the conduct of certain officers in the Marshall Police Department, and a lack of progress in Mary's case. They respectfully requested that the Michigan Attorney General take over jurisdiction of Mary's investigation.

Among numerous issues, their letter described how they were improperly humiliated, subjected to crude comments about DNA, and learned that MPD officers laughed and ridiculed Mary’s case. One senior officer told a family member, "Mary is like an old pair of shoes, she will be back". No official search of Mary's Waldon Pond apartment was made until December 8, 2004, 9 months later. The Michigan State Police requested the search warrant on December 7, 2004. It was approved by a magistrate on the same date, and executed on December 8, 2004.

In October 2006 it was claimed by MPD that Mary's Dodge Durango was being held as evidence although it was stored outside in open public view for over 2 1/2 years at Bud's Towing on 15 Mile Road in Marshall, Michigan. http://justiceformary.blogspot.com/2006/10/if-this-is-secured-evidence-at.html The vehicle was not secured, left unlocked, and could never be considered a piece of evidence in any court of law. When the family asked for the vehicle to be returned it was secretly moved. To this date it is retained at an unknown location and purportedly classified by former Chief Mike Olsen as "evidence" in Mary's case. After questions from the family, Vic Potter, owner of the towing company relinquished his claims for storage and moving charges related to the vehicle. It could appear that Mary's vehicle was not being held for evidence, but to build up storage fees that were in the thousands of dollars. Chase Bank or the Marshall family would have to pay the charges. This could be construed as a larceny by conversion scheme and fraud. The present bill was for a significant amount of money and appeared to be more of an extortion attempt, and one that was condoned by MPD. A Garage Keeper or Mechanic’s lien could be placed on the vehicle and there is no doubt that the bank not willing to pay the high costs and losing more money would sign over the vehicle title to the towing company. It could then be sold by the business for a considerable profit. The family doesn’t believe that this would even be a valid option under the law, but who knows? We are dealing with the Marshall Police Department and they do what they want, not necessarily what is legal and proper. It was the intent of the family that if the vehicle could be released a new loan could be signed with Chase Bank by the Marshall's. The bank would be satisfied and Cliff & Anita would have returned to their possession one of the few remaining possessions of their daughter. During this time the family made several inquiries with the local Chase Bank and the bank contacted MPD. Chase was advised that the vehicle is being held as evidence.
When further questioned about the facts related to the total bill and the "evidence" status of the Durango, who, what, when, and where it was moved, Mr. Potter stated he no longer has any connection to the Durango and does not know where it is presently stored. Shaking his hands, he advised, "I have nothing more to do with that Dodge Durango and there is no money owed to me on Mary's vehicle". For nearly 4 years and 9 months Mary's vehicle has been in the possession of MPD for no apparent legal reason. At least we hope it is in their possession.
December 2, 2008- Chase Bank today contacted MPD & Sgt. McDonald inquiring on the status of Mary’s vehicle? He advised the bank recovery official vehicle that the vehicle has always been held as evidence and it will not be released. It was reported the wheels were off it and the vehicle is under a covering. When asked about a time frame for the possible release, he replied, not any time soon. Chase Bank appreciated learning the information on the location of Mary's vehicle. They were totally unaware of what had taken place? The department handling the loan had no idea Mary was a missing persons, and the loan was written off in 2004. Although Sgt. McDonald claims that someone from Chase calls every six months they had no record in the file that the vehicle was even in the possession of the MPD. Chase asked MPD to keep them advised on the vehicle as they wish to take possession.

Christopher Luke Pratt reported that Mary Denise Lands walked away from their Waldon Pond Townhouse in Marshall on March 12, 2004 wearing medical scrubs and her brown leather jacket. The same leather jacket was recovered from a Homer flea market, 5 months later in the summer of 2004. It was personally being sold by Christopher Pratt with Mary’s other property. The flea-market booth was actually rented in the name of Ken Piski. Mr. Piske resides just east of the Pratt family residence in Albion. He is a close friend of Christopher Pratt and his brother, Jeff Pratt. After the jacket was recovered Christopher Pratt put up a sign at his booth for the remaining property- "Free". He then left the flea-market.
The jacket was immediately brought to the Marshall Police Department, but they took no action. Instead of officers being dispatched to the flea market to verify the situation MPD wanted Cliff Marshall to go there and retrieve any other property. Mr. Marshall told MPD that it was not his job to accomplish, it was a job for police investigators.

In June 2006 the family was investigated for an alleged home invasion, burglary and theft of Mary’s former residence after it was vacated by Mr. Pratt. He signed a criminal complaint after a 90-minute interview with Sgt. Rebecca Ivey, and within a day Cliff & Anita were advised to come into the police department for questioning. The Marshall's were suspects in felony crimes along with others. They complied and after meeting with Sgt. Ivey were asked to waive their Miranda Rights. They declined and requested to speak with an attorney, as did their private investigator on June 19, 2006. The Marshall's were then released. An interesting point during this time is that Chief Mike Olson told the Marshall's "with a wink and a nod" this is nothing, just forget about it. Although the management of Waldon Pond Townhouse was present and granted permission for the family to enter the vacant apartment, Sgt. Rebecca Ivey of the MPD still requested criminal warrants from the prosecutor for these serious felony crimes. The FOIA documentation on this incident includes a very candid hand-written 6-page statement from Debra Farrington, leasing manager of Waldon Pond. The FOIA response did not include a signed waiver of her rights although she was clearly a suspect in these crimes, and she was one of the four persons that Sgt. Ivey wished to charge with the felony offenses. The warrant requests were issued on June 22, 2006. On July 5, 2006 the warrant requests were denied by the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office against all the persons involved. (FOIA documentation on this incident)- Christopher Luke Pratt, Complainant (06/19/2006) to MPD, 0906-2006- FOIA Request by Jim Carlin- Sgt. Rebecca Ivey requested warrants for home invasion, burglary, & theft allegedly committed by Cliff & Anita Marshall, Jim Carlin & Debra Farrington
Note: Supervisor Sgt. Rebecca Ivey was demoted to patrol officer by former Chief Mike Olsen prior to his firing or resignation in January 2008. However, it is believed her demotion in 2007 had nothing to do with the Mary Lands case, especially since Chief Olsen and other police management would have had to approve and sign off on of Sgt. Ivey's warrant requests.
A FOIA request was submitted to the City of Marshall in June 2008 on her demotion but it was denied by City Manager Chris Olson because a grievance action was pending.
December 2, 2008- Another FOIA Request was submitted to the City of Marshall on Sgt. Rebecca Ivey's demotion to patrtol officer. Information has been rceived was that there is no further grievance and/or court litigation in this matter and the FOIA materials requested for this incident should now be available. We expect a response within ten days under FOIA protocol. City Manager Chris Olson responded on 12/09/08 advising of a 10-day extension to comply with the request.
December 12, 2008- A limited redacted version of 2 separate disciplinary actions in 2007 against former sergeant Ivey was received, however it does make some reference to why she was demoted. Charges include Conduct Unbecoming Departmental Personnel, Neglect or Inattention to Duty, Unsatisfactory Performance, Request for Assistance. A FOIA appeal will be submitted on both discipline actions and the circumstances in those cases. MPD Sgt. Rebecca Ivey-Demotion to patrol officer-10/09/07, Limited FOIA Response, City of Marshall-12/12/08

Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS-Christopher Luke Pratt, Inmate# 673261

As most of you are aware, Christopher Luke Pratt was arrested on June 24, 2007 and remained in the Calhoun County Jail until his convictions by a jury in Circuit Court in December 2007. In January he was sentenced to 5-15 years in prison. http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261 for Domestic Violence, Unlawful Imprisonment, Interfering w/Electronic Communciations Causing Injury/Death, & Assault with Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault). These charges are unrelated to Mary's case and involved his most recent girl-friend. He has been incarcerated by MDOC, at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia and will not even be eligible for parole until February 24, 2012.
Update- December 4, 2008- Inmate #673261-Christopher Luke Pratt was just transferred from Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia and is now incarcerated at Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit. Inmate #673261- Christopher Luke Pratt, New House- Mound Correctional Facility, Detroit, Michigan

Shortly after March 2007 when the the new city manager, Chris Olson accepted his position the family asked for a meeting, which was attended by Cliff & Anita, and others. It was immediately apparent that Chris Olson did not want to listen to the family’s plight. He stated to the Marshall’s, "you are all part of the problem, not part of the solution." Anita walked out of the meeting and to this date the city manager has never contacted them or even sent a letter expressing his desire to help the family in the tragedy of their daughter’s disappearance. City Manager Chris Olson has never attended a vigil or event for Mary.

Some time in early 2008 the family learned through a FOIA request that Acting Chief-Sgt. Scott McDonald had classified Mary's case as a homicide. No one in law enforcement ever came to the family to explain the new status or why it might have been changed? For the first time in over 4 years the Mary Lands investigation was being called a homicide.

These are just a few of the incidents that were documented and included in the Marshall’s letter to the Attorney General. Almost immediately the family received a reply from the Office of Attorney General, Criminal Division Chief, dated November 20, 2008. In part it stated, the information contained in your letter is compelling and heartbreaking. I am writing to inform you that we intend to examine this case.

On February 12, 2009 it will have been 4 years & 11 months since Mary Denise Lands disappeared. The family has endured five holiday seasons without their beautiful daughter, but this is the first holiday that we all have hope. There is genuine optimism that the Michigan Attorney General will finally be the professional legal entity that can obtain justice for the family, bring Mary home, and hold accountable the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder.

If anyone has information about Mary's case we ask you to please contact Chief Assistant Dan Buscher at the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.969-6980, D/Sgt. Mike Salmen, Battle Creek Post, Michigan State Police- 269.968-6115 or the
Office of Michigan Attorney General- Toll Free- 877.765.8388

Note- On November 25, 2008 the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation in California was again contacted about Mary's disappearance. Their foundation places reward monies for missing persons. In February of 1999, Carole and Juli Sund and Silvina Pelosso were missing while on a sightseeing trip to Yosemite National Park. While they were missing, Francis and Carole Carrington, Carole Sund's parents, established rewards both for their safe return and for information on the whereabouts of their rental car. They believe that posting the reward money and receiving media attention on their case helped in locating the rental car, which gave them their first break in the case. It was for this reason the Carrington's established Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation. The Foundation's goal is to safely return missing persons to their homes and to secure the arrest and conviction of violent criminals. The Carrington hope is to turn their tragedy into triumph for other families.

A reward for information on Mary's case was listed for some time however was then withdrawn, as is their policy. The foundation advised us they would consider reinstating a reward in Mary's case. They require a letter from the family, which has already been received. They also require verification from law enforcement that the case is open and a reward might assist police in their investigation. A letter was provided to First Lt. Dale Peet of the Michigan State Police on 12/02/2008 asking that his agency contact Sund/Carrington about reinstating the reward. We hope by the first of the year the Sund/Carrington Foundation will have a new reward available in the Mary Denise Lands case. http://www.carolesundfoundation.com/sections/missing?person=285

Update- January 27, 2009- A special thanks to Michigan State Police Lt. Dale Peet. On December 28, 2008 he completed a compelling letter to the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation concerning the reinstatement of a reward in Mary's case. We should soon learn more on our request to Sund/Carrington and an announcement is forthcoming from members of law enforcement. We will keep you advised. A special thanks to the Michigan State Police and their professional team for continued efforts to bring Mary home.

Marshall City Manager Recommends New Police Chief

2009-01-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

Update- February 11, 2009- Battle Creek Enquirer- 02/11/2009- Chris Olsen Accepts new City Manager job in DeWitt, Michigan
Marshall Chronicle 01/16/09- Ken Morgan recommended as new Marshall Public Safety Chief
Battle Creek Enquirer- 01/14/09- City Manager Chris Olson recommends Ken Morgan as new police chief

The Battle Creek Enquirer featured a story that City Manager Chris Olson has recommended the hiring of Ken Morgan as the new Marshall police chief to lead its 12-member department.
On December 16, 2008 a selection committee including Sheriff Al Byam unanimously made the recommendation. Former Deputy Police Chief Brett Pehrson, a member of the selection committee, confirmed that Ken Morgan was unanimously recommended for the position. "He seemed like he'd be a good fit for the Marshall community," Pehrson said. Morgan was among the final four candidates interviewed on Dec. 16 by Chris Olson, Pehrson, city Human Resources Director Tracy Hall, Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Hovarter, Utilities Director Tom Tarkiewicz and Calhoun County Sheriff Al Byam.
If, in fact, Mr. Morgan does accept the position we warmly welcome him to the community. We hope he will be a beacon of light displaying honesty, integrity and professionalism for the police department. This recommendation by former Deputy Chief Perhson and Calhoun County Sheriff Byam could be the catapult to a successful resolution in Mary’s case.
Positive things seem to be happening and the Marshall family is very optimistic. We are awaiting information on a reward being reinstated in the Mary Lands case by the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation in California. Lt. Dale W. Peet, Commander of the Battle Creek Post, Michigan State Police recently wrote, "As with any unsolved case, time has an impact on alliances and circumstances have changed. It is believed that there are others who may have information but have not yet come forward and as always the offering of a reward can sometimes be the turning point leading to a successful conclusion and closure for the families of those that have been missing."
It has been an enduring tragedy that has lasted over 4 years and 10 months for Cliff & Anita, but it seems to be coming to an end. We have no doubt that a professional police chief working with our new Calhoun County Prosecutor, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Michigan State Police will indeed bring to justice the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands.

From the Marshall Chronicle- January 17, 2009- City Manager Chris Olson issued this statement Friday afternoon: I am pleased to announce that I have selected, with the assistance of an interview committee, one final candidate for the position of police chief at this point in time. His name is Ken Morgan, and he has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in criminal justice administration, and a second master's degree in professional counseling. He is also a graduate of the FBI national academy. Ken has twenty-three years of overall experience in law enforcement, with positions ranging from his start as a patrol officer up to serving as deputy chief (twice) in larger communities. Ken's overall command-level experience (from sergeant to deputy chief) totals 13 years. Ken has been decorated twice with distinguished service awards for risking his life in the line of duty, and is a recipient of the American Red Cross Heroes Award. Ken has worked with three police departments for CALEA national accreditation. He has also volunteered time with an Explorer Post with the Boy Scouts of America, on DARE foundations, with teen alcohol prevention efforts, with the Big Brothers program, Alzheimer's Association and Red Cross. He has also taught criminal justice classes at the community college level.Ken has not yet accepted the position, as he and his family are fully considering their needs in making their decision. We would be fortunate to have him join the City, and we are continuing with the hiring process accordingly.

Were did everybody go? Marshall Chronicle Editorial

2008-12-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Many have talked to the family about this outstanding article. It has to be the best editorial ever published by any editor at the Marshall Chronicle. No management muzzle on this writer's opinion.
Great job Mr. Hendler!

Editor's Corner,
by John Hendler,
Marshall Chronicle,
December 20, 2008

Where did everybody go?
So, now City Manager Chris Olson is on the clock. Six months and 10 days (or maybe sooner) before he moves on and hopefully we'll have a new Police Chief in place by then or people might start to wonder who's running the city and keeping us safe.

Psst.

What?

People think that already.
Oh, sorry. Don't get me wrong; I like Mr. Olson and have enjoyed the opportunities when we've had the chance to talk and I know that he has been interviewing candidates for the position. It just seems as of late, however, too many people have left Marshall or are about to leave. It's been almost a year since Mike Olson left his position as Public Safety Director, leaving quietly into the night, never to be heard from again. like he was in the witness protection program, Actually, I ran in to Mr. Olson (Mike) at a U of M football game in August. When I turned and saw him, he gave me a look like I was in the witness protection program. We exchanged pleasantries and after watching a play, I turned to say something to him and he was gone like a phantom. So, we need a Police Chief, a City Manager and a new Superintendent for Marshall Public Schools (MPS). Oh, and also an Assistant Superintendent and a new Director of Finance and a new Director of Operations, Not to mention the 100 or so students who've left MPS in the past year. Instead of the pineapple as a symbol of Marshall, maybe the new symbol should be a U-Haul or a change of address card, It does seem like everyone is leaving. This is how it must have felt on "Happy Days" (if it weren't a fictitious television show, of course) when Fonzie. Ritchie and Ralph Malph were gone and we were reduced to watching a shell of a show with Potsie, Jenny Piccolo and that Ted McGinley character. Hopefully, 2009 will mean an influx of new blood. For one thing, we'll at least have new gamblers coming to town as the new casino is set to open next door, Hey, you've got to start somewhere. There'll be new blood on the Marshall City Council with Nick Metzger. Kathy Miller and Ryan Traver and of course, the new city manager. And over at MPS, we should have a new superintendent by the spring and that person will have a say in who becomes assistant superintendent. And maybe, just maybe, people will start to come back to Marshall and sit a spell and take their shoes off.
Hopefully, jobs will become available and those student enrollment numbers will start to increase. We've got to have faith and believe that Marshall can be what it used to be.Unlike "Happy Days" we can have Fonzie and Richie back.
You've just got to believe.
Y'all come back now, you hear?

Where was MPD Shift Commander, Sgt. Rebecca Ivey during a real Home Invasion? Do we even know today?

2008-12-23T11:00:00.009-05:00

WOODTV-News-12/16/2008-Marshall City Manager Chris Olson Resigns

WWMT TV3News-12/16/2008-Marshall City Manager Resigns

For some time we have questioned the competency and ability of certain police-officers and city officials in the City of Marshall .This came about because of a lack of any genuine effort by MPD to bring Mary home and to prosecute the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder. Blunders and bungling seem to be par for the course by some in this police department.

We do not enjoy talking about questionable activities of any police-officer or incompetence, but this continuing pattern of deception seems to be more and more apparent and it goes beyond incompetence. We believe that most people in law enforcement are honest and sincere individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting our society. However, each day we learn something new and it is no wonder why the Mary Denise Lands case has not been solved. The stink is much worse than just poor judgement by some police personnel.

Two weeks ago, Acting Chief/Sgt. Scott McDonald reiterated to a bank representative that Mary’s Dodge Durango has always been considered evidence and will not be released in the near future.
If this is "secured evidence" at the Marshall Police Department you can only imagine how they are handling the rest of the investigation?
When asked about the interest of the Attorney General in Mary’s case he stated, the Mary Lands case will not be turned over to any other agency. He reported that the AG’s office may help them on the case, but it would not be taken over by any other agency.

What does MPD have to hide? Is Mary's Durango even in police control? Where are the tires? Were the tires that MPD claimed to be evidence placed back on the Durango to move it to a secret location? Were those tires then returned back to evidence, and then miraculously the Durango and tires appear as evidence that has been held for over 4 1/2 years? The Durango does not appear to be at any Marshall or Calhoun County garage. Where is the vehicle? Where is Mary's leather bomber jacket today? It was recovered being sold by Chris Pratt in the summer of 2004 at a flea market in Homer and immediately turned into the MPD. Did they ask Chris Pratt about this and how does he answer this was the same jacket he reported her wearing on the night of her disappearance? Did they even ask? Well here is yet another documented event that is much more than a story under the heading, Lies and Shenanigans go on in the Marshall Police Department, Why won't one officer take a polygraph? Why did another tell us bold face LIES?

As you know, we requested Freedom of Information Act materials on the demotion of Sgt. Rebecca Ivey from her position as sergeant supervisor to patrol officer. For over six months we have been seeking this information, and on December 12, 2008 we were provided a two-page response to the inquiry. Most of the information was redacted. An additional FOIA request has been submitted to the City of Marshall on the initial incident involving former Sgt. Ivey.

Today, I personally met with the victims of that initial complaint to MPD and determined it involved an early morning home invasion at 701 W. Hanover Street in Marshall, Michigan. A residence was burglarized with the victims asleep inside and property and a motor vehicle were stolen. There was a significant delay in police response to this home and later the victims complained to former Deputy Chief Brett Pehrson. Mr. Pehrson left his position at MPD about one year ago and is now Chief of Police in Coldwater, Michigan. The crux of the incident and disciplinary action that resulted is that it appears the "on-duty whereabouts of Shift Commander Sgt. Ivey could not be determined for several hours" and there were many questions of why she did not respond to this home invasion crime scene? Her discipline and demotion were obviously attributable to her actions, or lack of actions, from this particular incident. MPD Sgt. Rebecca Ivey-Demotion to patrol officer-10/09/07, Limited FOIA Response, City of Marshall-12/12/08
We will keep you advised when additional FOIA materials become available.

January 7, 2009- City of Marshall released 28 pages from a FOIA request of the incident involving former Sgt. Rebecca Ivey. There appears to be much missing from this particular home invasion incident that occurred on September 4, 2007. The cost for 28 pages was $33.28

MPD Incident#1432-2007-FOIA Response,Home Invasion, Sgt. Rebecca Ivey-09/04/2007

Marshall PD Internal Invest-2004-2005-2006-2007-2008, City Requested 10-day extension for records.

January 8, 2009- City of Marshall responded on the above noted FOIA request and asked for payment of $128.38 for approximately 10 pages that did not even respond to information on Marshall Police Department Internal Investigations for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Most of the pages were redacted.

This is the same Sgt. Rebecca Ivey who in June 2006 submitted a warrant request to the county prosecutor to charge Cliff & Anita Marshall, and others with Home Invasion, Burglary, Forced Entry & Theft at Christopher Pratt's vacated Waldon Pond apartment. That was clearly an abuse of police power, and acted improperly under color of authority.
Christopher Luke Pratt, Complainant (06/19/2006) to MPD, 0906-2006- FOIA Request by Jim Carlin- Sgt. Rebecca Ivey requested warrants for home invasion, burglary, & theft allegedly committed by Cliff & Anita Marshall, Jim Carlin & Debra Farrington

Demotion? This officer should have been fired, and fired long ago! Perhaps she would have been if her husband was not a former Marshall police chief. It is just more of the same, and funny-business as usual at the Marshall Police Department.

"Where's the Police Chief" It has been nearly one full year since Chief Mike Olson was either fired or resigned in January 2008. Sgt. McDonald has stated three members of the department applied for the position, but he did not apply. He stated he does not aspire to be the new chief although he has been Acting Chief. One could presume that 2 of the candidates might be Rebecca Ivey & Tim Bryant? Shouldn't the name of any candidates be public information? Every community in the state makes this information public during their application process? What is Marshall trying to hide on this appointment? Are they trying to bring in a person who worked with the city manager in one of his other jobs? City Manager Chris Olson now claims he will appoint a new chief in January 2009. In my opinion, it will be Sgt. McDonald.

It is hoped that this particular incident, and others, will be of interest to the Michigan Attorney General when they come to town to "help" Sgt. McDonald in Mary’s case. This event may not have anything to do with the Mary Lands investigation but it does reflect on the quality of police services provided to the citizens of Marshall. Update- Tuesday, December 16, 2008-Speaking about police services and Neighborhood Watch in the Albion, Michigan area. Help the Albion Public Safety Department. Do your part and take a bite out crime in the area of E Pine & N. Ionia in Albion- You Tube Video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kju_etZXKiQ

If you have any information on the Mary Lands case or on corruption in the Marshall Police Department you are urged to contact the Michigan State Police Headquarters in Lansing, Major Case Unit- 517.336.3437, or the Office of Michigan Attorney General- Toll Free- 877.765.8388
Inappropriate and illegal police actions can stop if citizens take the time to report the wrongdoings. You can't sit by and hope someone else will make the call. You need to pick up the telephone, tell what you know, and then you will see the situation change for the better.

Lies and Shenanigans go on in the Marshall Police Department, Why won't one officer take a polygraph? Why did another tell us bold face LIES?

2008-11-25T09:00:00.093-05:00

Update- February 11, 2009- Battle Creek Enquirer- 02/11/2009- Chris Olsen Accepts new City Manager job in DeWitt, Michigan
Battle Creek Enquirer- 01/23/09- Marshall City Manager Chris Olson will accept manager job in DeWitt, Michigan
WOODTV-News-12/16/2008-Marshall City Manager Chris Olson Resigns
WWMT TV3News-12/16/2008-Marshall City Manager Resigns

Update, March 1, 2009, Attn: Sgt. Tim (TJ) Bryant of the Marshall Police Department- Today is Day 226 since we asked you about your willingness to take a polyraph examination? What's the answer? What do you have to hide? I think we all know the answer to that question?

(TJ, Don't you think it would be right to obey the law and not block a sidewalk with your own car in front of your house at 615 W. Mansion? Or is this more of your own brand of Marshall Law?)

Many of your friends and relatives have told me you are following Mary’s blog and web site. I have an offer for you. Today during several interviews about the Mary Lands case your name came up over and over again. For the life of me I can’t understand how one
police-officer could be involved in so many dubious activities? Are all these people making this up to get back at you for some ulterior motive? I’d like to know the truth? Surely you do? You probably are getting tired of hearing my name just as I am tired of hearing yours. I’d like to offer you a proposition?

First, I would like to meet with you at your earliest possibility. Possibly Ketchum Park or maybe we could have a chat at the Fountain directly in front of the police department. I’d like to ask you about all these accusations made against you?I absolutely would want to meet face to face with the person who brings up things about me so that an explanation or denial can be made. I would like to hear your side of these allegations and what you have to say about Mary’s case?

Second, I am very familiar with the work of D/Sgt. Geoffrey Flohr. He presently has over 26 years current law enforcement experience with public and private licensure in Michigan as a polygraph examiner. He also is full member of the American Polygraph Association. You may also know of this investigator’s respected credentials at the Michigan State Police. He is called the "Closer" at MSP for his careful and deliberate manner in completing investigative interviews. D/Sgt. Flohr does polygraph examination on his own. It is permissible under MSP policy as long as the subject taking the polygraph has not yet been charged in any criminal matter. One would think, if you have nothing to hide, you would jump at the opportunity to answer certain questions and for the polygraph result in your examination to be a clear "no deception indicated." I know that D/Sgt. Flohr is not concerned about the result favoring the person talking the polygraph or for the state’s case. His only concern is to know he administered a fair and proper polygraph examination. When the test is reviewed by his peers they also should come up with the same conclusion.D/Sgt. Flohr charges approximately $500.00 for his examinations and he is accredited across the state in its use. I’d be willing to pay any and all the costs of the polygraph for you if you would agree to take a test? If TJ Bryant has nothing to hide then you would have no reason to refuse my offer. I challenge you to take a polygraph and show that you are not the law breaking rogue cop that some people say you are? This could go a long way in reassuring the minds of many citizens that you are truly innocent of the allegations against you.
So how about it TJ? Lets start with a meeting on your day off at Ketchum Park or the Circle Fountain in Marshall. We can then go from there. What do you have to lose? You use polygraphs every day as a resource tool. Why not use this tool to prove you have not done any of the things that people have alleged? There has been a dirty cloud hanging over your head now for over ten years. Why not try to clear yourself? Prove to the people you really are an honest and dedicated police-officer, or can't you prove it?

Resigned/Fired? Former MPD Chief Olson, FOIA Emails-11/20/07-01/21/08

July 30, 2008- We are not pleased in having to post this particular revelation on Mary’s blog and hoped it was not accurate, however the facts speak for themselves.
We have tried to work with the Marshall Police Department and know that Mary’s case has been difficult from the start, but we believed in the last 12 months they were doing everything possible to solve the case. 4 years, 5 months, and 7 days later we again feel that this is not true. Why? Because we continually are told lies by those who are in charge.
In February 2008 Sgt. Scott McDonald, acting police chief, was informed of drug activity at the Marshall High School. He was provided names and informed that drugs were stored in the school lockers of the students. He immediately stated he would take care of the matter and added that the principal of the high school welcomes law enforcement in with drug dogs because of the zero tolerance policy. Sgt. McDonald stated that a search would absolutely be undertaken and he would seek the services of the Calhoun County Sheriff and their K-9 deputies.
Law enforcement did not initiate any search and in April 2008 I again brought up the matter and Acting Chief McDonald gave a "wink and a nod" that it was being done. We were concerned because the information on the drug activity continued to come in and the school year was drawing to an end. In June, he was then again asked about the search and replied that he had passed along the information. To the best of his knowledge the search was completed in May and nothing was found.
I was willing to accept this answer but because of a pattern of misinformation in the past I requested Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) from the Calhoun County Sheriff on "all reports at Marshall High School from 01/15/2008 to end of school year regarding drug search on student lockers." On July 15, 2008 Sheriff Byam responded that he was unable to locate any records for such a search. Last week I submitted a follow-up request to his response asking, "can you advise if your office was informed and unable to complete the request of the Marshall Police Department or did you not receive a request from the Marshall Police Department to conduct a search asking for K-9 resources?" I have no doubt that per the initial response from Sheriff Byam he is going to reply he was never asked for K-9 resources to search the school. August 4, 2008- Sheriff Al Byam's office sent me a letter concerning follow-up to his FOIA response of July 15, 2008. He indicated he needed another (10) ten days to respond. This is acceptable under FOIA protocol. He then confirmed for the 2nd time there was no request for a search by MDP and no search was done.

August 18, 2008- As you know, we have been trying to ascertain the truth on a hallway walk-by search of the student school lockers for drugs at the Marshall High School. We were advised by MPD that this was completed prior to the end of the school year, but with no results. Because of inconsistent information, 2 FOIA requests were submitted to the Calhoun County Sheriff on the reports and results of any search during the latter part of the 2008 school year. 2 FOIA responses from the Sheriff confirmed there was no request by MPD and no search conducted. Additional FOIA requests were submitted to the City of Marshall, and today I received a response from their FOIA coordinator.
Response from City of Marshall, FOIA Coordinator;
Detective Sergeant McDonald has reviewed your August 8, 2008 FOIA request for "materials related to any reports, complaints, records, requests and any documentation that may be released under FOIA made by you and/or your department to the Calhoun County Sheriff Department regarding the use of their K-9 resources. The period of interest is between January 15, 2008 and the end of the school year." There are no documents applicable to FOIA that meet your request. Chris Zuidema
Administrative Assistant
City of Marshall (269)781-5183 xt 1129

Again we ask, When are these lies going to stop? When will we see justice in Mary’s case?

What does this all indicate? It indicates we have been told more lies. My only conclusion on why this search was not completed was because the Marshall Police Department did not wish to pursue it. Yes, there probably are some dubious students at the high school who the police know are always in trouble and might have drugs in their possession and could have been apprehended. It just seems that the search was not undertaken because perhaps some students who might also have drugs would be from families of the more affluent members of society in Marshall. The MPD can’t be bothering those individuals with such a minor distraction as these parents being called that their children had been arrested. That is what is really sad. If the drug dogs would have went into the school in March and not even found anything then at least you could bet that the high school would have been drug free for the rest of the school year because students would be afraid of being caught. All materials of the FOIA request will be fully published in full as soon as the latest response from Sheriff Byam is received.

What does this mean? It means if you have money and power in Marshall, Michigan your daughter will be found if missing and the person/s responsible will be held accountable in a court of law. If you are of modest means and in need of government services such as the police department you are on your own.
Incompetent members of the police department just go about doing what they want to do to anyone at anytime. The bogus trespass notice to me by Officer Ivey is a prime example. You may view the FOIA materials from the July 23, 2008 complaint of Barbara Ruddock. MPD-Ruddock Trespass FOIA, 07/23/2008 One thing is very odd. I video-taped my cordial conversation with Ms. Ruddock that lasted nearly 20 minutes on the sidewalk in front of her home. For my own protection I also have GPS documentation to prove where I am and where I go. The GPS clearly indicates my vehicle parked in front of the Ruddock residence during the time I had my conversation with her. Why is it that 4 hours later she is calling the MPD crying and upset that I engaged in stalking and harassing conduct? Who put her up to these actions and does it have anything to do with Sgt. Tim Bryant and the dog bite incident I was inquiring about with Ms. Ruddock. She claimed she is a psychic and told me about what happened to Mary Lands. In the police officer's own report Ms. Ruddock stated that she has been advised by her psychiarist to not bring up the matter of Mary Lands for her mental wellness. She didn't have any problem talking to me about it. Based on the information this would seem to be a false police report that she made to the MPD. The other person who was issued a trespass notice never even went to the property. She called the residence and Officer Ivey issued a trespass notice because of a telephone call? Where in the statute is it that a trespass notice can be issued under these type circumstances? Maybe under Marshall Law, but not in accordance with actual law and Michigan statutes. A copy of the six word Marshall City Ordinance is on the last page of the FOIA. The no trespass notice and the statutes they reference are ludicrous. This same officer tried to charge Cliff, Anita, myself and another with a bogus home invasion charge in 2006. This was on the complaint of Chris Pratt after he vacated the apartment at Waldon Pond that still was in Mary's name. Oh, but then remember, Chief Mike Olsen gave the Marshall's a "wink and a nod" that this was all nothing and not to worry about it. It appears another officer can lie and not be accountable in a simple dog bite incident and get away with it.

Certain people with a badge and gun are using their positions to intimidate and harass citizens because they have a specific agenda. Officers at MPD should be investigating the status of a sex offender residing at 329 West Mansion Street directly across the street from a school and child day care. They should be investigating 330 North Marshall, a sex offender in that residence where a minor child also resides. They should also be looking at the 21 sex offenders that reside in the city limits and ascertain if they are in full compliance with guidelines of the Michigan Sex Offender Registry? This abuse of power is wrong and it takes away from our civil rights.

There is a specific statute under federal and state law that precludes police-officers from abusing their authority. This has been going on for quite some time and many would like to know when is all this going to end? Where is the new chief or a permanent one that is willing to step forward and clean up this befuddled bunch of bumbling misfits? Why hasn’t the city manager, Chris Olsen stepped in? He stepped in to fire Chief Olsen? Oh that’s right, "We are part of the problem, not part of the solution." No wonder a police chief has not yet been appointed? What professional cop would want to walk through the doors of that department? It probably is the same reason why Deputy Chief Pherson left to become police chief in Coldwater? Who can be proud to say they are a police officer in Marshall? Very few….

Acting Chief McDonald stated in FOIA response earlier this month that Mary's case is an open homicide investigation being conducted by the MPD. If this is true why wasn't Mary's family advised of this change in status and what is that indicates she is now a homicide victim? The family at least should be kept up to date on the status of the investigation. If you can't or won't solve the Mary Lands case turn it over to an agency that will find her and prosecute the person/s involved. Just stop with your dirty tricks and lies!

On March 12, 2008 numerous law enforcement officials stood together at Mary’s 4th anniversary vigil holding her sign, Where is Mary? Many had never been there before and we deeply appreciated their gesture, and the words, "We will never forget" Four months later we have to wonder if this was just another dog and pony show for the November elections? Many people believe that is exactly why they were there.

Run for election to any office you are seeking but don’t put justice on hold until January 1st because you are all too busy campaigning and doing other things. Christopher Pratt is in prison for his convictions of crimes against another woman. We are not satisfied with his present incarceration. You supposedly call him a "person of interest" in Mary's case. What effort are you making today to charge the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands? All we are asking for is honesty and justice. Do the jobs for which you were appointed or elected. Wear your badge with pride and take pride in the job you do.

This is the right way a dedicated and professional police chief in Orlando and his agency handle police corruption. When will we see this type of action on our own local news reports?
http://www.wftv.com/video/17192501/index.html
http://www.wftv.com/news/16954050/detail.html
Here is another ongoing tragic story of a missing child, Caylee Anthony, in Orlando, Florida.
http://www.wftv.com/news/17340180/detail.html
The difference is that Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary and State's Attorney Lawson Lamar know how to investigate crimes of violence, especially crimes against a defenseless child. They know what to do when a suspect "lawyer's-up" Read the attached PDF file from a prosecutor in the Orlando Office. http://www.wftv.com/download/2008/0829/17335521.pdf It gives you a real understanding of the facts in the case and it shows that these agencies know how to handle difficult cases.
These are real cops doing real police work. Take a few minutes to read about Caylee and the unusual circumstances of her disappearance over one month ago. http://www.wftv.com/news/17340180/detail.html Take the time and call a member of law enforcement if you have any information about any crime. We could see this type of story right here in Calhoun County but you must pick up the phone.

December 12, 2008- More Shenanigans in the Marshall Police Department, A limited redacted version of 2 separate disciplinary actions in 2007 against former sergeant Ivey was received from the City of Marshall, however it does make some reference to why she was demoted. Charges include Conduct Unbecoming Departmental Personnel, Neglect or Inattention to Duty, Unsatisfactory Performance, Request for Assistance. An appeal will be submitted on both discipline actions and the circumstances in those cases. MPD Sgt. Rebecca Ivey-Demotion to patrol officer-10/09/07, Limited FOIA Response, City of Marshall-12/12/08

MPD Sgt. Rebecca Ivey-Demotion to patrol officer-10/09/07, Limited FOIA Response, City of Marshall-12/12/08

Oh Mary Don't You Weep...

2008-11-24T10:15:00.002-05:00

Update- 11/24/2008- WWMT Channel3 News-11/18/2008

WOOD TV8 News-AG Considers Lands case 11/18/2008

WZZM 13News 11/17/2008

WXMI Fox17News 11/15/2008

Anita Marshall would like people to remember this particular video, the words and the song by Boss, Bruce Springsteen..
Oh Mary Don't you weep, Mary Lands-4th Anniversary Vigil, 03/12/2008

January 12, 2009 wil sadly marked, 4 years & 10 months since Mary Denise Lands purportedly walked away from her apartment at Waldon Pond Town Homes, #7, 1200 Arm Street in Marshall, Michigan at approximately 10:00 P.M. on the wintry evening of Friday, March 12, 2004. Weather conditions on that date and time were recorded to be; 19 degrees, 10-15 mile per-hour winds, intermittent snow flurries, with snow on the ground. Mary was attired in light-weight blue medical scrub pants with a "Sponge Bob" print scrub shirt, soft slip-on athletic shoes with no heel back, and wearing her favorite winter brown leather bomber jacket. This was the report of her fiancé, Chris Pratt. 44 hours after she allegedly went missing he called her mother and father in California to ask if they had seen Mary? The family then notified the Marshall Police Department.

The 5th winter season since Mary disappeared is just around the corner. Before long it will be the 5th Thanksgiving Day, the 5th Christmas Day and the 5th New Year that the Marshall family have endured not knowing the fate of their beloved daughter? Chris Pratt still refuses to speak or offer help in the search for Mary as he sits in prison cell at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia. As most people are aware, he was sentenced to a minimum of four years and eight months to a maximum of 15 years in prison. He was convicted by a Calhoun County jury in December 2007 for felony assault and other violent crimes against another girl-friend. He has now been incarcerated for 16 months. A possible parole could occur as early as February 2012. In about 3 years Christopher Luke Pratt could again be stalking the streets of Marshall placing victims, families, and society in fear.

The tenure of Acting Police Chief, Sgt. Scott McDonald of the Marshall Police Department seems to have lost focus, direction and interest in Mary’s case. He recently made a comment. "I don’t know what all this talk is about with Sgt. Tim Bryant?" He has been investigated and cleared of any allegations." This comment from the same acting police chief who claims to have initiated a drug search with K-9 units at the Marshall High School. That was a definitive lie. Maybe, if and when a new professional police chief from the outside is finally appointed there will be some positive change for the community and Mary's case? It has been 9 months since Chief Mike Olsen either resigned or was fired? Why is it that Marshall City Manager Chris Olson has not yet named a new police chief? It is this same city manager who met with Cliff & Anita Marshall after taking over his new job. He was not happy with our criticism of the police department in their mishandling of the case. He stated, "You are all part of the problem, not part of the solution." His poor demeanor and attitide toward Mary caused Anita Marshall to walk out of the meeting. To this day, he has never called the family or offered support in Mary's case. He has never appeared at a single event or even supported the family with a gesture of empathy.

Cliff Marshall related his frustration to me about an incident with Marshall Mayor Bruce Smith. In the past Cliff has attended and spoken at Marshall Council meetings. Many of us have done so about Mary’s case. After one recent meeting, Mayor Smith walked by Cliff and asked if he was supposed to speak? Cliff said no. Then Mayor Smith said, and who are you? He didn’t have a clue that Cliff was Mary’s father. Mayor Smith is another typical politician in Marshall and along with City Manager Chris Olson never appeared at any of Mary’s vigils or events. With an attitude like this from certain appointed and elected city officials it is no why the Mary Denise Lands case has not been solved. Out of sight, out of mind.

The Marshall community is now joyous and festive preparing for another happy holiday season. Events include fundraising for Dramatic Action Theatre Company, Marshall Scarecrow Days, Haunted Trail, Marshall Main Street, Nutcracker, the annual holiday parade, a Christmas candlelight walk, and It's a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Show at the Franke. It may be a wonderful life for some, but not for all living and working in Marshall. Some things don't seem to matter, especially with the MPD investigation of Mary Denise Lands? If you listen to city officials there is no crime and there are no problems in Marshall. The city is just one great place to visit that will put a happy face and smile on everyone. The Marshall family, friends and supporters have been to the Brooks Circle Fountain at least 8 times since Mary disappeared. It didn't put any smile on our faces.

For the last several months some politicians seem more concerned about their election and re-election than in anything else. What about the question of justice for the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands? After the elections next month, will there be a new direction? We really don’t know? We can only hope. Last March law enforcement officials gathered at Mary’s 4th Anniversary Vigil holding a sign, Where is Mary? They stated, "We will never forget." Mary's Vigil- YouTube, 03/12/08 You all made that commitment to the public and we hold you to your word. You cannot forget about Mary.

Letter to the Editor, Battle Creek Enquirer- November 8, 2008

Clifford & Anita Marshall and I wish to express our congratulations to Susan Mladenoff, prosecutor-elect of Calhoun County. It will be a difficult job but with her dedicated experience, professionalism and integrity we believe she will again be a great prosecutor for justice and our community.
The Marshall Police Department has clearly displayed their lack of empathy, ability or desire to solve the Mary Lands case. The City of Marshall police and public officials have told outright lies to the family. Their only objective is to ignore Mary’s case, and hope it all just goes away.
Well, we are not going to go away. We hope that Ms. Mladenoff will take a fresh look at all the evidence related to Mary’s case.
We have trust in the professionalism of the Michigan State Police and other agencies that would be able to assist the Prosecutor’s Office in closing this case.
We pray that Mary Denise Lands will be a priority and the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder will be held accountable in a court of law.
On November 12, 2008 Mary will have been missing for 4 years & 8 months.
It’s about time we bring her home.
Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
Battle Creek, Michigan

A single person in our community can bring this all to a close today. You are asked to make one telephone call for Cliff & Anita with the genuine tip that can bring their daughter home. If you are afraid to contact the Marshall Police Department you can call another agency or directly contact D/Sgt. Mike Scott of the Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post- 269.483.7612, D/Sgt. Mike Salmen, Battle Creek Post- 269.968.6115, or the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.969.6980. You can do this anonymously, but either way make the call.
Please help, bring Mary home.

2nd Annual "Ride for Mary"- despite the torrential rains, it was a success

2008-09-20T14:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday, September 13, 2008 marked 4 years, 6 months and 1 day since Mary Denise Lands allegedly walked away from her apartment at Waldon Pond. September 13th will also be the date of the 2nd Annual "Ride for Mary" on behalf of Domestic Violence. As we all now know, Mary was a battered woman who suffered at the hands of her boy-friend, Chris Pratt. He is now serving up to 15 years in prison for convictions on domestic violence and violent assault on another girl-friend.

Participation and Registration for the motorcycle ride will be from 9:00 A.M-11:00 A.M. at the Place Next Door, 924 Hanover Street in Marshall, Michigan. Rain or shine, it will be a 74-mile bike ride with stops at Harley Davidson in Battle Creek, Whistle Stop in Burlington, Coldwater Fraternal Order of Eagles, #1907 and J.D’s Country Connection in Tekonsha. All proceeds will go to the Mary Lands Trust Fund, with a donation to Safe Place, an agency in Battle Creek dealing with Domestic Violence. The last stop of the afternoon will be J.D.’s Country Connection, at approximately 4:00 P.M., which will include a pig roast and refreshments, poker run, live bands including Tommy Vale, vendors on site, raffles, burn out cage, and other great prizes. As we did last year, "Ride for Mary" tee shirts will be available. We still have a limited number of shirts from the August 2007 bike ride. Those will be sold for $5.00. Where is Mary? caps will be sold for $3.00.
October 1, 2008- "Ride for Mary" We still have tee shirts left from the 2008 ride, which will be sold for $6.00. If you would like one, please call. All proceeds will go to the Mary Lands Trust Fund.

Come out and join the Marshall family, friends and supporters on our 2nd Annual "Ride for Mary" Many thanks to our great supporters, friends, and sponsors who are making this event possible. Come on out, support the ride, talk about Mary's case, and help bring her home. If you can't attend but would like a shirt, contact Cliff & Anita Marshall at 269.781.4508. We can deliver.
2nd Annual "Ride for Mary" shirts- 09/13/2008
Cliff & Anita announced that although many could not show up because of the rain and storms that passed over Michigan during the weekend Mary's ride was a success. They did raise money at the pig roast and from raffles and prizes, promoting public awareness on the issue of domestic violence. The Marshall's thank you for your support and would like you all to know that they still have "Ride for Mary" shirts now available for $6.00 each in all sizes. If you would like one delivered just give us a call, and we can drop them one off at your home or work.

Who let the dog out? Sgt Tim Bryant?

2008-07-20T08:00:00.039-04:00

Because of certain aspects of this particular event some details are being released on an incident that occurred several years ago in Marshall, Michigan. Perhaps if anyone has more knowledge of this event they would come forward? It is yet another incident questioning the professional conduct and integrity of Sgt. Tim Bryant, of the Marshall Police Department.

In follow-up investigation of the Mary Lands case I received first-hand direct information that a neighbor was attacked by a dog owned by Sgt. Bryant and as a result of extensive injuries had to be treated at a local hospital. Because of the bite and laws related to quarantine, hospital officials are required to notify the police department. Sgt. Bryant responded and he then learned that it was his dog that bit the victim. It is alleged that he told the victim to lie about the incident and paid her to state that the animal that caused the injury was a stray. He further advised the victim to say there were tags on the stray animal which could infer to the hospital that there were no need for shots? It is further documented that a ring worn by the victim had to be removed at the hospital and was damaged. It is further alleged that Sgt. Bryant paid a local jewelry store for the repair or the ring and all the medical expenses. There never was any written police documentation that Sgt. Bryant was the owner of the dog. Later that day the animal was then transported to Battle Creek and hidden so there would be no connection to Sgt. Bryant. A police report was completed which at this time could appear to be a false police report.
Although the statute of limitations would have expired on criminal action for filing a false police report this obviously should be of interest to the Marshall Police Department as it affects the integrity of the entire department. I have requested Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reports related to the incident. Sgt. Scott McDonald has answered my request that he presently is unable to locate any information of the incident. He responded;

Jim, got your FOIA today on the dog matter. At first glance, I am not having any luck. Can you get me any more particulars? We have been through four computer systems in the past 12 or so years, and each system has it searching quirks. We also had some paper logs, but it will take a long time to research them. If you could get either an exact date, an exact location, or anything more, it would make my search of the records more useful for you. I would also suggest checking with either the Health Department, or perhaps the Humane Society. I say this because if a dog bite occurred, the officer would have had to file a Quarantine Notice, which is eventually filed with the County Health Department. I'll continue looking and respond soon.

Sgt. McDonald is obviously trying to locate the documentation and he will be provided additional information. As he suggested, I have already submitted further FOIA inquiries to the Calhoun County Health Department and Humane Society. It also appears that the same animal may have previously bit another elderly resident and I have requested information on other incidents.

July 23, 2008- When will it end?
Interesting developments on the dog bite caper.
Additional witnesses confirmed the facts as presented but an unusual response from the City of Marshall, FOIA Coordinator, Chris Zuidema.

Your FOIA request of July 16, 2008, for information regarding a dog bite has been processed. Because of the lack of detail and age of the information requested, there was over 2 hours of research involved. Therefore the charge for this FOIA request will be $27.00 (2 hours at $13.50/hr). The FOIA response is at the reception desk at City Hall for you to pick up at your convenience.

I inquired what documents were found and was their cost included in the $27.00 fee?
Ms. Zuidema replied;

Mr. Carlin,
No reports, complaints or records were found when the individuals were run through the database and nothing was found in the paper records that match your request.

Ms. Zuidema has always provided in a timely manner the FOIA documents I have requested and this obviously has nothing to do with her efforts to find the dog bite report.
However, the dubious plot continues.
Not only was this particular incident not handled properly with another officer taking the call and completing a report, but it appears that Sgt. Bryant never even wrote one? I imagine this is totally consistent with his lack of writing reports for which he was suspended in 2007.
As Acting Chief McDonald suggested, I have submitted FOIA requests to the Humane Society and the Calhoun County Health Department. and awaiting their response. It was also determined that the ring which was damaged was repaired by David Jewelers, which has now closed its doors and no longer doing business in Marshall. I have however, requested Duane Mestemaker to provide details of the repair. He should have no problem in doing so unless there is a claim of jeweler/client confidentiality?

Latest Update, July 26, 2008- Today, July 26, 2008 I received a certified letter from Officer Rebecca Ivey of the Marshall Police Department with a no-trespass notice. It cost the taxpayers of Marshall $5.32 to be mailed. It states that I left "a business card at residence to victim identifying self to victim." Because of my actions of harassing and annoying the victim I am hereby forbidden to enter into or onto the premises of 330 N. Marshall Avenue in Marshall, Michigan. If I am found in violation I may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespass under Michigan City Ordinance (Chapter 133, Section 133.03, State Law reference MCLA 750.546. This will remain in effect for one year. It is signed by the property agent, Barbara Ruddock.
My intent for stopping at the home was to speak with Laura Engle, the woman who was bitten by Sgt. Bryant’s dog. Ms. Engle is the live-in significant other of Ms. Ruddock. I wonder if this means that despite all the other verifications that Laura Engle was bit by Sgt. Tim Bryant’s dog she will now deny it? Is this the real reason I was issued a no-trespass notice?

We still would like to know, "Who let the dog out?"

07/23/08- At approximately 8:00 P.M. this evening I received a voice mail from Officer Rebecca Ivey of the Marshall Police Department asking that I call her back about a complaint she was investigating. I returned her call and after a brief wait spoke to the officer. She advised me that I was the subject of an investigation involving one Barb Ruddock. She stated she would like me to come in and pick up a no trespass notice. I declined and she then advised me she would be mailing the no trespass notice in the mail. Ms. Ruddock was interviewed earlier today about the dog bite incident and Sgt. Bryant. I actually was trying to speak with her room-mate, Laura Engle. The interview was pleasant and cordial and took place on the sidewalk in front of her residence of 330 N. Marshall Street in Marshall. She told me how she was struggling to take care of her friend, Laura and her daughter. She was about to be homeless for not paying rent and was holding a garage sale on Saturday to raise money. She confirmed many of the details herself including that Sgt. Bryant took paid Ms. Engle for the injury, but added, "So what, big deal, forget it." She claimed she was a good friend of Sgt. Bryant and would not ever say anything on the record against him. She stated the position of Ms. Engle was the same. Later I also spoke with Cam Engle who resides two houses west of Sgt. Bryant at 629 Mansion Street. Mr. Engle also confirmed some details of the dog bite but did not wish to become involved because Sgt. Bryant was a neighbor and his friend. Mr. Engle is now divorced from Laura. A sidebar, Cameron Ray Engle, DOB-05/31/1966, age 42 is also on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us/PSORSearchDetails.aspx?oid=16456724

He was convicted in November 2007 of Criminal Sexual Conduct. It should also be noted that his residence is directly across the street from Sherman School, which also has a child day care facility, Shamrock Center. How is it that this person is permitted to reside so close to a school as a registered sex offender? Is it because he is a friend of Sgt. Tim Bryant?
If you will recall, it was former Sgt. Rebecca Ivey (demoted last year to patrol officer) who in June 2006 requested that the leasing manager of Waldon Pond Apartments, Cliff, Anita and myself to come in to MPD to discuss crimes she was investigating, as we were suspects. Chris Pratt claimed that we committed a home invasion, theft and burglary from his apartment. In fact, the leasing manager permitted us to enter with her after he failed to pay rent and legal action was taken against him. He had vacated the apartment and it was empty. Former Sgt. Ivey spent a considerable amount of time trying to make a case against us despite assurances from former Chief Mike Olson, with a "wink and a nod" to the Marshall's that "this was nothing and not to worry about it." Former Sgt. Ivey maintained we were suspects in those crimes. Clifford & Anita actually went down to the station and were read their rights by Sgt. Ivey. We all declined to speak invoking our rights under Miranda and would not speak with the officer unless an attorney was present. Sgt. Ivey eventually issued a warrant request against us for various felonies but the prosecutor declined to charge us with any crime and the matter was dropped.
I don’t know if this is more harassment and intimidation from the Marshall Police Department and who might have put Ms. Ruddock up to asking for a no-trespass notice to be issued?
I can state one fact from my conversation with Ms. Ruddock. She advised me that she has a son living in the home. Her friend/room-mate, Laura Engle and her 14-year-old daughter also live there.

Poor police work, someone trying to send a message? I don't know? I do know that I didn't do anything wrong and if people don't wish to speak with me about Mary Lands, Sgt. Tim Bryant, or Santa Claus all they have do do is refuse and I'll be on my way. In this case certain people seem to now be aware of what we know about a dog bite and they are trying to stop others from knowing. This appears to be another cover-up, of yet another secret in Marshall, Michigan. Could actions or inaction’s of Officer Ivey be yet another reason why people in Marshall refuse to make statements to members of law enforcement? Why do the same people who are willing to tell their version of what took place to me but others refuse to talk to the police? Are we to believe if someone does a wrong they should get away with it? If they are a friend or neighbor of that police officer should they also get away with wrongs?

The persons having direct knowledge of this incident and the actions of Sgt. Bryant are reluctant to come forward because of fear. This unfortunately seems to be the prevalent attitude of many citizens about questionable conduct especially involving Sgt. Bryant. They may be willing to provide details to some law enforcement agency if the allegations are taken seriously? Good people want to speak out and tell the truth about certain things but many are afraid.

If you have any information about questionable actitities of a police-officer or any person in this matter or that of the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands you are urged to contact law enforcement authorities.
My thought is that if any of this is accurate and a police-officer falsified an official police report on a minor incident like a dog bite, or did not follow proper procedures of the department, what else has that officer been involved in, and what else has he lied about?

Shane Allen Lorenz, another dubious member of society who might have information on Mary's case?

2008-07-16T15:25:00.024-04:00

Update, July 28, 2008- The Preliminary Examination for Shane Allen Lorenz was held this afternoon in the courtroom of Judge Samuel Durham. Present in court were family and numerous friends of the victim. Jane Piper, the mother of Mr. Lorenz was the only person present from the Lorenz family. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Dan Buscher represented the State of Michigan. After a brief hearing that included testimony from two witnesses Judge Durham issued a prompt ruling that the state had sufficiently provided enough evidence for Mr. Lorenz to be held for trial. He was remanded back to the Calhoun County Jail presently being held on $5,000.00 Bond.

July 8, 2008- The Preliminary Examination is still scheduled for Shane Allen Lorenz on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 3:15 P.M. in Calhoun County District Court, Room 353, in front of Judge Samuel L. Durham. Mr. Lorenz’s court appointed attorney is Kenneth Marks. Mr. Lorenz remains incarcerated in the Calhoun County Correctional Facility on $5,000.00 Bond. He is charged with Assault with Intent to commit Grievous Bodily Injury, less than Murder, a 10-year felony.

Shane Allen Lorenz, age 25 (DOB-03/24/1983) was arraigned today, July 16, 2008 in Calhoun County District Court on the felony charge of Assault with Intent to Commit Grievous Bodily Harm, less than murder. (This offense carries a 10 year sentence & $5,000.00 fine) Present for the video arraignment was the victim, his family and friends.
Mr. Lorenz was completing a 35-day sentence for a probation violation on his conviction of domestic violence in which he failed to pay court fees and attend anger management counseling. He was scheduled to be released on July 21, 2008. He also has a pending trial for a felony charge related to his mandatory registration on his status as a Michigan Sex Offender.
His bond on today's charge was set at $5,000 and he was remanded back to the Calhoun County Jail. He asked for a court appointed attorney and his Preliminary Examination is set for Monday, July 28, 2008 at 3:15 P.M. in Courtroom #353.
It is alleged that Mr. Lorenz was assaulting his girl friend when this victim stepped forward to help. This is the result of the injuries to his most recent victim. VictimDWofShaneLorenz.jpg
I stopped at the Spruce Tree Mobile Home Park later in the day to speak to Shane’s mother, Jane Piper. I was looking for Jake and wanted to give her a business card to pass along to Shane so I could speak with him about Mary’s case. Mrs. Piper stated she hardly sees Jake. When asked about Shane she said he was incarcerated but getting out next week. I told her I was present at the video arraignment today and he is being held on another charge. I informed her of the allegations and showed her a photograph of the victim taken after the attack. She looked at the photo and stated, "My little peanut would never do anything like that."
If you have any information on this vicious assault (Case # 2008-003441) you are urged to contact Officer Tim Stanley of the Albion Public Safety Department- 517.629.3933 or Calhoun County Deputy Sheriff Chris Bacik- 269.781.0967. If you have information on the Mary Denise Lands case please contact Jim Carlin, 269.963.7068- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net and the Michigan State Police- 269.968.6115..
FYI... Shane Lorenz is the brother of Jake Lorenz & Wesley (JR) Lorenz. Other associates are Randy Slone- MDOC Inmate #656705 and Christopher Pratt- MDOC Inmate #673261

(Wesley (JR) Lorenz & Jake Lorenz)

FOIA Request finds more discipline against Marshall Police Sgt. Tim Bryant, with suspension

2008-07-07T19:45:00.026-04:00

Update- July 18, 2008- It is interesting to note that the (9) nine reports in question not completed by Sgt. Tim Bryant from his disciplinary action of September 2006 actually were not difficult cases or reports to finalize. He was a sergeant supervisor and could do the work any time during those shifts.
The reports include incidents of a warrant arrest, theft, criminal sexual conduct, unfounded assault, unfounded disturbance, non-aggravated assaults, illegal entry, burglary and a dog barking complaint. The incidents occurred between April 9, 2006-September 8, 2006. Why is it that a supervisor of other police officers on a given shift can’t get his own work done? What is taking up his time? Is he really doing police work?
Enclosed are the (37) thirty-seven pages of the (9) nine reports provided under a FOIA request to the Marshall Police Department. Newest FOIA-07/18/08, Sgt Tim Bryant, MPD-pdf

How is it that this person is permitted to carry a gun and a badge as a shift supervisor with the Marshall Police Department? FOIA-07/07/08, Sgt. Tim Bryant, MPD-pdf

On June 30, 2008 another Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request on Marshall Police Sergeant Tim Bryant was submitted. A previous FOIA request was obtained in 2006 and is noted in links on the right of this page.
Also requested was FOIA information on the demotion of Sgt. Rebecca Ivey to a patrol officer. That original request was made in November 2007 but was denied because of a pending grievance within the department. The FOIA request on Officer Ivey was again denied for the same reason.
It is interesting to see that Sgt. Bryant was again disciplined for Timeliness of Police Reports and a Court Bond issue that was improper. Even after the many verbal and written warnings of the past he was only suspended for (3) days.
People have questioned why the Marshall family have looked into these issues involving incompetence and sloppy police work in the Marshall Police Department? I think it is obvious that there could be some connection on why Mary’s case has not been solved and the dubious conduct of some police officers.
It is also suspect that the PR Bond given to this individual by Sgt. Bryant after an arrest warrant had been issued might be that of a police supervisor giving someone preferential treatment? The name of the defendant in that case was not properly redacted and was visible on the documents. His name was "David Alan Estep"
What could be the connection of this person and Sgt. Bryant? Why was he not arrested? How well do they know each other? What was the original charge? Why was the court paperwork not in the file? Is this a law enforcement officer who could be the new chief of police in Marshall? If you go to the Marshall Police Department web site you will note that Sgt. Bryant is presently the 2nd in command. Former Public Safety Director Mike Olson’s name has been removed from the site.
An additional FOIA request will be submitted to the Marshall Police Department on the cases that were not completed by Sgt. Bryant. It truly is a sad state of affairs to see that former Deputy Chief Brett Pehrson had to make up his own form that Sgt. Bryant would have to complete to show he corrected the reports in which he was derelict. TJ Bryant is listed in the Marshall telephone directory so we are not doing anything improper in displaying his address which is 615 W. Mansion Street, Marshall, Michigan.
The 9 pages of FOIA are listed in pdf format for easy viewing.
P1SgtTimBryantMPDFOIA070708
P2SgtTimBryantMPDFOIA070708
P3SgtTimBryantMPDFOIA070708
P4SgtTimBryantMPDFOIA070708
P5SgtTimBryantMPDFOIA070708
P6SgtTimBryantMPDFOIA070708
P7SgtTimBryantMPDFOIA070708
P8SgtTimBryantMPDFOIA070708
P9SgtTimBryantMPDFOIA070708

Father's Day 2008, the 5th for a Dad without his daughter, Mary

2008-06-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Update, June 15, 2008- Chris Pratt has been incarcerated for nearly one full year after his arrest in June 2007 for domestic violence. As you know, in January 2008 he was sentenced up to 15 years in prison for crimes against another girl-friend. If you have information on Mary's disappearance you are urged to contact the police.
Clifford Marshall again must endure the anguish of his 5th Father’s Day not knowing the fate of his daughter, Mary Denise Lands.
The new police chief in Marshall has still not yet been appointed although officials claim that progress in the investigation continues to be ongoing.
Sgt. McDonald has stated he also wants a chief appointed so he can return to his investigative duties on Mary’s case. Upon the official appointment the family plans to immediately meet with the new Marshall police chief to discuss the investigation that has now lasted over 51 months. A "person-of-interest" has been named yet there still have been no charges filed. We continue to receive new tips and information, which are examined and shared with law enforcement. Today, we are all aware that one witness in our community could bring this to an end. Please follow your conscience, you need to make that call.
For those who have asked, Cliff & Anita are in the process of moving this week but will still reside in Marshall, Marshall. Our focus is "Justice for Mary" and we will never give up until that has been accomplished and Mary is at peace. We will bring her home.
If you would like to call Cliff and say hello for Father’s Day, the telephone number is 269.781.4508. Mailing address; PO Box 63, Marshall, Michigan 49068.
Cliff & Anita receive much comfort from the continued support of so many friends in the community.
Together, we will bring Mary home and "we’re not going anywhere" until the job is done!

An effort to interview Chris Pratt at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility on behalf of the family of Mary Lands appears to be futile.

2008-06-01T09:00:00.003-04:00

Michigan Department of Corrections-Christopher Luke Pratt, Inmate# 673261

This original letter was sent to Inmate Christopher Luke Pratt on March 3, 2008. After four months he still has not responded to my request for an interview. Perhaps some friends or relatives could convince him to talk with me. What harm would it do especially since he maintains he is innocent of any involvement in Mary's disappearance? Another letter was sent on July 12, 2008?

July 12, 2008

Mr. Christopher Luke Pratt
Inmate # 673261
Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility
1727 West Bluewater Highway
Ionia, Michigan 48846

Dear Chris;
I have not heard from you since my initial letter of March 3, 2008. Today, marks 4 years and 4 months since your story that Mary Denise Lands, your beloved fiancée walked away from the Waldon Pond Apartments on March 12, 2004 at about 10:00 P.M.
I would like to once again ask for your help in finding Mary. As one of the people in her life that would want to know these answers, I respectfully request your assistance. Why would you not want to help? Why would you ever refuse an offer of people who could clear you of any wrongdoing related to Mary’s case? Don’t you want to prove to your boys, Luke & Josh that you are totally innocent of being involved in her disappearance? Even from your jail cell you could be instrumental in the search for someone who you claim that you loved so much.

Recently I had an offer of assistance from additional investigative professionals who would be willing to meet with you to discuss the case. If you don’t wish to deal with me, perhaps you might be willing to speak with these investigators. What do you have to lose? Anyone with a clear conscious would want to have these answers. Don’t you want to know the answer to everyone’s question, Where is Mary?

I hope you will be willing to do this but either way the family and I with the help of the law enforcement community will never give up. We will eventually bring Mary home.

Thank you for any consideration you may express in this matter.

Sincerely,

Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services

-------------------------------------------

March 3, 2008

Mr. Christopher Luke Pratt
Inmate # 673261
Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility
1727 West Bluewater Highway
Ionia, Michigan 48846

Re: Visit & Interview

Dear Christopher:
I hope you are fine and doing well and adjusting to life in the Michigan Department of Corrections facility at Bellamy Creek. I had hoped to speak with you for a few minutes prior to your sentencing in Calhoun County in December, but you jumped up quickly and booked out of the visitor’s area? I couldn’t understand why you would not meet with me at the jail? I’m an objective person and willing to listen.
We had quite a dialogue in September 2004, and I never could fully understand why you would not provide more help on Mary’s case? You gave me a great deal of information, but most of it was false. I kept an open mind when we spoke, however bit by bit, and piece by piece it was later obvious that everything you told me were lies.
Chris, I now have well over 8,300 hours dedicated to the investigation of Mary’s disappearance. I’ve done all this at no charge for the family. As I previously told you, I wanted to write a story about missing persons and how those tragedies affect families and loved ones. Immediately after I realized the lies you told to me that short feature turned into much more.

I've interviewed over one-hundred individuals who know you and your unusual behavior. People have described your idiosyncrasies and bizarre mannerisms related to anger and control. The crying jags in a naked fetal position on the floor, your bouts with bi-polar mental disorder, your drug and alcohol abuse, your demeanor related to pornography and the television program, "Deal or No Deal". It goes on and on and can be seen as chapters in an abnormal life. To this day, I still continue to hear stories about you that can be documented by numerous witnesses in your family and with co-workers.
You know, and I know, what happened to your fiancée, Mary Denise Lands. Only through divine province and God’s will was your most recent girl-friend able to escape your brutal grasp of anger and control. She is now living a much more happy and productive life with her children and her family has successfully emerged after all those months of fear she experienced with you as her "protector" and "boy friend". The really sad thing about that relationship and your others is that you could have had such a good family of people who sincerely cared for you. However, you wasted all those opportunities. I include all the women in your life even going back to the one who moved to Florida. Her family was afraid of you even back then in high school.
Chris, although you are now in prison for other crimes the Marshall family will not give up in their pursuit for justice. We fully believe that we will bring Mary home so she may rest in peace. You are in a position to help and I would be willing to speak with you at any time or in any prison for information. I’m willing to follow-up on any theory if you can convince me that you had nothing to do with Mary’s disappearance? If you do wish to talk about what happened to Mary I would be willing to be the conduit between you and the law enforcement community about any facts or your side of the story. We both know that as each day passes the new investigative team of the Michigan State Police is closer to solving the mystery. There are people out there who could do this in a day and they are only waiting to do so when it is in their own best interests, not yours.
I do not make any judgement on you. I really feel sorry for you. For a 40-year-old male to be in the situation that you are today it could only have been caused by a life of turmoil and turbulence in your family. I see your Mom often and it is obvious that she is also deeply suffering.

Last year you missed out on Michigan’s hunting season and you won’t be able to sneak out early for pike at Ceresco Dam this year. It will be a long long time, if ever, before you will hunt or fish again. All these results and your present situation were brought upon because of your own anti-social behavior. It was no ones fault except your own. You are "your own worst enemy". I hope that while you are in prison that you will take advantage of any programs that can improve your quality of life.
I’m probably the last person in the world you would want to see in prison for a visit, however I would be glad to meet with you and discuss anything of your choice. If you can provide me with any information and insight related to the person/s responsible for the disappearance of Mary Lands, I would follow up on every one of those points. If you wish to meet and don’t even want to discuss Mary’s case I would also be willing to do so. If the real Chris Pratt isn’t the person I’ve heard about over the last 4 years, I’d like to hear about the real Chris from the person himself. Next week we will again meet at the Circle Fountain in Marshall to mark the 4th anniversary of Mary’s disappearance. We will continue to ask, Where is Mary? and, When will we have justice for Mary? You could help another those questions. Give it some thought.
Regardless, I hope you can eventually find inner peace and I wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services

Chris Pratt, Telephone Calls Released under FOIA

2008-05-31T11:00:00.000-04:00

June 2, 2008- On January 24, 2008 a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Calhoun County Sheriff for the telephone calls of Christopher Luke Pratt while he was incarcerated at the Calhoun County Correctional Facility (June 24, 2007-January 9, 2008). It was approved in part and those documents have already been published. Recently the recorded telephone conversations were provided, are being transcribed and will all be published. These are just some of the calls between Chris Pratt and family members. Inmate Pratt is now serving up to 15 years at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia, Michigan. He was convicted for crimes against a recent girl-friend and unrelated to Mary's case. If you have any information on the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands you are urged to contact the Michigan State Police.

Please do your part for Clifford & Anita Marshall, and help bring Mary home so that the family can permit her to rest in peace. That is all they are asking. Please help solve this case.

"Mary's 4th Anniversary Vigil, a powerful presence to bring Mary home"

2008-04-11T18:00:00.001-04:00

(Photo credit, Shelly Sulser, Marshall Chronicle)
Update-April 11, 2008- Update- 04/11/2008- Chris Pratt MDOC FOIA

March 12, 2008- Mary's Vigil- YouTube, 03/12/08 Words cannot begin to express the appreciation to our friends and supporters who attended the Noon vigil at the Brooks Memorial Fountain in Marshall on behalf of Mary. This was the best response we have ever had in 4 years and what also made it special was the presence of professional members of the law enforcement community. Thank you to Steve Harrington for his presentation, and Deacon Bernie Mileski of St. Philip Catholic Church in Battle Creek for the prayers. Cliff, Anita and family were deeply pleased and comforted by your comments.
Our sincere thanks to Prosecuting Attorney, John Hallacy, Chief Assistant Prosecutor, Dan Buscher, Sheriff Al Byam, Acting Chief Scott McDonald of the Marshall Police Department, and Lt. Dale Peet and other members of the Michigan State Police. I also invited former chief Mike Olson to attend and he did so.Thank you so much to you all.
It is because of our unified effort today, we know that we soon will bring Mary home.

March 29, 2008- New YouTube Video Anita Marshall talks about Mary-02/05/08
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"We're not going to take it anymore" Jeff Pratt, Happy St. Patrick's Day 2008

Today is Mary's 4th Anniversary Vigil, please join us at Noon, Circle Fountain in Marshall

2008-03-12T08:00:00.007-04:00

Mary Denise Lands, 4th Anniversary, 2008 Vigil of Hope -Please Join us!

Today, Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at Noon
Mary's Vigil-WWMT-TV- 03/12/08
Mary's Vigil-WOOD-TV8- 03/12/08
we marked the 4-year anniversary of the disappearance of Mary Denise Lands.
Mary's Vigil- YouTube, 03/12/08
Although we are much closer than ever before in solving the case and bringing Mary home, family and friends still need to come together on this day to continue public awareness for Mary. Please join us!
We believe the winter weather will improve enough for a short event to be held commencing at Noon at the Brooks Memorial Fountain in Marshall. Anita Marshall once remarked, "each year it seems as if Mary is up in heaven pushing away storm clouds and adverse weather for a few minutes to provide us a light from above during our vigils". It appears that today we'll have milder temperatures, the sun will be bright, and Mary will be smiling down upon us all.

This year we plan to do something different. Instead of the yellow balloons that have been sent aloft in the past we plan to release 48 bright blue "star " balloons (Provided by Lakeside Florist in Battle Creek- Lakeside Florist ), one star for each month that Mary has been missing. Anita & Cliff will release one "gold" balloon on behalf of another missing Marshall woman, Courtney Cook. She disappeared after leaving her home on January 19th. Our entire community prays that Courtney will be found safe and return home. All the balloons will carry a small laminated card bearing Mary's picture, and contact numbers for the Michigan State Police and others.

Sgt. Scott McDonald, Acting Chief, will represent the Marshall Police Department, and other law enforcement officials have been asked to attend and say a few words. A representative from St. Philip Catholic Church will offer a prayer. We now all know that Mary was a victim of domestic violence. The Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office has provided an Information Guide from the Domestic Violence Council and we will distribute pamphlets to the public. It is a great resource tool about keeping you informed on the dynamics of Domestic Violence.
Earlier in the week I again met with Michigan State Police investigators and was assured that Mary’s case is being actively and aggressively worked by team members each week. We’ve had good turnouts in the past, but this year lets have as many supporters as possible join us for 15 minutes at the Circle Fountain in Marshall. Let us show how many in our community have cared about Mary’s case for these last 48 months as we continue to ask the questions, Where is Mary? and When will we have justice for Mary? We need every one of you to participate. Thank you for your support. We will bring Mary home

Now, "It's time to bring Mary home," Anita Marshall tells WOOD-TV8, talking about daughter, Mary

2008-02-18T08:15:00.001-05:00

Mary Denise Lands, Hope 2008-You Tube Video

Chris Pratt-Calhoun County FOIA Jail Records-06/07-01/08

Update- February 18, 2008- Several new developments are taking place in the Mary Lands case and we will advise you of details when the information may be released. Christopher Luke Pratt- MDOC Inmate-673261 just checked into his new quarters at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility. Keep the tips and information flowing. We will bring Mary home. Nearly 100 hours of video has been reviewed and will soon be published. This is a short clip of our digging efforts in April 2006, which was just posted on YouTube. April 2006- Search for Mary- F Drive North digs

February 5, 2008- Anita Marshall felt strong and confident in her live interview with Jennifer Moss of www.WOODTV.com She displayed Mary’s jewelry that was recovered in June 2007 and it was a poignant movement for all of us in the studio office. If you have not seen the YouTube video related in the jewelry it may be viewed with the link on the right side of this page.
We advised the anchors doing the story that although there appeared to be some crisis and chaos in the Marshall Police Department related to the departure of the chief and the deputy chief we are still positive Mary’s investigation is going forward. The Michigan State Police have advised us that they continue to be in the city each week and are aggressively working the investigation.
Throughout the day the family received positive response from the public on the WOODTV-8 presentations about Mary and even new leads, which will be passed along to investigators. Please continue to contact us with any information about the Mary Lands case even if you believe we might be already aware of it. We continue to believe the case will soon be solved and we will bring Mary home.
We are now focusing on March 12, 2007, which will be the 4th anniversary Mary’s disappearance. We would like to do something different this year and in a forum that Mary would have appreciated. We will keep you advised on those details in the next few weeks. If you have any suggestions, feel free to contact us. Ex-Chief Requests Secret Meeting-Battle Creek Enquirer, 02/17/08
Chief Mike Olson Resignation? Battle Creek Enquirer- 01/26/2008 Battle Creek Enquirer Editorial Opinion- Where is Chief Olson?- 01/30/2008

On March 12, 2008 Mary will have been missing for 4 years. We hope the WOOD-TV8 feature and the 4th anniversary date will propel closure to this case. Because of the recent conviction of Mary’s former boy-friend, on unrelated charges with a 4 1/2-15 year prison sentence, this was the first holiday season in the last four years that brought hope and optimism to the Marshall family. We continue our trust in law enforcement and the criminal justice system and we know that we soon will bring Mary home. Let’s continue to focus on Mary and how to achieve those objectives. We urge anyone who might have information to contact the proper authorities, and the family. Again, last week the law enforcement team spent hours in investigative interviews related to Mary's disappearance. They are just as vehement as we are in solving the case and getting the job done.

Sentencing of Christopher Luke Pratt

2008-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Christopher Luke Pratt- MDOC Inmate-673261
WOODTV8-Chris Pratt- 4 1/2-15 years in prison
WZZM13News-Video-01/07/08
WWMT-TV3- 01/07/08
Battle Creek Enquirer- 01/08/08

Update- January 13, 2007- Norrene Parker wished to publish the letter she sent to Judge Miller concerning Mr. Pratt's sentence. If anyone is in a domestic violence situation it will not get better. You need to remove yourself from that environment and keep yourself and family safe. Her remarks are quite poignant.

January 1, 2008
Re: Sentencing of Christopher Luke Pratt
Dear Honorable Judge Miller:

We see it every day on the news, "women battered, women killed, and women missing"….Looking back on June 24th, 2007 I realize I was one of the few women that walked away from the enraged hands of a controlling individual, such as Christopher Pratt. It’s true, loving Christopher Pratt does hurt; it hurts a lot and it is a hurt that does not go away once the relationship is through. People tell me how lucky I was to get away and how proud they are of me standing up and facing him. Although I did walk away physically that day I do not know if I will ever escape him mentally; myself and my children included. The humiliation of what I have gone through during this trial has been an embarrassment I will never forget, nor will my friends, family and co-workers.
Christopher’s doing caused me to move out of the home we shared, moving myself and my children three times in six months before we finally settled. I have incurred medical bills, as well as counseling costs as well. In addition my employer hired extra guards to make sure I came and went from their facility in a safe manner while his bond was active.
He has destroyed my trust, my solitude of feeling "safe" as well as my children’s sense of safety. "If he comes home will he find us?" is a common question from the mouth of my nine year-old son. My nightmares of Christopher and that day wake me in the night, as does the little one standing beside my bed. "Can I sleep with you…are you sure Chris is still in jail?" His shadow will forever lurk in our minds.
Christopher recently made a comment from his jail cell, which entailed, "Make sure she doesn’t make it to the witness stand or I am fucked". What exactly was his evil intent behind this? Although he is locked up now, I am constantly looking over my shoulder and seldom go out at night, especially if no one is with me. I am fearful of anyone I don’t know that approaches me..fearful it’s someone that is doing Chris’ dirty work for him. Christopher is a man of trophies, of possessions, and I, in his eyes, am his forever. He has made the comment, "If I can’t have you, No one will"….and to my father, "If your daughter leaves me I will hunt her down and get her back". This behavior is not normal and for the most part, unsettling. His intents and his so-called empty threats…are too real for me..real because I know he is fully capable of fulfilling each and every threat he made to me…capable because he is one that cares not what he does, but that in his eyes, he wins at doing it.
Christopher is, in my opinion, a narcissistic evil and one of the world’s best liars. But the problem for him and a blessing for us is, he forgets what he has lied about and walks into his own net eventually. Although Christopher will tell you he is never wrong, all his problems are caused by other individuals. Christopher is fully aware of his own evil. He has told me in a fit of tears on more than one occasion that he has done things to make himself sick, that I should not be with him, however he added, "I am too selfish to let you go". Christopher also noted to a letter to his son,…"It’s because of Norrene I am here, if she hadn’t provoked me I wouldn’t have lost my temper, however Son, the good thing is that God has a place for men like me and its called prison." He knows he is a danger to me.
Christopher promised me a long and happy life with him, stating we will be sitting in our rocking chairs side by side one day…if that was the case, why was he throwing chairs at me? Simple in my mind today, he was trying to make sure I never left him…even if he had to attempt to break my ankles doing so, he would never allow me to leave him.
Your Honor, I am asking you to consider maximum sentencing possible. Letting him go on anything less, will most certainly bring dread to my family and our community. Even if he is let out with a "no contact condition", I can guarantee within an hour of his release, he will be at my doorstep. He has no authority for the guidelines for which you set, as he proved by attempting to contact me within minutes of being released from your courtroom the same day you issued a "no contact" guideline between him and me. Christopher taunts authority and does not like to be told what to do, more so, he resents the word "No".
Christopher harms children, women and animals without considering the repercussions of his actions. Do you think they forget as easily as you do? Well, they don’t. Christopher I never will and I know my children will not forget the wake you have left behind in our lives. Christopher is a man that will not learn his lesson with a slap on the hands, he is someone who has the potential to harm others for the sake of his own well-being. He is habitual. I honestly believe Christopher is lacking a human conscience, and because of this I pray for him. I pray that he finds it in himself to consider every evil thing he has done and come clean with it. Christopher can’t take back the tears he placed in my sons eyes the day he put us through this, nor can he take away the emptiness he placed in their hearts with the betrayal he brought out after promising to be so good to them and to their Mom. In my eyes, no sentencing handed to him is justifiable enough, but I know God will sentence him one day and when that day comes…God have mercy on your soul Christopher Pratt.
Again, Your Honor, please consider the maximum sentencing that is reasonable and prudent to this manner, and do so with the thought of myself and children in mind, of every soul he has waltzed upon without hesitation to their lives, their feelings, their well being. Anything less will result in a profound nightmare.
Respectfully,
Norrene Parker
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Please, no vulgar or obscene comments may be posted on our sites regardless of your position on Mr. Pratt’s conviction. They will be deleted.
The real obscenity today, however was a defense attorney with the position, "Be it not for Mary Lands this would be just another 93-day domestic violence misdemeanor."
Today, was a great day for justice and it could not have been accomplished without the aggressiveness of law enforcement, the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, and the entire criminal justice system. Thank you to all who supported the families of both Norrene Parker and Mary Lands. Without your help we could never have come this far.
The sentencing of Mr. Pratt should serve as a vehement deterrent against those who would physically, emotionally, and sexually abuse a domestic partner.
An evil person will be now off the streets for many years and we believe in our hearts that the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands will soon be held accountable. We will bring Mary home.

Mary Denise Lands, Christmas 2007 You Tube Video

Christopher Luke Pratt, age 39, will soon be a guest of the Michigan Department of Corrections after a jury of six men and six women concluded their deliberations last month. Mr. Pratt was found guilty of domestic violence, felonious assault, interfering with a communications device and unlawful imprisonment. He faces 15 years in prison and will be sentenced today, Monday January 7, 2007 by Judge Stephen B. Miller.
It is now time to get back to Mary Denise Lands, and questions about her disappearance and murder? This photograph was taken about two years before she allegedly walked away from her apartment after a minor argument with Mr. Pratt. We also have two short videos of Mary Lands where one can view and hear her in a family setting.
Mary Lands & Family Video, Atlanta-1998
Mary Lands & Family Video- 1999

We have now documented in court proceedings a severe and tragic pattern of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse by Mr. Pratt. It includes a period of over 15 years starting from 1992 to June 24, 2007, the date of his arrest. It is very interesting that there is about four years that are not accounted for, and coincidentally the period of time in which he was involved in a relationship with Mary.

Within hours of Mr. Pratt’s conviction on all four charges of domestic violence against his former girlfriend the Marshall family received new tips about their daughter. We continue to urge the public to come forward and provide any information about her case. It may be done anonymously to the family or myself. The contact information for law enforcement authorities will again be noted in the "comment" section of this post. The Marshall family will not cease in their efforts to bring their daughter home, nor will the law enforcement team investigating her case. We are not going away until Mary can rest in peace.

If there is anyone reading about Mary's case and enduring crimes of domestic violence please know that you can be helped. Two women in Mr. Pratt's life were strong enough to come forward and end years of torment. There are many options for you to escape from this type of fear and violence. If you need any advice please contact us and you will be directed to a professional who can help you and your family. This photograph of Christopher Luke Pratt proves it all. "You can be safe from a violent batterer".

www.MaryDeniseLands.com

It appears that Mr. Pratt won't have a Christmas tree to throw around in a rage this year. His stocking will be empty in 2007, and possibly for some years to come. Camo Rambo also will be giving up his guns and hunting. A few animals in Michigan will be safe from poaching and hunting out of season.