Chris Pratt, will he help find Mary? Mother's Day 2007

With the improving Spring weather finally upon us and Mother's Day 2007 just around the corner we continue our search for Mary Denise Lands. There has been much more information learned and we have been following up on new tips and interviewing dozens of individuals about the case. Expert handlers and their cadaver dogs will be searching numerous locations for evidence related to Mary's disappearance and we intend to dig again within two weeks. We will raise further public awareness in Marshall, and across America about Mary's tragedy.
We also will hold another Mary Lands "Walk for Justice" at the Marshall Police Department and the Brooks Memorial Fountain soon and further walks in Marshall and other locations are planned for 2007. A new feature on the Mary Lands case will also appear on ABC News television in May, and we will keep you advised when that date if finalized.
We would like to express our thanks to the many friends and supporters who have helped us over the last two years. We also would welcome their help again and the support of others. If you would like to assist us in any way and join in our walks, sign petitions, and hear more about Mary's case on what the Marshall Police Department have and have not done, please call- 269.441.7068 or write, Cliff & Anita Marshall, PO Box 63, Marshall, Michigan 49068. You may email me directly at JCarlin@JustinianLaw.com or post anonymous comments on this web site.

----We also are extending an invitation to Christopher Luke Pratt. He has never been willing to participate in the many searches for his former fiancée, but I would like to ask him to help. Everyone is aware that he is a hunter and claims to know all the rural environs of Calhoun County. Perhaps he can point us in the right direction to bring Mary home? Chris, if you are interested in assisting the family please give me a call. You know where I live and you have my phone number. Put on your camouflage fatigues, your boots, grab your favorite woolie cap, and join us. You don’t seem to work that much anymore, and it would give you something to do in your idle time while Norrene is at her job.

May 13, 2007 is Mother’s Day. Lets all work toward solving Mary's case and bringing some closure for the family. Keep your many calls, emails, and tips coming in so that Mary’s case can be concluded. They are greatly appreciated and as always we will keep your name confidential.
By the way, Mr. Pratt stopped Anita Marshall while she was working last week and asked directions to Customer Service. He has been in this store many times in the past although not in the last three years. In my opinion this is more of the arrogance observed in sociopathic behavior. Why would Mr. Pratt take this action? Is it to intimidate Mary’s family? Is it to intimidate people helping the family? Anita Marshall stood her ground, politely pointed him to the service desk, and walked away. You have many problems, Mr. Pratt, but you can no longer intimidate good people.
Last Mother’s Day, 2006, Chris Pratt showed up at the home of the Marshall’s and gave Anita a dog-eared-folded wallet size birth ID, and folded original birth record for Mary Lands. He claimed he found them in a file and wanted Anita to keep them as a gift for Mother’s Day. My opinion and those of family and friends who knew Mary’s mannerisms were that these two documents were always kept folded in her own wallet. How did you get them Chris? And, why would you give something like this to Mary’s mother on Mother’s Day? Your own father, Sam Pratt died last year in the hospital after fighting a long illness. Would it be appropriate for you to give your mother, Louise, his birth certificate? I think not!
It is about time that you talk to me and members of law enforcement about what you know. Go on record with your statements and help bring Mary home? For once in your life try to do the right thing. Bring your lawyer, bring your friends, but talk about what really occurred on the weekend of March 12, 2004. Talk about Mary’s birth certificate, why you have her engagment ring, her favorite bomber jacket you were selling at a flea market in Homer, which was recovered and turned over the the police? Explain why you were selling off so many intimate items without even offering them to the family first? Family pictures still in their frames, Mary's jewelery and clothing? Explain how Mary was so mentally and physically abused? Explain how her bones were broken? Explain the court documentation of domestic violence on other women in your life? Explain Mary's disappearance so that we can all understand what might happened to your fiancée? Do you have a problem with anger management and control? We will listen.
You may have moved on,but you cannot hide from your past and events will repeat themselves. When you wish your own Mom a Happy Mother’s Day this year think about the other Mother’s Day events you spent with Mary Lands? Think about how it will be in the Marshall home this Mother’s Day 2007 without the presence of their beloved daughter, Mary? Think about your own children, think about your mother, Louise Pratt, a former school teacher in Albion, and think about what your legacy will be? Think about all of this Mr. Pratt?

April 24, 2007 1:00 PM- No work again today...Christoper is back at Ceresco Dam enjoying the weather and fish'in. Today, however he is with his brother Jeff Pratt.
April 20, 2007- It must be another day off work at the Target Distribution Center in Galesburg, Michigan because the sun was out and Mr. Pratt went fish'in. Pike minnows were the bait of the day. In about two weeks, over 5,600 viewers have seen the Chris Pratt Fish'in Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u21C1dJOHk
We firmly believe that Mary will be brought home in 2007 and the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder will be held accountable in a court of law. If Mary Denise Lands had been the relative of a police chief, politician, or prominent official in our community this case would have been solved two years ago. Some have questioned our efforts in the past and to those I can only reply, "What would you do if it was your daughter, wife or loved one who was missing?" You would do exactly what we are doing and never give up! Take a good look at the pictures of this lovely lady and her grieving parents and ask why did this tragedy occur?









Someone must be held accountable. Two years ago I wrote that Marshall, Michigan is a lovely and beautiful place to live and work, but evil things can and do occur in the best of places. Something very evil occurred in Marshall on March 12, 2004 and that evil lingers to this day. Let us end this evil and bring this investigation to a close. You can help and those answers are out there and known by good people with a conscience. Call us, email, or write if you have any information.
I have been often criticized by law enforcement for not providing the names of people who have provided tips and other information. Many will talk to me, but not to the police. I have never divulged the name of any person if they wished to remain anonymous. In over two years I have interviewed dozens of individuals throughout the country in prisons, county jails, in their homes or at work. I will go anywhere to speak to anyone with information about Mary’s case and if you ask, your name will remain anonymous. Clifford Marshall has often said that many people seem to trust me more than the police. Unfortunately, I have also come to the realization that I have more respect for some individuals in prison than for some police-officers who I know. That probably explains the reluctance of so many people to trust some in law enforcement.
If you have any information, concerning the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands, please contact me- JCarlin@JustinianLaw.com

www.MaryDeniseLands.com

Mary Denise Lands Tribute Video- http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5453491744213013506

Bad boys bad boys,Watcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

March 12, 2007- Anita Marshall, mother of Mary Denise Lands, on the 3rd anniversary of her daughter's disappearance.
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=72385


This sad date will mark three years,...36 long and arduous months since Mary Denise Lands was last seen as reported by her fiancé, Christopher Luke Pratt. 44 hours later Mr. Pratt called Mary’s family in California and asked if they had heard from her? The family then immediately contacted the Marshall Police Department, but her case was then handled as though she was an adult runaway.

In a recent article written by Shelly Sulser of the Marshall Chronicle for the 3rd anniversary of Mary's case she stated that Marshall Police Chief Mike Olson has said repeatedly that in those early days, police could not necessarily presume foul play because adults are allowed to be missing if they so choose. Six months later Chief Olson announced that Mary was being considered a victim of foul play because no evidence of her existence could be found.

This just shows the inadequacies of the Marshall Police Department (MPD) and their arrogance in not immediately and aggressively investigating Mary’s disappearance.
A few weeks ago Tara Lynn Grant disappeared from a Detroit suburb. Her husband, Stephen Grant suspected of killing and dismembering his wife was captured Sunday as he fled searchers, running through snow in northern Michigan. Stephen Grant had been the subject of a manhunt since police discovered what they believe to be the torso and other body parts of his wife in and around the couple's house in a suburb of Detroit. Grant was arrested in northern Michigan, some 225 miles from his home, after an air and ground search by local, state and federal agencies, according to the Emmet County sheriff's department. In Mary’s case, the Federal Bureau of Investigation immediately began to assist in the investigation and a task force was formed, however within days the FBI was informed by MPD that their services were no longer needed. They would return today if given jurisdiction of the case by Chief Olson, but he refuses to give up primary control of the investigation.
The parents and family of Tara Lynn Grant are indeed fortunate to have law enforcement authorities with a diligent and pro-active perspective of missing persons in their community. This would also include the families of Laci Peterson in California, Lori Hacking in Utah, and so many others. Imagine the status of those cases today if law enforcement had waited six months to commence a viable investigation? An immediate and appropriate police response is required to solve these crimes.

In Mary’s case, a former deputy chief sat with his feet on a desk in a relaxed manner and ridiculed the family in his skepticism that Mary was actually missing. There is much documentation to verify his poor and incompetent demeanor in those first six months. Another issue is why a civilian dog handler was used in the early search, which resulted in a bogus claim that Mary was tracked for miles throughout Marshall and her scent was found on the comforter of a bed in a nearby motel? That statement was the genesis of the story that Mary was an adult runaway and it was totally false and without foundation. No dog or handler ever went into any room at this motel and five days later any scent on such a trail would have been nearly impossible by even the best of certified tracking animals and their handlers. My cat would have been able to track Mary Lands with more accuracy that what was purported by this dubious civilian character who seemed to be sanctioned by the MPD. This felon who was convicted in Eaton County for multiple counts of embezzlement should never have been permitted search duties in Mary's case. How, when, and why she was called to duty by MPD is yet another question? Her report clearly gave a false perception to the entire community that Mary had run away.

In September 2004 Chief Olson announced that Mary was now being considered a victim of foul play, Just a few weeks earlier Mr. Pratt was observed at a flea market in Homer selling Mary’s personal articles. Pictures still in their frames, jewelry, and other personal items. He also had for sale... a brown leather jacket that appeared to be the one she was wearing when she allegedly walked away from their apartment. The jacket was recovered and turned over to MPD, however today they do not even seem concerned with its worth as evidence? After the jacket was recovered he left the flea market quickly leaving the rest of the property at the booth, with a sign, "For Free".

There are also many questions about Mary’s new Dodge Durango. After it was brought back from Lansing and supposedly had been processed for evidence it was stored at Bud's Towing in Marshall. There was no evidence tape, the vehicle was open, and did not even appear to have been processed although we must take the word of MPD on this issue. It was quietly moved after the family inquired about its dubious status as "evidence" and being kept in the open and unsecured tow yard for over two and one half years. Numerous individuals have been in and out of the unlocked vehicle, however again on January 19, 2007 MPD reiterated their claim that the vehicle it is being held as evidence.
You may view photographs and information about of the vehicle in other sections of Mary's blog.

On Mother’s Day 2006, Mr. Pratt conveniently found the birth record certificate and a small wallet sized birth document that he claimed he located in a file of Mary’s. He told the family he wanted to give it to Anita Marshall for Mother’s Day and delivered the papers. What arrogance! A person who has never supported the family in the search for his missing fiancée shows up on Mother's Day to give these papers to the grieving parents. In September, 2004 I asked Mr. Pratt a question about his desire to find Mary's killer and bring her home? I told him that if it were me, I would be camping out in a tent at the Fountain, across the street from the Marshall Police Department, and wouldn't move until they solved the case. His reply was odd, "Why would I bother, they know where I live?" Anyone looking at the document he gave Anita Marshall could conclude from the way it was folded and dog-eared to fit in a wallet that the papers were probably always in Mary’s purse. This would be the same purse that Mr. Pratt claimed she left with in her possession, on the evening of March 12th. Ask any woman who is often checked for identification to buy alcohol and prove their age? This is exactly the way Mary and other women would store this type of document in their wallet. Her family also confirmed these articles as being in Mary's purse.

Mr. Pratt told me in September 2004 that he had Mary’s engagement ring, which she forgot to put back on after they tanned during the evening of March 12th. At 10:00 PM he states she walked away from their apartment after a minor argument attired only in a lightweight medical scrub outfit from work, flat soft cloth office shoes, her favorite leather jacket, and carrying her purse. She left behind her new Dodge Durango and her cell phone. This sounds a bit odd that a person is going to walk in 19-degree weather and snow dressed in this manner?

Christopher Luke Pratt, Additional Photographs will soon be published









April 20, 2007- Another new YouTube Video- Why Mr. Pratt can't help search for Mary?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u21C1dJOHk
It is also another irony that on March 14, 2007 Mr. Pratt threw a gala birthday party for his new girl-friend. Two days earlier although he was off-work, he couldn't find the time to be present at the Brooks Memorial Fountain for the 3rd anniversary of Mary's disappearance and support the family of his previous fianceé? Why would be though? He never did! His girl-friend is very lucky, Mary Lands will never be able to celebrate another birthday with her loved ones.

April 13, 2007- Chris Pratt is telling friends and relatives that his girl-friend had to go into the hospital because she lost feeling in her hands and feet. It sure is a strange coincidence that this makes the 3rd woman with whom he has had a relationship to experience this type of unusual medical anomaly. What could it be? Oh, what could it be? There is no proof that anything sinister has occurred however the following link on www.PDRHealth.com is interesting- http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/ars_0026.shtml
Chris, you don’t seem to be working much anymore, and Norrie is the one employed and with a viable income and taking care of the house. It must be rough on her having to file for bankruptcy and with other things going on?I plan to return to rural areas of Calhoun County and continue the search for Mary as soon as the weather clears next week. We will have more cadaver dogs and since you have all this idle time on your hands I wondered if you could meet with me and help in the search? As an experienced hunter who claims to know every piece of land in Calhoun County you would know where we could look.I hope you will consider my request and I look forward to talking with you again. Give it some thought? You could help bring home your former fiancee.

Jim Carlin


A reasonable person reading about this case might remark that it couldn’t be true, however sadly it is all very accurate. You couldn’t even begin to make up some of the incidents that are real in this three-year odyssey being endured by the Marshall family. Mr. & Mrs. Marshall were read their Miranda Rights by an officer of the Marshall Police Department about a bogus home invasion and burglary alleged by Mr. Pratt. What a joke to expend police resources on such a frivolous claim? Did Mr. Pratt report that Cliff & Anita were even wearing ski masks? Chief Olson later told them "there really was no problem." Could it be that these actions were undertaken to intimidate the family? I frankly question how many people have even been read their rights in the actual investigation of Mary's disappearance? For some time we have been asking the Federal Bureau of Investigation to take this case over from the Marshall Police Department. A Petition on Mary's behalf is circulating in Michigan. You may also support of efforts by signing up online- http://www.marydeniselands.com/justiceformarypetition.html Thank you for your help.

We have all been down, and we also have all been up with positive news about the case. One thing is clear when you hear talk from "Ole Kentuckian," Clifford Marshall. He often remarks, "we ain’t going nowhere ‘til Mary’s found. Then if we want to go someplace, we’ll leave then."
I’ve donated nearly 6000 hours and if it takes another 6000 to bring Mary home I am fully committed to it, and to helping this good family. We continue to ask help from the public and even today new tips came in that are very very promising, and will be fully investigated. The weather will be improving soon and we are all committed to doing more digging, advertising, protest walks, and conducting various public awareness projects on behalf of Mary. We still hope that Mary's case and the frustrations of the Marshall family will be featured by national media that can help solve this case. America's Most Wanted, 48 Hours, and others are aware of the Mary Denise Lands situation and we have asked for their help. We intend to do what it takes to get the job done!
It is surprising that we get so much assistance from many different people. However, it is only going to take one person to solve this case. I have no doubt that many people do know exactly what happened to Mary Denise Lands and soon we will all know.
Two years ago while doing research on this historic community I wrote that Marshall, Michigan is a lovely and beautiful place to live and work, but evil things can and do occur in the best of places. Something very evil occurred on March 12, 2004 and that evil persists in Marshall to this day.

One great supporter recently published a video tribute to Mary and her family and it may be viewed at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5453491744213013506
We believe that the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands will soon be held accountable in a court of law.

On Monday, March 12, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. at the Brook's Memorial Fountain Circle the family will release 36 yellow balloons, one for each month that Mary has been missing. Please join us and meet Cliff & Anita Marshall and their family.

In the meantime as we wait, we all think about those famous lyrics of the Cops theme song…

Bad boys bad boys,
Watcha gonna do,
whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

March 12, 2007 marks 3 years since Mary was reported missing by her fiance, Christopher Luke Pratt. Why did he he wait 44 hours to notify the police?

While most of America enjoyed the holidays and the New Year of 2007 the Marshall family continues to ask, Where is Mary? And, When will we have justice for Mary? The investigation goes on and we all will never give up until the person/s responsible for Mary’s disappearance and murder is held accountable.
Mary Denise Lands- Video We could never have come this far in our search for Mary without all the support of so many good people. We will bring Mary home in 2007 and justice will be served.
____________________________________________________
One of the great tools of law enforcement and civil and criminal investigators are dumpster or trash dives. Once a person places their trash or garbage at the curb for disposal they lose any expectation of their right to privacy. It can be retrieved by anyone and often the police can utilize the contents of trash in their investigation of any criminal activity. People should be extremely careful of what they discard in the trash because criminals can use the information in fraud and identity theft. Use a shredder to protect yourself and family so that documents and papers you don't want to be found by others, will not be found.
I have done hundreds of these trash dives in my career and they are often wet, messy and odorous, but they do yield valuable results. On the left is a note and just one piece of information that was retrieved from trash placed on the street by Mary’s former boy-friend, Christopher L. Pratt. He now resides in a rural residence at 9018 15 1/2 Mile Road, Fredonia Township, in Marshall, Michigan with his new girl-friend. One has to wonder if there might be domestic violence now occurring within the Pratt home, and if his girl-friend and her children are safe?
Here is an interesting observation that may be accurate in this case…
People who engage in sociopathic behavior want to be in control and manipulate others. They often resent pets and animals that might be receiving attention and affection that they believe is only meant for them. I have ascertained that many pets and animals in the households of the women involved with Mr. Pratt have mysteriously disappeared or been injured over the years. This is well documented and can be proven. I find it strange that this same unusual occurrence might have happened in his girl-friend's life as she moved in with Mr. Pratt. The story goes that she had two lovable cats as pets, "Banjo" and "Nipper". One of the cats was poisoned, and the other disappeared, however neighbors reported that Nipper eventually returned to a previous residence occupied by his girl-friend. That would appear to be great news, but Nipper never was relocated to their new house on F Drive & 15 1/2 Mile Road. Mr. Pratt reportedly did not want her pets in their home. I don’t know how true this is, but it doesn't say much for the way someone should act in a relationship? Is it that Chris Pratt doesn't like cats, women, or people in general?
In my opinion, his girl-friend should not only be worried about pets, but concerned for her own safety and that of her children. After this remark, please note the following:

April 13, 2007- Chris Pratt is telling friends and relatives that his girl-friend had to go into the hospital because she lost feeling in her hands and feet. It sure is a strange coincidence that this makes the 3rd woman with whom he has had a relationship to experience this type of unusual medical anomaly. What could it be? Oh, what could it be?
Chris, you don’t seem to be working much anymore, and your girl-friend is the one employed, with a viable income and taking care of the house. It must be rough on her having to do so many things and take care of you and her own children? I plan to return to rural areas of Calhoun County and continue the search for Mary as soon as the weather clears next week. We will have more cadaver dogs and since you have all this idle time on your hands I wondered if you could meet with me and help in the search? As an experienced hunter who claims to know every piece of land in Calhoun County you would know where we could look.I hope you will consider my request and I look forward to talking with you again. Give it some thought?
Jim Carlin

If Mary was here today she would want to promote public awareness on the national tragedy of domestic violence, and speak to people on this issue. Take a few minutes and think about Mary Denise Lands as you read a few facts about physical and emotional abuse and domestic violence.
Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, or psychological. Physical and sexual violence by an intimate partner are common problems, affecting 20-50% of women at some stage in life in most populations surveyed globally. Between 3% and 50% of women have experienced it in the past year. Domestic violence has a profound impact on the physical and mental health of those who experience it. As well as injuries, it is associated with an increased risk of a range of physical and mental health problems and is an important cause of mortality from injuries and suicide.
Review of international literature on risk of domestic violence shows that although it is greatest in relationships and communities where the use of violence in many situations is normative, notably when witnessed in childhood, it is substantially a product of gender inequality and the lesser status of women compared with men in society. Except for poverty, few social and demographic characteristics define risk groups. Poverty increases vulnerability through increasing relationship conflict, reducing women's economic and educational power, and reducing the ability of men to live in a manner that they regard as successful. Violence is used frequently to resolve a crisis of male identity. Domestic violence is often associated with heavy alcohol drinking. Research suggests that the different factors have an additive effect.

COMMON MYTHS AND WHY THEY ARE WRONG

Domestic violence is not a problem in my community.
Michigan State Police records from 1997 show that a woman is killed by a partner or former partner about once a week in Michigan.
In 1998, the Michigan State Police reported more than 5,000 victims of domestic violence in Oakland County.
Domestic violence only happens to poor women and women of color.
Domestic violence happens in all kinds of families and relationships. Persons of any class, culture, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and sex can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence.
Some people deserve to be hit.
No one deserves to be abused. Period. The only person responsible for the abuse is the abuser.
Physical violence, even among family members, is wrong and against the law.
Alcohol, drug abuse, stress, and mental illness cause domestic violence.
Alcohol use, drug use, and stress do not cause domestic violence; they may go along with domestic violence, but they do not cause the violence. Abusers often say they use these excuses for their violence. (Michigan Judicial Institute, Domestic Violence Benchbook, 1998, p. 1.6 - 1.7)
Generally, domestic violence happens when an abuser has learned and chooses to abuse. (Michigan Judicial Institute, Domestic Violence Benchbook, 1998, p. 1 - 5)
Domestic violence is rarely caused by mental illness, but it is often used as an excuse for domestic violence. (Michigan Judicial Institute, Domestic Violence Benchbook, 1998, p. 1 - 8)
Domestic violence is a personal problem between a husband and a wife.
Domestic violence affects everyone.
About 1 in 3 American women have been physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. (Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Woman's Lifespan: the Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women's Health, 1999)
In 1996, 30% of all female murder victims were killed by their husbands or boyfriends. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1997)
40% to 60% of men who abuse women also abuse children. (American Psychological Association, Violence and the Family, 1996)
If it were that bad, she would just leave.
There are many reasons why women may not leave. Not leaving does not mean that the situation is okay or that the victim want to be abused.
Leaving can be dangerous. The most dangerous time for a woman who is being abused is when she tries to leave. (United States Department of Justice, National Crime Victim Survey, 1995)

MANY VICTIMS DO LEAVE AND LEAD SUCCESSFUL, VIOLENCE FREE LIVES.
Excerpt from Oakland County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence

If this is "secured evidence" at the Marshall Police Department you can only imagine how they are handling the rest of the investigation?

Many people across the country have written and called asking about the condition of Mary's vehicle and the position by Chief Mike Olson and Marshall Police Department that it has always been held in a secure location and is legal evidence?

The family and I have no idea if anything of evidentiary value was found in the vehicle when it allegedly was examined by the Michigan State Police Crime Lab in Lansing, Michigan in early 2004? Under proper law enforcement protocol it is understandable that any information remain confidential. If any forensic evidence was found it hopefully is properly stored by the Marshall Police Department.

However if this is the manner in which the chain of custody and the continuity of evidence is preserved by the Marshall Police Department the entire 15 sworn officers should go back to the police academy and learn about evidence preservation. The department should also think about the position of detective. None are listed in the official web site for the city www.cityofmarshall.com

For quite some time the family of Mary Denise Lands has been asking that the Marshall Police Department give up jurisdiction of their daughter's investigation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The incompetence and inability of the Marshall Police Department to even want to properly investigate Mary's disappearance and murder defies logic. Would you want these type of individuals investigating any crime in which you were the victim?

After another inquiry on October 2, 2006 on behalf of the family concerning the status of this vehicle it was quietly relocated on October 3rd from the open yard of the tow company to an undisclosed location. On October 6, 2006 a family member personally spoke to Chief Olson and was advised that the vehicle is being held as evidence. I'd like to see the evidence log and documentation for this article that has been retained as evidence for nearly 2 1/2 years. It may be under Chief Olson's, "Marshall Law" but no court in the United States of America or any prosecutor could conclude this is legal evidence.

December 18, 2006- Today the family received a letter from Chief Olson regarding the disposition of Mary's Dodge Durango. This was in response to my correspondence of December 9th, which actually was the 3rd letter concerning Mary's vehicle. A recent article in the Marshall Chronicle made reference to the position that the Marshall Police Department wanted to continue retaining the vehicle as it might contain evidence. Chief Olson reiterated that no decision has yet been made and he would review the matter with his investigators and John Hallacy, Calhoun County Prosecutor later in the week to see if it could be returned? His belief is that the vehicle may contain "trace evidence." Although we maintain that it would be impossible to legally use any contents on this vehicle as evidence after two years in the open storage lot of Bud's Towing we do appreciate the fact that Chief Olson is seriously reviewing the matter.

Are these more shenanigans by the Marshall Police Department or policy in the Rules and Regulations of the MPD?

October 6, 2006- Today's latest shenanigans by the Marshall Police Department have trumped their numerous blunders and incompetent conduct over the last 30 months.

Mary Lands' vehicle has been unlocked in an open and unsecured yard of Bud's Towing in Marshall, Michigan. According to Chief Mike Olson the vehicle has been considered "evidence" since March 2004 and would not be released to the family. Mary's parents have been trying to document its status and work with the lien-holder in an attempt to keep Mary's vehicle within their family. Chase Bank has been kind enough to also examine the circumstances and provide assistance to the parent's. After the Marshall Police Department received yet another one of my inquiries on behalf of the family on the status of the vehicle this week it was immediately removed from the property of the tow company and is now in a secure location.

The Marshall Police Department claim today that the vehicle is being retained by their agency because it is evidence. Evidence and its documentation is a crucial responsibility of any law enforcement agency. Is the Marshall Police Department going to falsify some evidence tag to show that the chain of custody for this vehicle will verify that it is a piece of evidence?
There is no court in the United States of America or any prosecutor that would take this position especially after the way the vehicle has been improperly stored for over two years. It appears that the Marshall Police Department are doing even more to botch any successful future prosecution of the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands.

In looking at this situation objectively it could be concluded that there was some type of scheme in place to defraud the lien-holder of the payments of this vehicle, and deprive Mary's family to ever come into possession of something that once belonged to their dear daughter.

I know that someone reading about the Mary Lands case might have doubts to our statements and theory. No law enforcement agency in 2006 would ever operate with such incompetence, and lie and deceive parents who have suffered so much. The one thing that the family and I have always done was to be honest with the public and all the media. You couldn't even begin to make up these type of ludicrous circumstances, but they are all sadly very true. People ask us all the time, why do you feel that the Marshall Police Department must turn over jurisdiction of this case to the Federal Bureau of Investigation? If you have followed the story for any amount of time you would see why? As I have said many times before, and it is once again verified today, Barney Fife of Mayberry would have done a better job than anyone in the Marshall Police Department.

Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Service

Grand Larceny? Lack of Professionalism? Arrogance? You can make the decision.

Update, October 3, 2006- The latest antics of the Marshall Police Department. It gives a new meaning to the term "Marshall Law." If any citizen had engaged in similar conduct they could be charged with conspiracy to commit grand larceny. A police-officer failing to turn in recovered property/evidence such as a knife or IPOD, and converting it to their own would be fired and criminally charged. This is very similar but on a grandeur scale.

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Carlin, Justinian Investigative Services
To: Chief Michael C. Olson, Marshall Police Department
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 8:28 AM
Subject: Re: 1993 Dodge Durango, Vehicle of Mary Denise Lands

Dear Chief Olson:

This correspondence was originally sent to the City Clerk under a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. It was denied and being re-submitted to you, your department, and the City Attorney.
I have previously submitted written communications to you regarding the release of the vehicle of Mary Denise Lands, which has now been stored in the open tow yard of Bud's Wrecker in Marshall. The vehicle has no wheels and the location of the four tires are unknown. It was unlocked and numerous individuals have been in and out of the vehicle in the periodically unsecured storage lot.
On behalf of the family I attempted to ascertain the status of the vehicle. You have informed individuals that the vehicle was no longer evidence and in the improper manner in which it is being presently stored that statement would appear to be correct. You have previously advised the family that it is evidence. Bud's Wrecker claims it is evidence, according to your position, and under the control of the Marshall Police Department. Depending on the listener, you alternate between statements the vehicle is evidence, or no longer considered evidence? The proper chain of evidence and the securing of that evidence clearly indicate that if the vehicle was once of evidentiary value, it has now been breached. Further, we cannot ascertain why the wheels were removed and where they are presently located? In a previous written response you further responded that the vehicle is not a concern of the family, or myself and it is a matter between the lien-holder and Bud's Wrecker.
We vehemently dispute that claim, and it is on record that Clifford Marshall, Mary's father, is the conservator of her estate, and we ask for the vehicle to be released, as according to Bud's Wrecker, it is in the control and possession of the Marshall Police Department.
I have spoken with the owner of the dealership where the vehicle was purchased and they report the lien is with Chase Bank. Sgt. Scott McDonald was provided all the documentation related to this vehicle.
It is nearing the 3rd winter that this vehicle has been stored outdoors and Mr. Marshall would like to have a statement and release so that he may be able to contact the lien-holder and resolve the issue. It makes no sense for this vehicle to be up on jacks in the rear of an open storage lot.
The Marshall Police Department has acted arbitrarily and callously for over two years in not working with the family to release this vehicle. You and your employees should have had more empathy for the family, especially in this particular matter. Clifford and Anita Marshall have very few items that belonged to their daughter. They would like to have this vehicle released and if they can manage it would like to give the vehicle to Mary's children and keep it in the family. If this issue had been addressed two years ago the family would have been able to work with the lien-holder and Bud's Wrecker to pay the costs for towing and storage. The Marshall Police Department should actually pay these fees and the family is asking for you to do so. A 1993 Dodge Durango with approximately 11,000 miles on it is today valued at approximately $13,000.00. If your agency had examined this issue properly two years ago it would have been one less piece of frustration for the family.
We understand that the files of the Mary Lands case are not subject to inspection or FOIA because the Marshall Police Department claims it is an open investigation. If the vehicle is not evidence we would like the tires to be returned and for the vehicle to be released. We also request that the contents of the glove compartment and vehicle documentation also be returned. The charges for towing and/or storage should be paid by the City of Marshall. The Marshall Police Department has absolutely no legal standing at this time and should not be involved in any civil issues related to this vehicle, Mary Lands' estate and Bud's Wrecker. Any other issues regarding the vehicle could then be resolved between Mr. Marshall, Mary's conservator, the lien-holder and Bud's Wrecker.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
344 Clayton Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017-5218

www.JustinianLaw.com www.BADD.org
269.441.7068 (Voice/Facsimile)
Email: JCarlin@JustinianLaw.com

This anonymous comment on behalf of Mary needs to be read by more citizens of our community

Anonymous said...

When you first meet the charming man, that lives behind the haunted soul (Christopher Pratt), you are taken aback by his kindness and generosity.

His smooth way of making everything in your life alright ... that is until you're sucked into his world of darkness. Then the shock of there being "NO WAY OUT" is a daily fact that you must live with. Chris would chuckle and say "It's because of your own stupidity ... or ignorance." Or maybe that ... "You're being so dramatic." He has such a solid way of turning everything around on his abuser.

If and when you ever get away from his claws ... you walk away believing that you are FREE ... only to soon realize that his grip is still on you every second, of every minute, of every day.

There will be NO justice for Mary, or his current girlfriend, or his ex-wife, or his children, or this town, not even our society in a whole ... until he is put behind bars where he belongs.

This is speaking from a person who probably knows him better than anyone, for I am still haunted.

The comment that anonymous wrote about: "Why would anyone protect this guy if they knew he killed her?"

My comment is: "Awh duh, probably because they fear him?" Obviously this person has never been abused, or in Chris clutches.

Here's another question ... Why is it when you see him downtown, or at a football game, or at the town's grocery store, that everyone smiles at him? Is it because they are all his best friends? "AWH Duh! It's because the townspeople FEAR him."

The comments about him being a sociopath, (see below)I can tell you from persnal experience the one's that Chris possess':

Glibness/Superficial Charm: (OH YES! He drips charm.)

Manipulative and Conning: (You will never know you're being manipulated from Chris, until it is WAY TOO LATE!" He is a professional manipulator.)

Grandiose Sense of Self: (Chris believes he's WAY above everyone else, and he chuckles often over how smart he is compared to everyone else. Because you see? No one knows what game he is playing with them next, and he loves that control.)

Pathological Lying (He would lie about what brand toothpaste he uses.)

Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt (He's good at crying and "pretending he's upset" Don't let him fool you.)

Shallow Emotions (No, Chris is very good at Emotions, he'll make you believe anything. By the time he's done with you, you'll think he's the most caring, sincere man in the world ... oh wait a minute, I almost forgot ... that's another one of his games.)

Incapacity for Love (Yes)

Need for Stimulation (Yes, in every sense of the word.)

Callousness/Lack of Empathy (When he's abusing you ... yes)

Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature (If you talk to Chris for any length of time, you soon realize that there is something that just isn't right about him. Especially his alluding sexual comments.)

Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency (yes, but that's kept all within the family).

Irresponsibility/Unreliability (yes, I could go on about this one, but then I wouldn't be very anonymous)

Promiscuous Sexual (Yes)

(Behavior/InfidelityLack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic LifestyleCriminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility (Yes, yes, yes)

Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them (No one will truly understand him ... because he lives in a world that is not normal/or natural to the average human. He has created his own world, his own rules, and his own timeframe. It's Chris' world, and there is no understanding it.)

Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them. (No, not to mention everything is "everyone elses fault" He never does anything wrong, and he always has a crazy reason why he did what he did, and you better just deal with it.)

Authoritarian (Like I said, "You better just deal with it!")

Secretive (Again ... I would no longer be anonymous.

Paranoid (LOL!!!!!!!!! Totally)Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired (Does he have a record?)

Conventional appearance (yup.)

Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)(I hope you are never one of his vicims to find this one out)

Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life. (Every single last aspect. Remember ... you don't realize he's doing it, until his claws are already in you.)

Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation, respect, gratitude and love.(Another reason why he is so good at crying, and showing his emotions. By the time he's done manipulating you ... you're feeling sorry for him.")

Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim.(Look out, you better darn well be careful. Why is his current girlfriend with him again? Is it because she loves him, or because she "can't" leave him? Who knows, maybe she's still at the "he's wonderful" stage. Chris can't keep this up for too long though, before long you start seeing his true colors; so to say. But then will she be able to get away from him? Only one girl has ... but he's probably still destroying her life too.)

Incapable of real human attachment to another (yes, as already stated.)

Unable to feel remorse or guilt. (Never, ever, ever would he feel guilty. If he was showing you guilt ... it would be part of his game.)

Extreme narcissism and grandiose. (Yes ... just listen to his lies. I "heard" he was an Eagle Scout ... what a laugh!")

May state readily that their goal is to rule the world. (actually, I've never heard this from him, but who knows? Maybe that's part of "his" world he lives in.")

To the person who wrote:
"It is hard to believe someone you love and care for is guilty of even having the slightest knowledge of such a horrific crime. We love him, but we want justice for Mary too."
I understand what you are writing, everyone in this world has someone who loves them. I just hope for your own mental health, that you are open to what is most likely the truth in this case.

My biggest prayer, is that Hallacy is taking this "long" amount of time, STUDYING CHRIS. His ways, his ethics, his deviousness. So that when Mr. Hallacy finally decides it's time to go forward in this (and God I hope it's soon), that he will WIN THIS CASE! PLEASE MR. HALLACY! PLEASE FIND JUSTICE FOR MARY,FOR MR. AND MRS. MARSHALL & FAMILY, FOR HIS EX-WIFE AND KIDS, FOR JIM CARLIN, AND FOR THIS TOWN.
From,
Still Haunted.

www.MaryDeniseLands.com - A new web site totally dedicated to the disappearance of Mary Lands

September 29, 2006- Justinian Investigative Services has created a new web site totally focused on Mary's disappearance. It is in the process of being developed, however many pages of www.MaryDeniseLands.com are ready for viewing.

Maybe this is part of the answer to our question, Where is Mary?

Many people have asked about Chris Pratt, Mary's former boy-friend? Where is he, what is he doing to help the case, why doesn't he participate in helping the family and law enforcement solve the case, and many other questions? One person posted a comment about why Chris would be at a flea market selling Mary's clothing, family pictures, and other intimate items that most people would cherish from a relationship that ended in such tragedy. I can only provide my opinion. Those who know Chris might be able to connect the dots.

A Sociopath
Here is a list of ways to identify a sociopath. This list is from "Profile of a Sociopath". Is is an excellent list of sociopathic indicators.

Glibness/Superficial Charm
Manipulative and Conning
Grandiose Sense of Self
Pathological Lying
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
Shallow Emotions
Incapacity for Love
Need for Stimulation
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
Authoritarian
Secretive
Paranoid
Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
Conventional appearance
Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life
Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
Incapable of real human attachment to another
Unable to feel remorse or guilt
Extreme narcissism and grandiose
May state readily that their goal is to rule the world

Here is more input and personal anecdotes from others to help you know if someone is a sociopath:

First, you'll know a sociopath from the description/list posted above here. Also, as another poster wrote, get a book on Sociopaths and it will help you beyond belief. Even a book or article on controlling personalities or borderline personalities will help you. Once you can identify the pattern you will begin to "see the light." Sociopaths are charming at first and may seem charming and normal to everyone around them. But they have an almost scary need for control. They will isolate you from friends and family and you will be tangled in your web before you know it.
The key characteristics of a sociopath include: (1) having no conscience, (2) inability to treat others as human beings, with feelings and rights and (3) inability to learn from experience, from life. One result of this last is gross immaturity, though it may be hidden unless one knows the person well. A sociopath behaves as if he/she were the only person in the whole world and as if everyone else just existed for their benefit and had no existence in their own right. (4) Sociopaths treat other people as toys and hanker after the power to control and hurt their 'nearest and dearest'. (5) Many are monumentally self-important: they may pretend to be millionaires when in reality they are sliding towards financial disaster. (6) Habitual dishonesty.
He will charm his way into your life and heart, then take complete advantage of you - your emotions, your finances, your intellect. He will make you think you are the crazy one. Your friends will see right through him. He will isolate you from your friends and possibly your family. He cannot hold a job and will probably commit crimes - theft, fraud, forgery, and spend time in jail or prison. He will abuse drugs or alcohol. He may abuse you.
My mother is a sociopath, and from all accounts, has been since she was a very young child. She's caused non-stop turmoil in our family, through three generations, and is a charming and frightening menace. I'm the only one to have gotten any counseling on the issue, and the only child so far not to be controlled by mental problems resulting from our upbringing. As such, I'm the 'parent' as far as anybody in our family is concerned, and the dumping ground for complaints about her shocking awful hurtful behavior. I can recognize she never had any kind of 'close' relationship with her father, but it pales in comparison to the way she treated and treats my siblings and myself. Her bad choices in male companionship have contributed to our family grief, but clearly aren't her fault.
The book "The Sociopath Next Door" saved me thousands of dollars in therapy!
It is very difficult to recognize a sociopath but in a nutshell, a sociopath is a parasite. There is no help because a sociopath does not want to be helped. A socipath will attract you with his charm and bring you to his side, then he will toy with you, lie and show no remorse. Sometimes there will be a fake smile in his face while he engages in his malicious ways. When confronted, he will deny any responsibility, then back away from you and blame you for whatever wrong he did. What is worse, everybody will believe him because he is able to gain sympathy in a cunning and calculating way.
My nephew is a sociopath. Growing up he would torture my cat, throwing lighted matches into her bed while she was resting. He would break and hide my mother's belongings and lie about it. One day, she caught him hiding the broken pieces of a porcelain figurine with the other missing objects. He lied to his parents accusing her of hitting him. He came to live with me when he started college. For six months I worked hard trying to make him feel at home. I helped him with his college work, and to get a job. For months I was lied and manipulated. I defended him when his boss accused him of lacking respect and attendance. I believed him when I accused of starting fights, drinking and smoking pot in campus. I even offered to pay for a week's vacation once the semester was over to celebrate his good grades, or at least the good grades he made me believe on. At last I found out he had quit college, had no job and had spent the vacation money. He just turned twenty years old. When I told him that he needed to keep a job and/or study if he wanted to stay with me he moved in with his current girlfriend and told everybody, including my family, that I had thrown him out of my house. Unfortunately they believe him. When I confronted him about his lies he smiled and said nothing.
I'm a little concerned that some people may be labeling everyone who has treated them badly as a 'sociopath'. Here are some examples of sociopathic behavior: 1. A member of the family develops a nose bleed. The sociopath's first reaction: 'How dare you bleed on my carpet?' 2. Husband faints in wife's presence. Her sociopathic reaction as she steps over his body: 'Hell! That means I'll have to collect the kids from school today'. 3. Mother makes singularly vile false allegations, such as rape, against her own son and calls the police. When the police point out there's no evidence to support her accusation, she says, 'But I feel just oh-so-violated', as if that constituted evidence. 4. Teenage daughter is diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia. When the psychiatrist orders inpatient treatment at a mental hospital with a special unit for teenagers, the sociopathic mother tries to prevent her going to hospital. When the father takes their daughter to the mental hospital, the mother threatens to abduct her! She tries to phone her daughter in hospital daily and subjects her to emotional blackmail.
A number of mind-controlling cult leaders may exhibit many of the behavioral characteristics of a sociopath -- an outstanding ability to charm and seduce followers. Since they appear apparently normal, they are not easily recognizable as deviant or disturbed. Although only a trained professional can make a diagnosis of whether or not someone is a sociopath, it is important to be able to recognize the personality type in order to avoid further abuse. These traits also apply to a one-on-one cults relationship. ... Glibness/Superficial Charm ... Manipulative and Conning ... Grandiose Sense of Self ... Pathological Lying ... Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt ... Shallow Emotions ... Incapacity for Love ... Need for Stimulation ... Callousness/Lack of Empathy ... Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature ... Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency ... Irresponsibility/Unreliability ... Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity ... Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle ... Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility

A sociopath does not have to be a person that is constantly in and out of jail, failing in being able to keep a job, nor constantly being broke. Sociopath's can be wealthy, have a great history in the work place and have never had any run in with the police. What they do have is the ability to manipulate each situation to where nothing is their fault. They are quick to give praise to someone, but use that as another way to draw them further under their control. They truly have no capacity to believe that anything they have ever done is wrong - even when caught in a bold faced lie.
They don't preplan their "sociopathness" and how it will effect what they want - sociopath's are naturally that way. They are the way they are - to everyone in their lives - from when they were a child, throughout their entire lives. They do not have the ability to change the way they are. They may "mellow" as they age, but their need to have control over others, the need to be impulsive, their feelings that, even in lying, they never do anything wrong, and their ability to charm everyone they think they need to charm, does not leave them as they age.
It's also very hard for someone involved with a sociopath to be able to see what they know is happening, even after catching the sociopath in the lies and manipulation. It's incredibly hard to decide to leave a sociopath, as well as stay away from that sociopath.

This article was from Profile of a Sociopath

The Marshall Historic Home Tour, Protest Walk for Mary helped gain more support for her family

Update, September 13, 2006- Our protest Walk for Mary throughout the weekend during Marshall’s Historic Home Tour was a huge success. Many visitors stopped and spoke with Mary’s parent’s, Clifford & Anita Marshall. We all discussed the bungled investigation and numerous people offered to write letters to members of law enforcement about their poor handling of the case. As visitors and members of the community got off tour buses we handed out flyers and information about Mary’s disappearance. Hundreds of people honked their horns and waved as they drove around the Brooks Fountain Circle in support of our efforts to answer the question, When will we have justice for Mary?
The family, friends and supporters of Mary Denise Lands will continue to promote public awareness about the case. We will again walk at the Criminal Justice Center in Battle Creek in the near future and have a strong presence in Marshall during the upcoming Scarecrow Festival.
Come out and support us.

"Annual Night-Out Against Crime" Protest Walk for Mary a huge Success

Update, September 6, 2006-
The “Annual Night-Out Against Crime” protest walk for Mary was a great success. The family, friends and supporters of Mary Denise Lands again carried signs in front of the Marshall Police Department and the Brooks Fountain Circle. The activities conducted by the police department were not crowded and most of the traffic on the Fountain were from the members of the police and fire department, and others in law enforcement. The children who did attend appeared to have a great time. The low turnout was probably attributable to the fact that the event had to be rescheduled from the original date in August. When the event was concluded the last person to leave the Fountain was Chief Mike Olson who rode off on the Marshall Police Department's new Harley-Davidson motorcycle that he drove to the event earlier in the evening. We will soon post photographs of the event and participants.
Once again, members of the community stopped and spoke with Cliff & Anita Marshall and offered their support about Mary’s disappearance. As on other protest walks, people honked their horns and waved as they drove around the Fountain Circle.The family continues to ask that the Marshall Police Department turn over the investigation of their daughter’s disappearance and murder to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The family and friends will continue protest walks during the Historic Home Tour, the Scarecrow Festival and other events in Marshall to promote public awareness for Mary’s case.

Happy Birthday Mary, your spirit will always be with us

Update, Letter to the Editor- Battle Creek Enquirer- Mary's Birthday -
On September 3, 2006 she would have been 42 years of age,
For over two years I have worked on behalf of the parent’s of Mary Denise Lands on the circumstances of their daughter’s disappearance in March 2004. I am privileged to know these good people and feel like a member of their family.
Anita Marshall, Mary’s mother, said many months ago, “We never had a manual to follow about what to do or not do when your daughter turns up missing.”
The family has provided law enforcement with hundreds of documents, videos, and the bomber jacket that Mary wore on the night of her disappearance. The latter was recovered at a flea market as it was being sold along with many of Mary’s other personal belongings.
The problem today is that the Marshall Police Department lacks the ability to solve this case. Marshall, Michigan is a wonderful and lovely place to live and work, but evil things can and do occur in the best of places. Something very evil occurred on March 12, 2004 and that evil lingers to this date.
We reiterate our request that the FBI take primary jurisdiction of the investigation. Chief Olson’s latest claim is that two officers are now working the case 3 days a week. Nothing can be solved on that timetable especially if you take into account interruptions for vacation, training, lunch, and other daily priorities. Today we doubt that Mary’s case even receives 12 hours a week.
It is easy for people to criticize our efforts, but if this was the wife, daughter or loved one of a local politician or police official the case would have been solved long ago.

Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services

Join our Walk for Mary at Marshall's Annual Night-Out Against Crime

Update, August 29, 2006- The Annual Night-Out Against Crime for the City of Marshall originally planned in August has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 5, 2006, 7:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. It will be held at the Brooks Fountain Circle. On hand will be the family, friends and supporters of Mary Denise Lands who continue to protest their displeasure with the way the investigation has been mishandled by the Marshall Police Department. Come out and support the family, carry a sign, and meet Clifford & Anita Marshall, Mary’s Mom and Dad. Join us as we continue to ask the questions, Where is Mary? and, When will we have justice for Mary. The family and friends will maintain a notable presence in Marshall and Battle Creek and talk about this case in the upcoming months. We plan appearances in Marshall at the Historic Home Tour, the Scarecrow Festival, the Christmas Parade and at any event where we can ask for help from the public. We would be privileged if you would join us and talk about Mary Lands and why Chief Mike Olson and the Marshall Police Department have not solved this case.

Donald Wright of Battle Creek offers comments on the Mary Lands investigation

Sunday, August 27, 2006- Response- Letter to the Editor-
Thank you for your letter Lt. Wright, but you are quite Wrong! It is interesting to note that you seem to have information that the family of Mary Denise Lands did not have related to activity on her bank records. I don't mind anyone with ties to law enforcement supporting Chief Mike Olson. However, I have never made any comments about Sheriff Al Byam and the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department because that agency never had the chance to solve this case, which they could do. My facts are accurate and my qualifications to do need to be displayed just to show that I know what I am talking about. You do need to learn the definition of defamation, whimsical or otherwise, because I would welcome such a lawsuit. From the very first day that I inquired about the Mary Lands case from people in Marshall I came to realize the blatant fear in that community not only of certain persons who may be involved in Mary's disappearance, but in the fear that so many citizens have of their own police department. We all know of the police "Blue Wall of Silence" and how pervasive it is in our society. I have accomplished inquiries to the Marshall Police Department under the Freedom of Information Act and you should do the same. What I found was appalling and it has a direct correlation to the management style of Chief Olson and the credibility of that agency. You for one should know how important it is for citizens to trust police-officers. I am correct in my facts and almost immediately the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Task Force was told by the Marshall Police Department that their resources were not needed. The family of Mary Lands is very aware that law enforcement does not release police information and we have no problem with that protocol. What we do have a problem with is when police officers lie and do not keep their word. The MPD has treated the Marshall family with total disrespect since the beginning of this case. The word empathy is not in their vocabulary. We believe that this will all come out soon when a major media brings this story to national attention. Two years ago I stated that Marshall, Michigan is a beautiful and wonderful place to live and work, but evil things can and do occur in the best of places. Something very evil occurred on March 12, 2004 and for whatever reasons that evil lingers today. However, soon the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Lands will be held accountable. We also believe others will also be held accountable for their failures. I have donated my time and resources to Clifford & Anita Marshall in the search for their daughter. As a licensed private investigator in Michigan I could be doing many other things but I choose to help this family. When this case is concluded I have no plans to continue in this profession. I certainly would never take on another missing persons case and I limit myself to specific cases at this time. My reward and remuneration will be to see that justice is served. I would be the first person to shake the hand of Chief Olson if he stepped up and did the right thing. Lt. Wright, Why don't you come out and join us on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. and meet the family of Mary Lands. We all will be there for Marshall's "Annual Night-out" asking "When will we have justice for Mary?" We will also be there in Marshall for the Historic Home Tour, the Scarecrow Festival and the Christmas Parade. We won't go away until this case is resolved. Thank you for your comments, Lt. It is discussion like this that permits our community to understand the real tragedy in Mary's case. We need more people like you.

Update, August 27, 2006- Letter to the Editor, by Donald Wright, to Battle Creek Enquirer
Case continues to be investigated
I have been following the Mary Lands case since the beginning. My heart goes out to the family; I too believe that she deserves justice. That said, I take great umbrage with an individual who makes public statements maligning both Chief Mike Olson and the Marshall Police Department. The letter to the editor printed Aug. 22 in the Enquirer ("Protest Wednesday in missing-woman case") is another example that does nothing positive to bring closure to this investigation. I feel compelled to respond to these "cheap shots." Mary Lands was first reported missing on a Sunday. Investigators uncovered information showing possible activity on her bank records as late as Monday, but that was found not to be the case. The Calhoun County Major Crimes Task Force was activated the very next day. This team consists of representatives from the FBI, the Michigan State Police and all of the larger law enforcement agencies in the county. Contrary to all previous information provided by this individual, the FBI and the Major Crimes Task Force were very involved. Marshall PD and the state police continue to have investigators assigned to follow up on leads. They spend a large portion of their time following these leads and adding them to the investigation. This person should know that a police agency does not release police reports on any active investigations. The Marshall Police Department certainly does not deserve to be whimsically defamed as this person's reference to having doughnuts takes precedent over an important investigation. Who is Jim Carlin and what are his qualifications for making allegations that are such tripe?
Donald Wright
Battle Creek

Update, August 22, 2006- Letter to the Editor, by Jim Carlin, to Battle Creek Enquirer
Protest Wednesday in missing-woman case
Once again, the family of Mary Denise Lands is asking for help from our community. We plan to conduct a day-long protest walk at the Criminal Justice Center in Battle Creek on Wednesday, Aug. 23, beginning at 8 a.m. Mary Lands disappeared under suspicious circumstances from an apartment she shared with her boyfriend on March 12, 2004. The Marshall Police Department initially botched this investigation and rejected the resources of the FBI and a major task force to break the case. Today, MPD continues to stumble and fumble its way through a sloppy investigation that has failed to produce arrests of the person(s) responsible for Mary's disappearance. Calhoun County has had a large amount of violent crime in the last two years and we do not fault any agency for its inability to solve crimes. The investigators of the BCPD have an extremely difficult job but at least they show effort. We adamantly do fault the Marshall Police Department and Chief Mike Olson for their incompetence and inability to solve Mary's case. This is not rocket science, and basic Police Procedure 101 could provide the answers. MPD should put away the doughnuts and do some real police work! We have the support of the Marshall community, but we need citizens throughout Calhoun County to come out and walk with us on the 23rd. Meet Mary's mother and father and see these two good people who are only trying to answer one question, "When will we have justice for Mary?"
Jim Carlin

When is someone in law enforcement going to put away the donuts and do some real police work?

Update- August 17,2006- The Marshall Police Department responded on our request to ascertain why Calhoun County Prosecutor John Hallacy refused to issue warrants against Christopher L. Pratt. That agency clearly has a letter or explanation on why our complaints had no merit and we wish to receive it. Other individuals have been charged and convicted under these statutes and we believe the complaints we signed did have merit.
The family, friends and supporters of Mary Lands continue to be disappointed in all the events related to this case. Again, we intend to express our displeasure with the manner in which the Marshall Police Department have conducted their investigation. We will conduct a day-long protest walk near the steps of the Calhoun County Criminal Justice Center at 8:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 23, 2006.
We also plan to protest on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at the Brooks Fountain Circle in Marshall (7:00-9:00 P.M.), which is the rescheduled date for the Marshall Police Department's, Annual Night Out. The original event previously planned for August 2nd was cancelled because of the heat. Please come out to both protest walks and help support the family of Mary Lands.

----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Olson
To: jcarlin@justinianlaw.com
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 4:20 PM
Subject: Complaints against Christopher Pratt
Sir,
I reviewed the email you sent to Deputy Chief Pehrson regarding the disposition of the investigation involving Christopher Pratt. As investigators, my officers collected the facts of your allegations and the documentation regarding the lease. The information was reduced to writing and then a warrant request was sent to Prosecutor Hallacy. After reviewing the information, Prosecutor Hallacy determined it to be a civil matter revolving around the lease of the apartment.
Regarding the formal reply from the Prosecutor that you referred to in your email, that is not the customary manner in which notification is made. In nearly every case that I am aware of, the Prosecutor responds to the investigating agency informing them of his decision regarding the case. The law enforcement agency then makes contact with the complainants and informs them of the decision. As I am sure you know, the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office reviews well over 6000 complaints annually and they simply don't have the resources to individually notify the complainants. That is not to say that Prosecutor Hallacy is not responsive. In fact, I find him to be just the opposite. He has met with Clifford and Anita in the past and continues to be willing to meet with them. He has provided his knowledge, experience, and guidance on this case and I feel fortunate to work with him.
If you have further questions or I can be of further assistance, please contact me.

Michael C. Olson,
Public Safety Director
Marshall Police & Fire
323 West Michigan Avenue
Marshall, MI 49068
Office: 269-781-2596
Fax: 269-781-6414
Email: molson@cityofmarshall.com

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Carlin, Justinian Investigative Services
To: Deputy Chief Brett Pehrson, Marshall Police Department
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 6:37 PM
Subject: Fw: complaints against Christopher Pratt
Deputy Chief Pehrson,
Officer Kelly called me this afternoon and related the decision by Mr. Hallacy not to prosecute Mr. Pratt in our complaints. He read from Mr. Hallacy's letter that this was a civil matter related to the lease. Officer Kelly stated that if I request the information under FOIA I could obtain the decision.
As you may know, I did so with Mr. Pratt's original complaint and had to pay $24.00 for 24 pages of the material.
As the complainants, I feel that Mr. & Mrs. Marshall and myself should receive the formal reply of the prosecutor and his reasons for not going forward.
It would be appreciated if those materials and Mr. Hallacy's decision be sent to each of us as this is something out of the scope of FOIA since we were the victims.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Jim Carlin

The annual "Night Out" Walk for Mary was a great success, but it seems that the Marshall Police can't take the heat

Update- August 2, 2006 Once again the family, friends and supporters walked in peaceful protest for Mary Denise Lands. Despite a request from the Chief of Police that the annual "Night Out" was not appropriate for such a demonstration, it was held with a huge response. It is ironic that the only time the police chief shows up at the Marshall home is to dissuade the family from some public awareness efforts for their daughter. If that agency had spent as much time working on the investigation in 2004 the case would have been solved by now. It appears that the chief of police is trying to also play the part of a politician, however he fails miserably in both jobs. The good people of Marshall stopped and once again offered support and hundreds honked their horns for Mary during the 3-hour walk in front of the Marshall Police Department. We are asking that the case be turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and that a grand jury be convened to bring the person/s responsible to justice for Mary's disappearance.As usual our group was friendly, dignified and lawful respecting the rights of all. We believe that "Night Out Against Crime" was an outstanding opportunity to continue the public awareness efforts in Mary's case. Many of the residents who stopped asked about why "Night Out" events were not being held? A dispatcher later told a resident that it had been cancelled because of the weather. The function was to be held under trees at the Circle Fountain but evidently the police department could not handle the heat. We all had a pleasant evening and the heat was not a problem. Why is that agency so keen on not wanting their residents to view a legitimate demonstration on behalf of Mary Lands? What are they trying to hide? Why don't they want to solve the crimes involving Mary's disappearance and murder. We are only asking that the mishandled criminal investigation be turned over to an agency having the ability, resources and desire to prosecute Mary's case. Annual "Night Out" has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 5, 2006 and we will be back. There are also other events for the late Summer and Fall in Marshall where we will continue to walk with our signs that ask the question, When will we have justice for Mary?