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

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

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"

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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"

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"

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!

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

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."