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

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 8, 2011- UPDATE- PRATT DENIED PAROLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jim Carlin, M.A. MFT

Justinian Investigative Services
Battle Creek, Michigan

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

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

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

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