Some thoughts about Teleka

It has now been two weeks since I had the privilege of attending the "Celebration of Life" for Dr. Teleka C. Patrick in Orlando, Florida. It was indeed a moving and profound service, and especially notable because as a Catholic I had never been to a Seventh-day Adventist funeral in the past. However, even including the many veteran funerals I that have attended as a district, and now zone commander of the American Legion, it was an inspiring experience. Although each of the veteran funerals are similar, I always leave with a heavy heart, and each of these services have special meaning. The folding of the American flag by military personnel that is presented to  a family member is the highlight of that greatly honored ceremony. Near the completion of Teleka's service a similar protocol was followed with a cloth drapery that displayed her now famous doctoral picture. It was folded and presented to the Patrick family just as the American flag is presented at a veterans burial.

I had the privilege of speaking to the people in attendance, and those who viewed the ceremony as it was streamed across the globe to friends and family of Dr. Patrick. I was a tad uncomfortable because the others speakers were esteemed university presidents and clergy of the Seventh-day Adventist Conference, however the family was grateful for me to be present, and I was honored to attend, and be considered part of their family.

Many people came up to me and said we cannot give up on our quest to find justice for Teleka. I have assured the family that after listening to her celebration of life, the video presentation, the vehement comments by siblings and  pastors, that we will not give up. Kalamazoo County police officials may consider this case closed, but I will guarantee you all that it is far from closed!

Groups across the country are still asking questions and offering information and support. Just a few days ago I had a lengthy conversation with a lovely lady who went to school with Teleka. I will continue to ask for help, and will examine any piece of information that could have relevance. There is an old saying in police work that I have followed throughout my life; You don't know what to look for until you find it, and you won't find it until you look." I'm in this for the long run for Irene and Matthias Patrick, and we, working as a team, will never give up.

One of the reasons that continues to inspire me is something that was found among Teleka's  journal entries; My image of God is rich. He is a loving, merciful, accepting , and benevolent Father. He loves me so much. That's why he takes care of me every day. He is also a high and exalted God who should be worshipped--just because He is God. She also said; "Thanks God, that I belong to You. J There are lots of words to say and I don't know which ones will make your day--but I'm just a little kid--a little girl--a little squirt--a little tot--in awe of You, Lord. Love Ya! J xoxo

I can tell you all one thing. Something caused Teleka to be distressed on December 5, 2013 and she did not run to kill herself or get off the grid. She was in deep fear and we will find out the true circumstances of what happened that night. To the person/s responsible for this tragedy, "you can run, but you can't hide."

If anyone wishes to contact me about Teleka's case, please feel free to do so.

Jim Carlin

Justinian Investigative Services

Battle Creek, Michigan

269.753.1181- Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Law Enforcement Looks into New Developments on Murder of Mary Denise Lands

WWMT- Channel 3 News Video Link, April 23, 2014

FOX17, News Video Link, April 23, 2014

Full 9 minute- You Tube Link related to the jewelry recovered in the home that Chris Pratt occupied before going to jail in June 2007.

On You Tube there are approximately 15 videos related to the Mary Lands Investigation, Search:  Mary Denise Lands or JustinianInvest

CALHOUN COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - New developments in a high-profile cold case in Calhoun County.

39-year-old Mary Lands was last seen in her Marshall apartment ten years ago. Lands was legally declared dead in 2011. However, her loved ones and investigators haven't given up hope that justice will be served. Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert tells Newschannel3, right now the case is being reviewed by a fresh set of eyes, and investigators are following up on new leads. The prosecutor, as well as detectives are extremely tight-lipped right now, but the prosecutor says he doesn't need a body to prove in court someone killed Mary Lands. Gilbert says he's actively looking for enough circumstantial evidence to prove Mary Lands was murdered and who did it. Her former fiancé, Chris Pratt has never been charged, but private investigator Jim Carlin believes Pratt knows what happened. Pratt was sentenced to prison in 2008 for assault and unlawful imprisonment involving a different woman. Carlin tells us the night Pratt was arrested, his battered girlfriend invited Carlin into the home she and Pratt shared and showed him a room she says Pratt told her never to go into. "She said that he said this was his trophy room and everything in it was his and this was a box that he said often, don't go near this box," said Carlin. Carlin took the box to Mary's mother, Anita Marshall for identification in 2007. Carlin taped the meeting and posted it to YouTube a year later. "Ok Anita, you can take a look at that stuff..." "This is hers, I know its hers," said Marshall. "The watch?" said Carlin. "Yeah, I bought it for her...this is hers because we got this at Kmart and I helped her pick it out, this is hers, this is her engagement ring, yup it's all hers," said Marshall. Carlin tells us he alerted Marshall Police and believes this is just one layer of circumstantial evidence the prosecutor can use to solve the mystery of Mary Lands' disappearance. "The ball is in Mr. Gilbert's court and I think he wants to solve this case. I think what you say, when is enough circumstantial enough? I think it's going to happen," said Carlin. We're told there is a $60,000 reward available for information leading to an arrest.

If you have information that can help solve this case, please contact myself or any of the following;
Chief Jim Schwartz, Marshall Police Department- 269.781.3431, Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.966.6980, or Michigan State Police, 5th District, Paw Paw- 269.657.6081. You can remain anonymous.  Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
269.753.1181
269.274.6334
Email-  JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

New developments arise in Calhoun Co. cold case

The Patrick Family Speaks Out

WWMT Channel 3 News, Kalamazoo, Michigan 04/14/2014

The Teleka Patrick Story Continues...

Orlando Sentinel, April 14, 2014

Independent 2nd Autopsy Requested by Patrick Family

Exclusive News Feature, FOX17, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Channel 3 News, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Channel 3 News, Kalamazoo, Michigan "Speaks to Teleka's Parents

Body Found Confirmed to be Dr. Teleka Patrick

Today, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department confirmed to us through finger-print identification that the body recovered on April 5, 2014 from Lake Charles in Porter, Indiana is that of Dr. Teleka Patrick. The Sheriff has scheduled a press conference for this morning, April 9, 2014 to discuss the case. The family has released this statement about the identification;

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Over the past several months, you have gotten to know Teleka Cassandra Patrick.  You’ve gotten to know her how we knew her and you’ve seen her bright and caring smile.  She was beautiful, intelligent, and God-fearing.  You’ve prayed for Teleka, cried for Teleka, and worked to find Teleka and we thank you.  We thank you for walking this difficult journey with our family.  

Teleka’s death is not the ending we had hoped for, however, the journey does not end here.  As we mourn Teleka, we must also honor her; honor the life she led, honor her kind spirit and honor her devotion to God and others.  Teleka had a passion and zest for life and no matter the circumstances that led up to her death, we are certain that she would not have taken her own life.  Many questions remain, but what is certain is that we will love her forever and her legacy will continue to live on in the love we show to others.   

Thank you for your prayers.  Please respect our privacy in this difficult time.

The Patrick Family

 

Jim Carlin

Justinian Investigative Services

Battle Creek, Michigan

269.753.1181

269.274.6334 (cell)

Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Unidentified Body Found in Lake Charles, in Porter, Indiana

WOODTV8 News, Grand Rapids, Michigan

WWMT, Channel 3 Kalamazoo

FOX17 News, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Timeline Stories of Case)

WLS-TV, Chicago

WFTV, Channel 9, Orlando

Body Recovered in Lake Charles, Porter, Indiana

I'd like to pass this information along from the family to all who have been following the tragic story of Teleka Patrick, and the developments of the last few hours;

Our family was informed that a body was found that may be our daughter Teleka Patrick. We are waiting for official confirmation from the Kalamazoo Sheriff’s Department and have no comment at this time. Thank you for your continued prayers-we ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.

Four Months Today, The Search for Dr. Teleka Patrick Continues

 
WWMT-Channel 3, Kalamazoo, Michigan- News Feature

FOX17- Grand Rapids, Michigan- News Feature

An Open Letter Asking for Help from the Seventh-day Adventist Leadership for Dr. Teleka Patrick

April 3, 2014
President Ted N.C. Wilson
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring Maryland 20904
United States of America

Re: Dr. Teleka Patrick- Missing Person from Kalamazoo, Michigan

Dear President Wilson:

I am a professional investigator in Michigan and working for the family of Dr. Teleka Patrick who disappeared from the Kalamazoo, Michigan area on December 5, 2013. Her vehicle was found along the westbound shoulder of Interstate 94 in Porter, Indiana. I won't go into all the details here because the story has captured the interest of the public across the globe, and a name search for myself or Dr. Patrick will allow you to view the specifics of this case.

On Saturday, April 5, 2014 Dr. Patrick will have been missing for 4 months and this tragedy has taken a toll on her parents and family. Teleka and others in her family are very devout and spiritual people, and Dr. Patrick herself worked her way up through your church steps, and vehemently quoted God and Scripture to all the people she met in her life. Her studies at Loma Linda University in California were not only in the area of medicine, but theology. She truly is a wonderful, gifted, good person.

My purpose in writing to you is to ask for the prayers of everyone in your church to help bring Teleka home. I understand that previously the family has asked for assistance from your worldwide congregation, but they have received no response. Although I am a Roman Catholic by faith, and an altar boy during my early years in parochial school, I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, For the last five years I have continued my enrollment at Liberty for an advanced degree in the area of counseling. I truly have been inspired by the Word of God in my curriculum, and it has made me a better person and a better student.

In January after taking on this investigation, I asked for prayers from Liberty University and one of the officials there knew about Dr. Patrick's case. Within 24 hours a massive email was sent out to students and alumni requesting that people pray for Teleka's safe return. That gesture truly comforted the entire Patrick family, its friends and supporters.

Ten years ago I donated my services to another family of a missing woman, Mary Denise Lands, in Marshall, Michigan. I stated I would never again take on a missing persons case, because they are so difficult for all concerned. When I met Teleka's parent's, Irene and Matthias Patrick, I was so overwhelmed by their spirituality, faith, and hope, that I had to accept this unique case. I was personally inspired by Mrs. Patrick's comment that they do not question why God permitted this to happen to their daughter and family, but with just as much devotion and unshakeable faith they know that the Lord will bring Teleka home. It was a very powerful statement, and it documents how strong their devotion to God is, even under the worst of circumstances.

I often quote Scripture in my research papers, and I find comfort in one particular verse about faith and hope, which I know the Patrick family also trusts; "What is faith? It is the confident assurance  that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." (Hebrews 11:1) New Living Translation.

President Wilson, I hope you will send a message of hope to the Patrick family, the student and alumni body at Loma Linda, and ask for those in all of your congregations to pray for Teleka' safe return. I know the power of prayer, and it can help to bring her home.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Carlin, M.A., MFT

Justinian Investigative Services

cc: Matthias and Irene Patrick

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department Conducts New Search for Dr. Teleka Patrick

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department just advised us that they conducted an extensive search in the area of Porter, Indiana in their continued efforts to learn the whereabouts of Dr. Teleka Patrick. The search with 40 members failed to locate any sign of the missing doctor. This follows up my own search of that area that included 21 hours in the last two weeks. The family was informed of the search by law enforcement after the fact because the police wished to have privacy for their search plan. This now excludes the possibility of Dr. Patrick being in that area and will permit law enforcement to focus on other alternatives. On Saturday, April 5th, Teleka will have been missing for four months. If you have any information on this case, please contact me at 269.753.1181 and/or call D/Sgt. Bill Sparrow of the Kalamazoo Sheriff's Department- 269.385.6123.
Jim Carlin     
Justinian Investigative Services 

Food for Thought- An Open Letter to Marvin Sapp, by Eddie Allen- 03/29/2014

An open letter to gospel artist Marvin Sapp (and “shepherds” everywhere)

 

                                              Dear Pastor Sapp:

 

            An unkempt stranger once walked into a Toledo, Ohio sanctuary, behaving erratically. When the pastor asked church members to rise, the man stood at attention in soldier-like fashion. At another point, the graying visitor gave a military salute. Without interrupting the service, without even speaking a word, the pastor, Kevin Bedford, caught the man’s attention and beckoned to him while an on-duty police deputy kept close watch.

A retired naval chaplain, Bedford guided the visitor through an exit, calmly asking if the man had ever been enlisted. He quickly learned that, yes, the man was a veteran who suffered from related emotional problems, but had fallen on hard times and been without medication for months. Not much later, the sheriff’s deputy re-appeared, interested in the pastor’s safety. The minister shared what he’d learned with the officer, immediately asking the deputy to help solicit resources for the visitor, who didn’t know what to do for his troubles – but knew he wanted to be in a church.
Pastor Sapp, I don’t know your ex-congregation member Dr. Teleka Patrick, who went missing last year, or her family. But, like that suffering veteran, she deserved spiritual support. “The Bible makes it clear that, even the ‘wilderness’ – the prostitutes, the mentally ill – needs a voice,” says Bedford, now pastor of Aurora, Ill.’s Progressive Baptist Church. “Kicking them out is the equivalent of closing the blinds on the hungry and shutting the door on the beggar.”
Many of us have read the protection order that was issued to secure your family, and we’ve seen the letter banning Dr. Patrick from Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids, Mich. We’ve heard that you were – perhaps reasonably – concerned that Dr. Patrick crossed boundaries into your private life, Pastor Sapp.
What we’ve not seen or heard is any sign that you fed this lamb in your flock with the bread of compassion. Not only have all media been denied interviews since Dr. Patrick’s December disappearance, but private investigator Jim Carlin says that neither you, nor your staff, will speak even to him as he works to locate your excommunicated member; in fact, he tells me that Dr. Patrick’s family hasn’t even been contacted for an offer of prayer. Conversely, Mr. Carlin, a Catholic who had never heard Dr. Patrick's name before he was contacted to help find her, took the initiative of submitting a prayer request that resulted in a chain of e-mails stretching around the world, solely because he recognized the need. If a self-described "Irish cop" can show love toward a stranger, why doesn't her former pastor?
"At the end of the day have to ask ourselves why we gather on Sundays," says Bedford, the minister. "Do we gather to be entertained, or do we gather to learn from Christ's example in our daily lives?"
Pastor Sapp, I can appreciate that you’ve already spoken to police, according to reports, and you owe me no personal explanation – but refusing to make yourself and every potential source of information from the church available to those interested in Dr. Patrick’s safety comes across as cold and disturbing.
Christ said, “What you did to the least of these, you also did to me,” and a 30-year-old woman who vanishes from loved ones and a prestigious job one dark, frightening night on a highway ranks among “the least.” It’s not too late to set a more Christ-like example, Pastor Sapp.
Your silence is speaking more loudly than all of your concert performances combined.

EDDIE B. ALLEN JR. is a published author, award-winning reporter and freelance journalist.  Both of his major non-fiction works explore the lives of well-known Detroiters: His forthcoming book is a ghostwriting collaboration with the family of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, and he is independently producing his first biography, Low Road: The Life and Legacy of Donald Goines (St. Martin’s Press), as a feature film.

 

Mary Denise Lands 10th Anniversary Memorial Vigil a Success even in a snow storm

Clifford & Anita Marshall and I deeply appreciate the support in our community, and to Craig Kempf and his staff who permitted us to hold our event in the chapel of the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home in Marshall . We truly believe that 2014 is the year we will bring Mary home, and the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder will be held accountable in a court of law.
Thank you to the dedicated members of law enforcement who continue to promote public awareness about this case and the issue of domestic violence in out community.

News Link- FOX17 Grand Rapids, Michigan March 12, 2014

News Link-WWMT, Channel 3 Kalamazoo, Michigan- March 12, 2014

News Link- WZZM13, Grand Rapids, Michigan March 12, 2014

News Link- WWMT, Channel 3 Kalamazoo, Michigan March 12, 2014

News Link- WOODTV8, Grand Rapids, Michigan- March 12, 2014

News Link- Battle Creek Enquirer- March 12, 2014

If you have information that can help solve this case, please call any of the following;
Chief Jim Schwartz, MPD- 269.781.3431, Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.966.6980, or Michigan State Police, 5th District- 269.657.6081. You can remain anonymous. Please join us on March 12th and show your continued support for the Marshall family.

Jim Carlin

Justinian Investigative Services
269.753.1181
269.274.6334
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Mary Denise Lands, 10th Anniversary Memorial Vigil, Wednesday, March 12, 2014- 10:00 A.M.

 March 12, 2014 will mark the 10th anniversary in the disappearance of Mary Denise Lands. For each of these events the family have conducted our vigils at the Brooks Memorial Fountain in Marshall, however this year because of the severe winter weather it will be held indoors. Craig Kempf has offered the use of a chapel at his facility, and we greatly appreciate his wonderful gesture. As we have done in all these events we plan to again promote public awareness about Mary's disappearance, and ask the public to help law enforcement solve this case.

The Memorial Vigil will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 in the chapel of the Craig Kempf Funeral Home, 723 Old U.S 27 N, in Marshall, Michigan. We expect numerous law enforcement officers from the community to attend including Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert, Sheriff Matt Saxton, Undersheriff Tim Hurtt, Marshall Chief Jim Schwartz, Emmett Township Public Safety Director Mike Olson, and others. Mary was a battered woman, a tragic victim of domestic violence, and as we have done in the past, we have invited Jennifer Fopma, and representatives of S.A.F.E. Place Shelter to the vigil. We also have the honor of the presence of Pastor Melany Chalker, of the Marshall United Methodist Church, who will provide an introductory prayer for the family, and our community. This church provided comfort to the family last year with their prayers and words about faith and hope. Today, Mary has been missing for 9 years, 11 months, and 27 days. If she were alive she would be 50 years old on September 3, 2014. 

There is a person in our community who can provide that one crucial tip that will help the team of investigators solve this case. We have never lost hope, and we believe that this will be the year that Mary will be brought home, and the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder will be held accountable in a court of law. It has been difficult for some to attend Mary's vigil's in the past because of the weather, however, with this indoor event  we ask all our supporters to please attend and support Cliff & Anita Marshall.
If you have information that can help solve this case, please call any of the following; Chief Jim Schwartz, MPD- 269.781.3431, Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office- 269.966.6980, or Michigan State Police, 5th District- 269.657.6081. You can remain anonymous. Please join us on March 12th and show your continued support for the Marshall family.

Jim Carlin

Justinian Investigative Services
269.753.1181
269.274.6334 (Cell)
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

More on Dr. Teleka Patrick, Missing from Westbound I-94, Mile Marker #23 in Porter, Indiana

WXYZ-TV, Channel 7, Detroit, Michigan- News Feature

3 months later, the "Disappearance of Dr. Teleka Patrick"

WWMT, Channel 3 News, Kalamazoo, Michigan March 5, 2014

Today, Teleka Patrick Missing 3 Months- An Open Letter to Pastor Marvin Sapp

An interested person who has been following the story submitted this letter to me, and the Patrick family. He gave permission to publish it in any forum that might help Find Teleka.
 

Open letter to Marvin Sapp (and “shepherds” everywhere)

 

By Eddie B. Allen Jr.

 
Dear Pastor Sapp:

 

An unkempt stranger walked into a Toledo, Ohio church, behaving erratically. When the pastor asked members to rise, the man stood at soldier-like attention. At another point, the graying visitor gave a military salute. Without interrupting service, the pastor caught the man’s attention, beckoning to him. A retired naval chaplain, the minister led his guest through an exit, quickly learning that the visitor was a veteran who suffered from emotional problems and had been without medication for months. Not much later, the pastor, Kevin Bedford, began seeking resources for this stranger who didn’t know how to handle his troubles – but knew he wanted to be in a church.

I’ve never met your former congregation member, the missing Dr. Teleka Patrick or her family, but, like the veteran, she deserved spiritual support.The Bible makes it clear that, even the ‘wilderness’ – the prostitutes, the mentally ill – needs a voice,” says Rev. Bedford, now pastor of Aurora, Ill.’s Progressive Baptist Church. “Kicking them out is the equivalent of closing blinds on the hungry and shutting the door on the beggar.”
We’ve read the protection order and the letter excommunicating Dr. Patrick from Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids. We’ve heard that you were, perhaps reasonably, concerned that she crossed boundaries into your private life. What we’ve not read or heard is any sign that you fed this lamb in your flock with the bread of compassion.
Not only are all media denied interviews since the doctor’s Dec. 5 disappearance, but private investigator Jim Carlin says that you and your staff refuse to talk even with him as he works to find her; Carlin says that Dr. Patrick’s family hasn’t even been contacted for an offer of prayer.
Well, Christ warned: “What you did to the least of these, you also did to me.” A 30-year-old woman who, one lonely night on a highway, vanishes from loved ones and a prestigious job, certainly ranks among “the least.”
Please set a righteous example, Pastor Sapp.
Silence can speak volumes.                       
Eddie B. Allen Jr. is an author and filmmaker in Detroit.

Dr. Teleka Patrick, nearly 3 months missing

WOODTV8 News Feature, February 25, 2014

Find Teleka Patrick

Today, Dr. Teleka Patrick has been missing 36 days from Kalamazoo, Michigan. If you have any knowledge of this case that started at the Radisson Hotel, 100 West Michigan Avenue on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at approximately 8:00 P.M. please immediately call law enforcement. A few hours later her vehicle was found abandoned along westbound I-94 near mile marker 23 in the vicinity of Porter, Indiana.
Fox 17 News Feature-Interview (Part 1)
Fox 17 News Feature-Interview (Part 2)
Fox 17 News Feature-Interview (Part 3)
Fox 17 News Feature-Interview (Part 4)
Please contact myself, or Investigator Bill Sparrow of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department- 269.383.8748
Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
Battle Creek, Michigan
269.753.1181
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net

Find Teleka Patrick

Today, marks 30 days since Dr. Teleka Patrick was last seen in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This link is provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation- FBI Missing Person Flyer

Disappearance of Teleka Patrick, Kalamazoo, Michigan December 5, 2013

WWMT-Channel3 News Feature- January 3, 2014
Detroit Free Press News Feature- January 4, 2014
Inside Edition- January 5, 2013
Cliff & Anita Marshall occasionally permit Mary's web site to focus on various missing women in Michigan. We recently learned of the strange case of Teleka Patrick who disappeared from Kalamazoo, Michigan on December 5, 2013. Recently I was contacted by the family who were seeking assistance in locating their daughter, and after meeting the parent's today, I agreed to help. Justinian Investigative Service will be focused on determining the whereabouts of Teleka so that she may be returned home. There has been much speculation and with widespread stories about what may have caused Teleka to disappear? Please keep an open mind with the actual fact that a lovely intelligent woman is missing. We ask that individuals with credible information please contact myself, or Detective Bill Sparrow of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department- 269.383.8748.
Jim Carlin
Justinian Investigative Services
Battle Creek, Michigan
Tel- 269.753.1181
Cell- 269.274.6334
Email- JustinianLaw@sbcglobal.net