Journalist, Radio Talk Show Host, Politicians, and other notable figures in the overall landscape of Dover, Delawares’s political framework have danced around the notion that race hate crimes may have been occurring in their town, as if Dover represents the marque and standard for socialism, and race relations in our country. The cases of possible lynchings that recently have been reported in the news and social media raises suspicion that officials are attempting to cover up a reemergence of the state’s racist past. Most discussions about lynchings of black people are normally centered around the southern states of our nation where lynchings were the order of the day. Many of these cases were never prosecuted, and the cases that actually made it to a court room were subsequently threw out for lack of sufficient evidence or the defendants were found not guilty by white only juries. The criminal justice system blatantly overlooked horrific crimes of murder when mobs of whites took to the streets in a rage of vigilantism to met out street justice towards blacks accused of heinous crimes during that era. In modern times the system and policy of law enforcement remains the same as blood thirsty savages responsible for the deaths of countless blacks. Although the outright acts of injustices aren’t present today, a new tactic has been instituted in the form of police, government, and official misconduct by way of corruption. In modern society the reports and findings of police, who are nothing more than stewards of an unjust criminal justice system, are considered to be true in a court of law.  Unfortunately, the people are powerless in this regard as the manipulation, altering, and falsification of official reports continue to filter through many courts and criminal proceedings throughout the land. Police and constables of state jurisdiction have an enormous degree of influence in determining the fate of persons having to face American courts charge with a crime. The manner in which police investigate and report alleged crimes formulates a horrific reality where blacks are constantly involved in a justice system designed to control and emasculate ethnic groups of color. Statistics of American prisons depicts the best argument that blacks and other races of color dominate the jail, and prison populations around this country. The violence that now exist within many urban communities in America may be the direct result of blacks continued involvement in the criminal justice system, but the alarming rate in which blacks and other minorities are being incarcerated at an extremely disproportionate fashion compared to whites reveals that the planned destruction of our race hasn’t changed. The purpose of my article is certainly not to promote further racial divide or rehash the dreadful brutality of humanity, but rather to continue the discussion on race relations in America, and to expose how much really hasn’t changed for blacks living on these shores in the 21st century. I might warm you that the following story is graphic, detailed, and creates a critical argument whether the mindsets of whites living in modern times differentiates from that of there ancestors.

The Lynching of George F. White

The only lynching to occur in Delaware happened in Wilmington in 1903. Normally when you think of lynching you think of hanging but the definition of the word is an illegal execution carried out by a mob, often by hanging, but also by burning at the stake or shooting. The term lynching probably derived from the name Charles Lynch (1736-96), a justice of the peace who administered rough justice in Virginia. But none of those fine nuances probably went thru George F. White’s head the night he was roped and bounded and thrown into a fire to burn to death. Seventeen-year-old Helen S. Bishop (a white woman) was robbed, raped, and had her throat cut by someone. Helen Bishop was the daughter of Rev. Dr. Elwell and Clara Bishop. On June 15th, 1903 the police arrested George F. White an ex-convict and a Black man for the assault. On June 16th Helen Bishop died of her injuries, the coroner’s return of a death report put the cause of death as “ Shock Caused By Maltreatment.” George White was moved to the newly built workhouse in Price Corners. The public was inflamed over the girl death and demanded an immediate trial for George White. The Sunday, June 21st, Sermon of the Reverend Robert A. Elwood (Wilmington Olivet Presbyterian Church) was a fiery one in which he showed blood-stained leaves from the site of Helen Bishop’s assault. He called for swift justice. Ellwood had came to Wilmington in 1899 and assumed the pastorate of the Olivet Presbyterian Church. He was known for his sensational methods in delivering sermons etc. at one time he was involved in charges of doing violence to church law but was acquitted on trial by the New Castle Presbytery. Ellwood would say afterwards; “I am very sorry it happened as it did. I believe the man should have had a legal trial, but I also believe that he should have had a speedy trial. The lesson we can learn from last night’s outbreak is that people are tired of the delays of the law.” On June 22nd at 10pm there was an attack by several thousand people on the New Castle County workhouse. This was at a time when Wilmington had about 11,000 people of which 70% was white. The police knew it was coming and reinforced the workhouse staff. They attempted to repel the attackers with water hoses and shooting over their heads. The assault was overwhelming and the mob was able to gain access to the cell area of the building. The sherrif dared anyone to come any closer who they would surely die, but one man in the crowd shouted “well by God let me be the first. The mob began to hammer away at the grill and noticed that it was taking entirely to long to penetrate the steel bars. A few began to use a sludge hammer on the metal strong box that contained the switches for the bars and jail cells. A sudden surge from the mob broke through the steel and the mob proceeded down the hall to the cells. White was identified as the man wanted for the woman’s killing, and after an hour or so his cell was opened. He was sieged by the mob, who began to beat and kick him. A voice yelled out “don’t beat him, burn him alive” (In the mob was 15 year old Peter Smith. He was hit in the back with a bullet and died on June 24th from the wound. He was the son of Michael and Fannie Smith). They tied him up and took him back to the scene where Helen Bishop was killed. He gave a confession that he cut the throat of Helen Bishop. He was tied to a stake and a fire was started. He broke loose at least once when the fire had burnt the ropes on his legs and he was caught, beat, and thrown back in the fire. It was over with by 2 AM. The fire could be seen from the porch of Helen Bishop’s parents. The next day thousands of people visited the scene of the lynching. Some sifted through the ashes for relics ranging from bones to a foot to pieces of burnt wood. The coroner visited the scene and picked up the largest parts which was a small portion of the trunk and a couple of charred bones. Most people involved started the excuse process the day after the lynching; Judges said they couldn’t have done a speedy trial. The Police said they couldn’t stop several thousand people from breaking into the work house. Everyone said the leaders of the Lynching were from out of state (men women and children had travel from as far away as Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan to take part in the lynching), not us. In general, Delaware said it was an unfortunate circumstance. The mother of Helen Bishop, Clara, would die due to the shock of the event within the next couple of years. Read the entire Newyork Times article on the George F. White lynching in Wilmington Delaware from it’s June 23, 1903 publication with the attached pdf file:

1903 lynching

The Newyork times article from 1903 depicts the barbaric nature of American culture by whites at a period in our nation’s history where the law couldn’t or refused to correct criminal behavior of the masses when public lynchings occurred. The 1903 article also reports that there were in access of 5,000 people in the mob the night George F. white was murdered, far too many people for a town Sheriff office to handle in those days, and many of the thousands of lynching cases that would occur all over the country would be meted out in a similar fashion. There is also a distinct parallel in the 1903 incident and the alleged attempted lynching of Henry Fordham, the possible lynchings of Charles Conley, and Johnny Clark. Law enforcement officials in 1903 initially failed to take any actions until local clergy denounced the mob justice, and the case made national news headlines. The perception was that George F. White deserved to die anyway for his crimes. That perception toward blacks remain in the mindsets of many whites within law enforcement until this day. The morning that Henry Fordham reported his race hate attack, cops responsible for reporting the crime apparently knew him, and decided based on their on prior interaction, and negative perception of him caused them to determine that he should have been hanged also. The police concluded that his story wasn’t true solely because he was a black man with a criminal history. Society at large can not be fooled by the shinanigins of corrupt and racist public officials, because race hate still exist in the American public, and apparently there remains people who love the sight of “Strange Fruit” swinging from trees in Dover, Delaware just like their ancestors.             by Howard

To Be Continued —

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

Sources:

Delmarva Dustpan

New York Times

There are growing discussions nationally that race relations in America has now become unstable with the reelection of Barack Obama as the sitting President of the United States. The public has been thrust into public debate over the Trayvon Martin killing earlier this year, and there have been other incidents which a growing number of people have also began discussing. One of the most intriguing things that I find in such discourse is exactly how differently opinions are formed by various ethnic groups regarding matters of race. The infamous O.J. Simpson trial, and the recorded beating of Rodney King are perfect examples how people align themselves and their perspectives in matters of public debate. Perhaps my evaluation is centered around my observation of a constant trend, whereby some whites (not all) tend to readily accept findings by police, government, and other authorities as being completely credible on face value when incidents arise pertaining to blacks and people of color who become embroiled in adverse positions within the system. In contrast, people of color by default readily challenge, question, and typically are suspicious of authority pertaining to official findings related to matters of race, unlike their white counterparts.  Some would venture to say that whites inherently condemn blacks out of learned behavior since blacks are historically cast in an inferior standing within society. That’s too broad of a conclusion and an unfair sweeping indictment of the entire white race. When such perspectives toward any ethnic group are resolved and accepted as a standard (like many stereotypes of ethnic groups), the very indifference that continues to hinder progress toward tolerance of diversity continues to fuel such racial divide. Therefore, efforts must be made by all ethnicities to help bridge the gap between social development in this country. A great launching point would be the utilization of basic common sense, which brings me to my primary argument. My research and investigation of the alleged lynching incidents in Dover, Delaware has revealed positions from the white community that exemplifies much of what I have described previously in this article. Blog articles and post comments contained in them, readily dispute any notion that such race hate could even exist in their town, while aligning their position with local authorities whom have worked diligently to put down any perspective that even infers that a lynching actually occurred in Dover. Some of the facts that have already been made to the public are very telling, and many of these details were not discovered by Dover police. When comments and positions derive from the white community that are contrasting to logic and basic common sense while clearly sufficient evidence disputes such a position, many people of color question the competency of such thought, and others default to declaring whites as a whole inherently racist. Whites also tend to have a perception of blacks of their own, and conclude blacks are either incompetent or lack critical thinking & analysis abilities.  An objective aim position toward both perceptions would be fair depicting these positions as inaccurate at best. So, much of the diversity that I have observed related to public race related topics hinges on each group’s cultural exposure to government, law enforcement, and the system in general. Many whites more than likely have not had any adverse encounters with the injustices of the law. However, the black community has known since the onset of policing that injustices exist, and as a standard blacks are taught within many sub-cultural settings that the law (police in particular) are not to be trusted, and rightfully so in many instances. This reminds me of the O.J. Simpson trial when L.A. Police Officer Mark Furham testified that he had not used the word “nigger” in over 20 years. When the defense counsel during that trial presented a tape interview of Furman he was doing for a Movie Director using the racist term in every other word, shock waves were sent around the country as the white community appeared stunned as if they had no idea that police are capable of blatantly lying while testifying in a court of law. As a former law enforcement officer, I bear witness that not only do cops lie, but it’s a very prevalent aspect of police culture. My knowledge related to this issue provides advance insight in cases such as the alleged Dover lynching incidents. One of the best tools useful in fact-finding cases such as this one, is that an established record usually exist. When Dover police Chief J. Hosfelt told those in attendance at a city council meeting that the Ford family had reported Henry Fordham as an irrational person in the rear of their yard, the Chief probably accepted the reports of the responding officers on face value. Meanwhile, Community Activist Doug Beatty was able to discover that the Chief’s remarks were grossly inaccurate after interviewing the Ford family himself in person. One Blog article that I read stated that most people who were “stirring up claims of lynchings’ were people with histories of grievances. Really now? I don’t know Doug Beatty, but his personal investigation into the lynching allegations is one of the sole reasons the cases have gained public attention, but I am intelligent enough to comprehend that the Blogger’s comment was a cowardice and subtle slight toward Delaware State History Professor Jahi Issa, and more than likely originated from a racist posture.  Additionally, Beatty was able to obtain statements from potential witnesses who not only corroborate Henry Fordham’s claim of a racial attack, but also exposed Dover’s weak investigation. For instance”

1. Henry Fordham was suffering from multiple puncture wounds the morning Dover police interviewed him. Fact!

2. Dover police never took any pictures of his injuries ( a standard procedure in most real police departments) Fact!

3. The Ford couple were awaken to desperate screams for help, and found Henry Fordham staggering and bleeding in their back yard. Fact!

4. Responding cops at the Fordham complaint knew him from previous arrest, and failed to either contact a supervisor or have another officer unfamiliar with him conduct the interview to remove any doubt of a potential conflict of interest. Fact!

5. Doug Beatty was able to locate witnesses who say the men Fordham identified as his attackers had confessed to killing Johnny Clark (who was found in Silver Lake Park hanging from a tree) to more than one person. Fact!

6. Doug Beatty also obtained a statement from Johnny Clark’s brother who can place the exact same two men in the Fordham attack allegation, as the last people he saw with his brother the day he was found hanging from a tree in the park. Fact!

7. Racist leaflets were discovered around town depicting racist symbols, other rhetoric spewing hate, and established a potential social instability within the community.

8. The record establishes that the location of Charles Conley’s death, Johnny Clark’s death, and the alleged attack of Henry Fordham were in the same part of town. Fact!

The later of these facts should have been enough on it’s face for Dover police to start some kind of serious investigation into why black men were being found swinging from trees in a public park in their town. Instead they continue to strongly defend their findings, and expect the community and city government to accept  such nonsense. Therefore, when I see comments and blog articles by citizens aligning themselves with inept public officials instead of using basic common sense, demanding answers from the government to resolve horrible cases such is this, it reverts any effort by society at large to come together in the face of tragedy, back into the realms of racial division. Moreover, other ethnic groups are equally liable when authorities fail the public in their neglect of duty. Their silence, considering the history of lynchings in this country toward black people creates opportunity for official misconduct, and breeds a platform for people to present dialogue which adversely impact communities of color. Given these facts, any person within any ethnic group who can’t conclude that something is going on related to hangings in Dover, Delaware are either racist or simply not competent at all. We should all want to discover the facts in these cases so there is no longer any discussion regarding “Strange Fruit” hanging from trees in Dover.

To Be Continued —

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

Now that allegations of modern-day lynchings in Dover, Delaware have began to gain steam within the public’s eye, it’s clear that the death of Charles Conley in October 2010, Johnny Clark May 2012, and the alleged attempted lynching of Henry Fordham September 2012 which were all within extremely close proximity of Silver Lake Park in Dover are suspicious to say the very least. Conley, a Wesley College Freshman and football standout had only been in Dover for 7 weeks before Edison New Jersey police notified his parents that their son had died due to an apparent suicide. Two years later, Clark a local Barber who had prior brushes with Dover police was also discovered hanging from a tree in the same area of town. His death was ruled a suicide as well, and started chatter among locals of how much of a coincidence in which the manner , location, and police conclusion on how the pair died paralleled.

Perhaps a much broader scenario wasn’t realized until residence living near the park telephoned 911 to report a distressed Henry Fordham in the rear of their home during the early morning hours of September 21, 2012. Fordham was also known to Dover cops. His account coupled with that of the home owners who called police, substantiates that Fordham was injured while bleeding profusely, in some kind of trouble, and apparently was the voice of the person calling for assistance that had awaken the couple. The Fords say they awoke to what appeared to be some kind of altercation, calls for help, and was loud enough to raise serious concern which prompted them to get out of bed and turn on their flood lights. It was learned that Fordham had been abducted by two white males who actually lived on the his same street. Fordham says the men forced him inside a pickup truck at gun point, drove to nearby Silver Lake Park, and attacked him. The men initially attempted to drown Fordham. He says that the men were calling one another by first names and the larger of the two men had him in a full nelson wrestling hold, while the smaller man began to strike him with various objects.

According to Fordham, he fought back, and the men became frustrated because of their inability to completely subdue him. Fordham also alleges that he was stabbed multiple times in the back of the head, neck, and one puncture wound penetrated the side of his face and entered his mouth. He would later show these wounds on camera verifying that he suffered multiple puncture wounds in and about the areas of his head that he described. Fordham said at one point the smaller man even attempted to castrate him. He says the man had actually opened his pants and tried to cut off his penis, but the object being used wasn’t sharp enough. While he continued to wrestle on the grown with the larger attacker, the other continued to go back and forth to the truck retrieving objects to strike him with. Unsuccessful in subduing Fordham, the man took off Fordham’s belt and wrapped it around his neck stating, “let’s hang this fucking nigger”. Fortunately, Fordham was able to break free and flee to the backyard of a neighboring home where he was later interviewed by Dover police. Henry Fordham’s account of the events that day can be viewed in his own words in the videos below:

Dover police refused to pursue Fordham’s claims of escaping a near lynching attack, laughed at him, and even inferred that his injuries were obtained from illegal activity that he may have been engaged in. Fordham didn’t stop there, as he continued to show up at police headquarters on multiple occasions in an attempt to file a formal complaint regarding the attack. His pleas fell upon death hears and prompted him to notify the Delaware Attorney General’s office. Fordham claims that he was literally put out of the building with threats of being arrested. It wasn’t until much later  that War on the Horizon, a local political candidate name Doug Beatty, and Delaware State University History Professor Dr. Jahi Issa would bring the matter under more intense public scrutiny. Although people within the community had slowly began to realize that the black men who were found hanging in trees in Dover may have actually been lynched, there were other strange activities occurring in town as well. In November of 2011 leaflets which cotained racist images and rhetoric were being floated around town. Some of the material reached the campus of Delaware State University. See image below:

Dr Jahi Issa, a DSU professor supervised a student protest on campus and was subsequently arrested for allegations of disorderly conduct and assault on school law enforcement officials. Although it’s clear from video captured by students participating in the protest, Dr. Issa’s charges appear to be a scapegoat tactic orchestrated by the University’s administration. In fact the video shows that campus security chief Downs and a campus police officer appear to be the aggressors in the altercation that occurred before Dr. Issa was placed under arrest. Mr. Downs sworn statement that Dr. Issa struck him in the chest with a forearm is a complete fabrication of the truth. Clearly the video depicts Dr. Issa with his back to campus security, seeming to pull his arms away from them if anything, and shows how the allegation of striking anyone with a forearm is in fact completely absurd. It just didn’t happen. See video below:

However, the video shows even more of the scene at the protest which was quite a spectacle on campus. The loud noise and obvious agitation of the students were an extremely hostile environment, yet Dr. Issa was the only person taken into police custody and charged with a crime. I am certain that most will conclude that the school authorities crafted a well scripted plan to arrest Dr. Issa once his involvement in the student protest was learned by Del State Administrators. Dr. Issa has since been quoted in other articles of having said his presence was “only in support of the students.” The University later fired him from the institution (attempts to get more details from Dr. Issa on that aspect of this article has been unsuccessful). I’ll touch on the Del State Administration angle of this story in future articles. Later on Dr. Issa and another local political activist attended a meet and greet function of with political candidates for a local public office in attendance.

Political Activist Doug Beatty describes in his Blog http://troubleindover.blogspot.com, how Dr. Issa and local resident Eshed Alston made him aware of the Fordham attempted lynching incident and solicited his help. Doug Beatty is a white political candidate for the 34th district and  came through on his promise to assist in obtaining the facts about Fordham’s allegations of escaping a lynching. Beatty, Dr. Issa, and Mr. Alston confronted Dover’s town council about the alleged lynching incidents that span nearly a two year period in the city. Dover police Chief J. Hosfelt down played the assertion that anyone had been lynched in Dover, and strongly defended investigative findings that both the Conley youth, and Johnny Clark had in fact committed suicide. Chief Hosfelt went on to convey that Henry Fordham’s allegations of an attempted lynching was thoroughly investigated but police had poked holes in his story, and the alleged incident had been found unsubstantiated.

Police said they first communicated with Fordham at 6 a.m. Sept. 21 because a resident reported he was in her backyard acting irrational. Fordham’s initial report was that he was kidnapped from the halfway house he lives in on North New Street, according to Hosfelt. He said two white men forced entry into his house at 15 N. New Street and removed him at gunpoint and drove him down to Silver Lake to try to drown him. “When we got there, his clothes were dry and the New Street homeowner rebutted claims about anyone invading her home,” Hosfelt said. ‘Then, he changed his story to he was walking his dog when two white men drove up in a pickup truck and forcibly took him at gun point.” After having obtained an official statement from police on record, Beatty beat the streets and tracked down the residents whom had called 911 for Fordham during the early morning of Sept. 21. The residents who live there completely contradicted Chief Hosfelt’s assertion that they had called police to report a man acting irrationally in their yard.

In fact Mr. & Mrs. Ford poked holes in the Chief’s statement. Beatty confirmed that sounds of and altercation and someone yelling for help is what awoke them, corroborating Fordham’s allegations, and cast serious doubt on whether Fordham had actually made conflicting statements to police as Chief Hosfelt alleged. Also, Mrs. Ford said Fordham wasn’t acting irrational considering his injuries and further proving that he had been in some sort of physical altercation. Moreover, Beatty also discovered further details regarding the Fordham lynching attack. In Henry Fordham’s video interview with WOH he states that the attackers admitted to him they had killed Johnny Clark. Beatty reported that Fordham was not the only person that the men allegedly confess the alleged Clark killing to. Beatty says he also discovered that the two men are known by first name, their vehicle information, and address are also known. Beatty further stated that several residents living on their block have reported that the men vacated their apartment the exact same day that Fordham was stabbed in the head. These elements of the Fordham incident is very alarming considering that Chief Hosfelt claimed a thorough investigation was conducted. 

Furthermore, Beatty revealed that Johnny Clark’s brother stated that the last two people he saw with his brother on the day that he died was in fact the same two men that Fordham alleges attempted to lynch him in Silver Lake Park. It’s completely explosive that an investigation was conducted with what appear to be vital information of a potential murder and attempted murder case floating around, and Dover police were unable to obtain that information to aid their investigation into Fordham’s attempted lynching claim. Either Chief Hosfelt has been briefed with extremely poor information related to the Fordham case or he was simply outright lying about a supposed investigation. I am convinced based on the information that has been obtained in all of these cases that Dover police may be involved in these lynchings or their poor police work, while supposedly investigating these incidents is directly related to racism in some form. It has already been established that Johnny Clark and Henry Fordham had prior run ins with the law, but because they are known from prior arrest doesn’t void police responsibility to pursue, follow-up, and investigate serious crimes reported to them by citizens within the community with prior arrest themselves. 

Neither of these two men’s criminal history are relevant if they were in fact victims of a crime, and it’s improper for cops to pass judgement solely because they are known from prior arrest incidents. There also happens to be a variety of perspectives on why Dover authorities failed to pursue the lynching allegations from Fordham, and resulted in community activist confronted town council members. Dover has revived a once stagnant economy with a booming tourist attraction for it’s gaming industry at Dover Downs. Other commercialization has developed in the community as well, affording the town a lucrative financial base, and a positive image regarding the city’s crime rate is  imperative toward continued success with merchants in a well developed and growing business district. The location of the alleged lynching incidents are just a stone throw away from the heart of the city’s financial pulse. The city of Dover along with it’s commerce base, and area Colleges and University could potentially suffer a significant economic regression if a stigma is created that the town is unsafe for tourism, and for families who want to send their kids there to get an education.

The political landscape of Dover may very well have had a valid reason to protect the town’s image, but it’s simply an immoral premise for failing to properly investigate allegations of serious crime. Considering Henry Fordham’s claim that he also attempted to obtain assistance from the Delaware Attorney General’s Office substantiated to be true, and he was in fact put out of the building after establishing to state officials he wanted to report the alleged attempted lynching attack, coupled with the realization of Beau Biden being the Vice President of the United States son, fuels another perspective that state officials also wanted to suppress the lynching allegations to preempt any adverse publicity that would negatively impact the Obama Administration Presidential reelection bid. This perspective has merit because publicity of this nature would most certainly have been catastrophic in the voter decision making process during general elections related to controversy over race hate in Vice President Joe Biden’s home state. Whether citizens develop an alliance with either of these perspectives, the fact remains that Dover police has lost tremendous credibility regarding the manner in which it’s top cop expressed how his agency investigated the alleged lynchings in the city. Details related to the Fordham incident juxtaposed to two other deaths from hangings, justifies a public perception that the cases were poorly investigated if at all, and covered up by Dover police. Here are a few factors which supports this public perception:

1.  The police ruled suicide hanging of Wesley College student Charles Conley was suspicious from the very start. The young man’s parents say Dover police showed them a trash can their son had allegedly stood on to hang himself in the rear of a building on campus. Conley’s mom said her son weighed over 200 pounds, was over 6 feet tall, and the can couldn’t have possibly supported a person his size. The Edison, New Jersey football standout had only been in Delaware for 7 weeks when his death occurred. Dover police simply accepted his death as a suicide despite the youth having no apparent reason to want to harm himself.

2. When cops found Johnny Clark hanging from a tree in Dover’s Silver Lake Park his death was also declared a suicide, but relatives say Dover police didn’t investigate his case thoroughly. Clark was known to city police from prior arrest, but had become stable by cleaning up is act while working as a local barber. Those closes to him also say he had no reason to want to harm himself.

3. Although the deaths of Charles Conley and Johnny Clark were nearly to years apart, the close proximity of their deaths, and the manner in which they died has always bothered many within the Dover community. Dover police has always supported their findings that the men committed suicide without establishing any creditable circumstances involving the men that would support such findings, and the proximity of their deaths obviously never became a factor in their determination of how the men died.

4. Dover police determined that Henry Fordham’s claim of escaping from an attempted lynching wasn’t substantiated despite having found the man with contusions, multiple puncture wounds, and bleeding profusely on the morning of Sept.21, 2012. Fordham also had a criminal past with Dover police and probably  was a huge factor in their apathetic handling of his claims. When primary officers arrived at the scene that day they inferred Fordham’s injuries probably were the direct result of some illegal activity that he had been engaged in. Dover police Chief James Hosfelt stated during a town council meeting that the 911 caller had reported  Fordham as a man acting irrational in the rear of their home, and officers had poked holes in his story. These admitted claims by Dover’s top police brass demonstrates Fordham wasn’t taken seriously and that cops sought to discredit his account from the gate.

5. The residents who lived adjacent to Silver Lake Park and had called 911 for a distressed Fordham, refuted Dover Police Chief claim that they reported Fordham as acting irrational. The couple reported that cries of help and sounds of an altercation is what awoke them. They also say that Fordham wasn’t acting irrational considering his condition, and further supports the fact that he had suffered serious injury. Images of Fordham injuries below:

Ligature marks that Henry Fordham says he suffered when two white men attempted to castrate him and hang him in an attempted lynching at Silver Lake Park in Dover, Delaware.

An apparent stab wound that Fordham says penetrated the side of his face and went all the way inside of his mouth.

A serious puncture wound Fordham suffered in the attack.

6. Suspicious details related to Johnny Clark’s death and Henry Fordham’s attempted lynching allegations were never mentioned by Dover police and completely dispels the notion that a serious investigation of any kind was actually conducted in the cases. Clark’s brother told Doug Beatty that the last two people he saw with his brother on the day he was found dead, were the exact same two men that Fordham alleges attacked him. Also, the first name, vehicle information, and address of the men are known. The men reportedly vacated the apartment they lived at on the exact same day Fordham was attacked. It’s simply incredible that none of this crucial information was able to help Dover police substantiate Fordham’s claim, and cast doubt on their conclusion that Johnny Clark had actually committed suicide.

7. Police harassment of Clark’s family members, Fordham, and his family by Dover police after the alleged attempted lynching was reported cast even further suspicion on the motives of Dover police related to these suspicious cases.

Lastly, there is sufficient evidence that allegations of possible lynchings in the city of Dover were not met with legitimate investigatory efforts by Dover police to determine whether race crimes were in fact occurring. An independent investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice is warranted on the grounds that at the very least, Henry Fordham’s Civil Rights were violated when he was refused help from the State Attorney General’s Office, and the inconsistencies related to the manner in which Dover police investigated these cases, supports the public perception that wrongdoing by authorities in Delaware may have occurred. A Federal investigation must now transpire in these cases of Dover Delaware’s Strange Fruit.

To Be Continued —

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

In the Fall of 1984 my dad and uncle dropped me off on the campus of Delaware State (In those days the school had not reached University acclaim and was known as DSC) with a partial music scholarship in hand where I would pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism. I became well vested in the social, political, and demographic climate of this seemingly one horse town. As an ambitious 18-year-old college kid during those days I probably was completely immune to the heart of most disparities pertaining to race relations in a small city that had nothing but solace to offer a rambunctious city kid who hailed just a stone’s throw away from the volatile and mean streets of East Baltimore. My best recollection of Dover frames memories of a slow town sternly oppose to change of any kind toward their complacent culture, but I also recall a class structure that cast people of color in a lower realm of the city’s power and social status. In short, Dover was like most American towns during that era. However, I never experienced outright racism during the five years I lived there. That’s why the recent reports of modern-day lynchings that have allegedly occurred in Dover this year stirs a deeply rooted concern for how the culture of Dover has transcended over the years. Upon my arrival to Dover I brought insight from stories my parents had shared with me about small rural towns. Mom and Dad were both raised in families with strong roots in the deep south of this country. In fact they were also teens during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, and their war stories about lynchings and the killings of blacks were all to familiar. I honestly believe that my parents would have never allowed me to attend Del State if they had any doubt that I could be in harm’s way while attending college in the corn fields of Delaware. Now a generation later with many of my college day peers with kids attending school in Delaware, we must have this discussion regarding race relationships, and the existence of a potential threat of violence at the hands of racist lurking in the shadows while seeking their demise. The following story was not widely broadcast in local media and according to witnesses, the Dover Police Department, City Council, and the Delaware Attorney General’s office have not only failed but refuse to launch an investigation related to these cases of alleged lynchings solely on the premise that both cases were found to be unsubstantiated by Dover Police. My personal investigation into this story has rendered some alarming facts, and I now probe a harsh reality, and ponder whether black kids are safe while attending school in Dover.

It’s common knowledge to most that are astute regarding American History that lynchings were simply the way racist whites conducted business during the period of slavery in this country, and post Emancipation Proclamation periods. A man of color could be lynched solely on mere allegation that a negro had gotten beside themselves toward any white person. The stories of Emmit Till, the Scottsboro Boys, and others are good reads for those who are not knowledgeable of crimes that were carried out by mobs of white people who took to the streets and hanged a black man or woman, and resulting in no form of  justice from the criminal justice system in many of these towns. The practice of hanging black people was so widespread that it was a celebration of sorts, with whites traveling for miles to take part in the killing of a “nigger”. Those of us among the African-American Community who have been educated on these atrocities refer to a black person swinging from a tree in the American South as “strange fruit”. In the spring of 2010 a young Wesley College student name Charles Conley was found dead hanging from a tree near Dover’s Silver Lake Park. The youth had his own belt tied around his neck as he dangled from a tree. Dover Police concluded that Conley had in fact committed suicide despite outcries from most who knew him, while arguing that Charles Conley was a well spirited young man with a bright future and no apparent reason to want to kill himself. The Conley death though strange, sudden, and without clarity was accepted as a suicide. His mother has always held that her son’s death was suspicious. On May 12, 2012 a black man name Johnny Clark was also found hanging from a tree, with his own belt wrapped around his neck, but this time the hanging was actually located inside Dover’s Silver Lake Park. Dover Police also ruled Clark’s death a suicide hanging as well. Clark’s death like the Conley youth sparked concerned that something suspicious may possibly be going on as chatter about two black men hanging themselves in Dover began to gain momentum within the community. Moreover, on September 21, 2012 a man named Henry J. Fordham actually escaped an attempted lynching. Fordham claims he was abducted by two white males at gunpoint and taken to Dover’s Silver Lake where the men initially tried to drown him. Fordham fought back. He was struck by several objects, stabbed several times, and one of the men took his belt off of him and tried to strangle him. Fordham also said he heard one of the men say “let’s hang this nigger”. Realizing his life was on the line, yelling out for help the entire time, Fordham fought back  feverishly,  and was able to escape from the men. He ran across  the park with the men in pursuit driving their pickup truck and dove into the yard of home adjacent to the park. Fordham said the men then took off and left the scene. Fordham in obvious distress was encountered by one of the home owners of that property who called 911. Dover Police arrived and interviewed Fordham. Although he was bleeding profusely from the attack by two men, Dover P.D. didn’t believe his story. Fordham says that they thought his account of almost having been lynched was a joke, and laughed at him. Fordham said Dover P.D. refused to take an official police report regarding the matter. When he didn’t receive any assistance from local police, Fordham went to the state of Delaware’s Attorney General office, and was denied any assistance from that state agency as well. Fordham’s story along with Johnny Clark’s hanging has raised concern within the Dover black community. An organization entitled War ON the Horizon (WOH) has since taken up the cause of these alleged lynchings in Dover. WOH has beat the streets capturing live video from people within the community to get the facts regarding what happened. educators and political Activist within the Dover community have also come forward requesting that an official investigation be conducted into the alleged lynchings. In a sidebar to this story, racist leaflets were found scatterde around downtown Dover with the depiction of a black man hanging from a tree next to a swastika stating, “cleaning up the streets one nigger at a time”. Some of the leaflets made it onto the campus of Delaware State University and alarmed many blacks within the student body. Dr. Jahi Issa, Phd a member of the DSU faculty in the History Department had actually caught wind of the leaflets in early February of 2012. Dr. Issa did extensive American History research on the south. Issa was also known for his lectures on lynchings during class instructions. When the racist literature spread among the DSU students Issa led a student demonstration on campus, and was subsequently arrested for assault. The alleged assault was captured on student’s cellphones and drastically contradicts what DSU’s Security Chief alleges occurred. Chief Downs testified that he identified himself, touched Dr. Issa’s shoulder in a ‘calming fashion’ and that Dr. Issa said “fuck you” and hit him in the chest with a forearm blow. The below video clearly demonstrates that Downs’ account is nothing more than complete fabrication:

Dr. Issa was later fired from Delaware State University and his case has drawn even more interest in this story. Political Activist Doug Beatty (a white man) was questioned by participants of a forum which highlighted candidates running for a local political office. Beatty was unaware of the alleged lynchings the night of the forum, but has since taken a proactive stance towards getting to the facts regarding what happened in both of the alleged lynching cases. In late October Beatty was among a Small group that asks Dover City Council to conduct investigation into alleged lynchings. When the group present the Council with their concerns, Dover’s police chief refuted the allegations calling them “unsubstantiated”, but “unfortunate”. The chief went on to cite inconsistencies in the alleged attempted lynching account by Henry Fordham. According to Dover P.D. Fordham changed his story on several occasions and said that the home owners whose yard Fordham had fled to described him as acting irrational on the morning that police interviewed him after his alleged attack. Beatty decided to join the efforts of WOH and began to beat the streets as well, and tracked down what appears to be the only people who could corroborate Fordham’s story of  being attacked. Beatty tracked down Mr. & Mrs. Ford (whose full names I will not give for obvious reasons) both refute the official claim that a resident reported “a man acting irrational” in their yard. According to Mr. Ford and the resident, sounds of an altercation, yelling and screaming awoke them and prompted them to turn on a floodlight. Both parties agree that Mr. Fordham fell to the ground yelling for help, and was not at all irrational considering his injuries. Mr. Beatty also uncovered other very disturbing facts related to this case. Apparently, the men who attempted to lynch Henry Fordham are known, and have admitted to killing Johnny Clark. Additionally, both Fordham and Clark had a history with Dover P.D. from prior encounters. You can read Doug Beatty’s complete objective and thorough investigation into these alleged lynchings on Blogspot.com: “Delaware’s Strange Fruit”. I’ll have more on this developing story.

To Be Continued —

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

Jordan Russell Davis was riding in the back seat of an SUV with his friends with the music blaring while engaging in nothing else other than what teen kids do. When the SUV pulled into a convenience store parking lot a Volkswagon Jetta pulled along side them. Apparently aggravated by the loud music coming from the teens vehicle, David Dunn who was driving with his girl friend that day, made a complaint about the loud music, and requested that the youth turn the volume down. Authorities say a  verbal dispute between Davis and Dunn ensued resulting in Dunn firing 8-9 shots inside the vehicle driven by the youth, and killing 17-year-old Davis. None of the other 3 youth inside the SUV were harmed. Dunn allegedly fled the scene along with his girlfriend. CNN reports that Dunn didn’t realize the Davis teen had died until he viewed a news clip about the shooting the following morning. Dunn then reportedly returned to his hometown of Satellite Beach, Florida. Dunn was reportedly in Jacksonville for his son’s wedding. Now media has been reporting that Dunn will use the “stand your ground” defense in the Jacksonville youth slaying. This is the same law and defense that George Zimmerman is attempting to use after killing Trayvon Martin earlier this year. Dunn’s attorney alleges that the youth shouted explicits, overheard someone state, “kill that motherf***er”, and saw the barrel of a shotgun emerge from a rear window of the SUV the teens were in. His attorney also told CNN that when all of the facts in this case are known that it will show that Dunn acted responsibly as a legal gun owner, and conducted himself in a fashion that any reasonable person would have in this incident. Those comments are simply incredible when considering some of the basic facts already released to the public. Dunn can’t possibly claim “self-defense”, because there isn’t any evidence that he was actually even threatened by any of the youth in that vehicle. Police reports indicate that no weapon was even found inside the SUV the teens were driving. Dunn’s attorney fired back, citing that the youth could have simply discarded the weapon prior to the police arriving on the scene. Although that assertion could be true, it’s simply unbelievable because no witness allege that they even saw any of the youth with a weapon at the scene. If the youth were in fact a gang of bad asses who wanted to kill Dunn as he alleges, it’s incomprehensible that the teens didn’t fire back with the shotgun that Dunn alleges the youth had inside that SUV. Dunn’s attorney also alleges that he fled the scene once his girlfriend returned to his vehicle. This would mean he waited for her and must completely dispel any notion what so ever that he was actually in fear for his safety.  A reasonable person who had an authentic fear for their personal safety would have at the very least moved from close proximity of this incident out of fear that the youth would have retaliated by firing back. This is basic common sense. Dunn waited for his girlfriend to come back to his car instead. In fact when we compare the Davis youth killing to that of the late Trayvon Martin, the shooter (George Zimmerman) actually remained at the scene  until police arrived. Any person with an ounce of intelligence knows that any possibility of creating mitigation for shooting someone, that they have to remain at the scene for no other provocation but to tell cops their side of the story, at the very least. Dunn not only flees the shooting, but he doesn’t call the cops, and even after viewing news reports about the shooting that resulted in the Davis youth death, Dunn still didn’t notify authorities to identify himself as the shooter, and simply returned to his hometown instead. The fact that Dunn’s attorney would even attempt to raise such a defense is insulting to the people of the Jacksonville, Florida community, and demonstrates how the “Stand your ground Law” is making a complete mockery of the State of Florida’s criminal justice system, and allowing people to get away with murder. Moreover, the Davis killing and the Trayvon Martin killing do have similarities. In both of these incidents the shooters were they persons who initiated contact with the shooting victims. Zimmerman singled out Trayvon Martin simply because he had never saw the youth in his community before, while negating the fact that the youth had a legal right to walk along a public street. Dunn became agitated because he didn’t like the loud music coming from the Davis youth vehicle. The teens admit the music was loud, but even if the town had a noise ordinance, Dunn could have called the cops and filed a complaint, and allowed the authorities to handle the situation. I don’t know how effect that approach would have been, because by the time cops arrived for his complaint the youth more than likely would have already left. So, it’s interesting that the incident escalated to the level of a homicide. Dunn should have simply used better judgement by ignoring the teen. I could see if these were people near or around his home which certainly would draw complaints from multiple people regarding loud noise. However, Dunn could simply have moved his vehicle away from the youth and their loud music. He chose to engage a child in a verbal dispute instead of conducting himself as an adult. It’s clear that the verbal exchange got the best of him and he decided that the Davis teen deserved to lose his life and that’s why he shot the kid. Dunn’s claim that the youth wanted to kill him and produced a weapon is simply not credible. The police found no  evidence during their investigation and working of the crime scene to substantiate his claim of self-defense. Dunn fled the scene because he realized his “hot-head” caused him to overreact and had gotten him in a world of trouble. If no one had obtained his vehicle registration information, it’s highly doubtful that Dunn would have ever even made a claim of self-defense in this incident. Moreover, it’s completely disturbing that there are people who exist in our society who believe that their rights surpass those of others. Dunn had no legal authority what so ever, and his complaint about loud music coming from a vehicle full of youth, though ill-advised, was nothing more than a courtesy request. Once he obtained negative feedback from the youth, he should have simply let it go, and moved on. I mean how long had he intended to be at the convenience store? From a more objective prospective, we must realize that Dunn was well aware of the fact that he was in fact armed, and as a gun collector he should have been well versed on all of Florida’s statues related to responsibility while carrying a concealed weapon. Hell, even the cops are trained to make certain there is a valid reason to even draw their weapon. I don’t believe that Dunn saw a weapon of any kind, but rather race played a tremendous roll in his decision to fire his weapon inside the vehicle the youth were in. The “stand your ground” defense has absolutely no merit in this case. It’s simply a case of another black youth falling to gun violence at the hands of a racist person who believes his rights holds more value over people of ethnic groups they deem inferior, and are confident that stigmas associated with these same cultures will protect them in a court of law. Overall, the black community must now take serious precautions and realize that the lives of black youth are being targeted now more than ever. Justice must prevail for Jordan Davis and is family in this horrific case.

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

Sources:

CNN

Examiner.com

When 15-year-old Keiosha Felix left a group home on April 30, 2012 that she was placed in as a ward for the state of Louisiana, the troubled youth was on a weekend pass to visit relatives in Duson, La., and that would be the last time the teen mom would be heard from or seen ever again. Relatives told cops the teen had left their home on that day, but the family had since been in contact with her via telephone calls. One of them even told police that she had overheard Keiosha’s voice talking on the phone. That information led police to classify the teen’s strange disappearance as a runaway case. It wasn’t until 30 days later that Keiosha’s case became more clear after cops found out that the teen had not been in contact with her family, and that the child had previously reported being sexually assaulted by the boy friend of Keiosha’s aunt Patricia Andrus.

It’s unclear how cops were able to obtain information regarding the alleged sexual assault, but if those reports are accurate it’s even more disturbing that child care officials or caregivers of Keiosha would even allow her to visit her aunt’s home where the alleged sexual assault and rape had reportedly occurred. The assault revelations sparked a shift in the Duson Police investigation of the case.  Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew stated that police got a late start on the case “because of the lies that were told by the parties involved.” Further investigations determined that Keiosha had in fact not been in contact with her family as her cousin Portia Felix had previously alleged. The inconsistencies in the family’s story caused lead investigator Lt. Gerald Credeur to file charges against four of Keiosha’s relatives.

Leon Wilkerson Jr., 43, was arrested in Zachary, LA in July on warrants of second-degree kidnapping and simple rape. Wilkerson is the boy friend of Keiosha’s aunt Patricia Andrus. When Wilkerson was first taken into custody many from the public raised questions as to whether Wilkerson was in fact the father of Keiosha’s 1-year-old daughter. It’s also uncertain if the teen’s caregivers from the state even pursued paternity of the juvenile’s child. However, others were subsequently charged related to the sexual assault allegations. West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Ronald Wilkerson, 40, and charged him with kidnapping. He’s the brother of Leon Wilkerson, 43 who was arrested about two weeks prior related to the Felix teen disappearance. When the younger Wilkerson was taken into custody he stated, “I don’t know her (Keiosha Felix)” and that “I am caught up in my brother’s mess” .

Duson police also arrested the teen’s aunt Patricia Andrus and chargde her with improper supervision of a minor, and accessory to rape. Charges against the teen’s aunt stem from statements she allegedly made during initial interviews with police. Her arrest affidavit alleges Andrus lied about her boyfriend, Leon Wilkerson, being accused of raping Keiosha. When Lt. Credeur asked her again, “Andrus started crying.” The document alleges Keiosha told her aunt there was some inappropriate sexual contact. When asked if Wilkerson raped Keiosha, “Ms. Andrus continued to cry and would not answer.” Andrus also allegedly told investigators that she was unaware of any rape but that her boyfriend may have “played with her privates”, and then said she didn’t report the alleged rape to police nor the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services, because Wilkerson told her it wasn’t true, “so she left it alone.”

Portia Felix who was the 4th adult and a cousin to the Felix teen, was also charged in the case. The affidavit states that on July 25, Duson police questioned Portia several times, asking her why she lied and made police believe family had been in contact with Keiosha. “Portia stated she don’t know why she did it.” According to the document, Lt. Gerald Credeur accuses Portia of lying to police during several interviews. The affidavit confirms police initially considered Keiosha a runaway and not a missing person since family claimed to be in touch with her. The inconsistencies in the stories of those who were around the teen on the day she disappeared led to the arrest, but the case took another strange twist. The lead Investigator Gerald Credeur came under fire from the Duson police department.

Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew announced that Assistant Chief Lt. Gerald Credeur had been removed from the Keiosha Felix case because of substandard performance. He would not elaborate on specific reasons. The department also said it had began conducting their own internal investigation. But Felix’s family says, they want Creduer back on the case. Felix’s aunt Lena Lewis says the family is shocked and upset. They say they were happy with the way Credeur was handling the case. “He put his heart and soul in this case and was doing everything he could to find Keiosha.” The family also pointed out the fact that Credeur had discovered inconsistencies in the stories of the adults who were around the teen when she disappeared. Lewis says Credeur would often call the family, sometimes in the middle of the night, to update them. She says the family trusted him. “If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We wouldn’t have any answers,” said Celie Batiste.

Lewis’ sister Celie Batiste says she went to see Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew after she heard Credeur would no longer be working the case. “I asked him to please give me answers, but he told me “hell no,” said Batiste. “The Chief of Police never called us with concerns or anything. All the information we received was from Mr. Credeur,” added Lewis. We stopped by the Duson Police Department to get some answers, but no one was there. Lewis is now worried, that without Credeur the case will be put on the back burner. She hopes whoever takes over the case will remember what the focus is (to find Keiosha). On Tuesday, September 4, 2012, Police Chief Frank Andrew strangely began referring all questions to legal counsel for the town of Duson, the Andrus & Andrus Lawfirm (notice the name of the law firm Andrus & Andrus just happens to be the same as Patricia Andrus who was also charged in connection to the Felix teen disappearance).

Attorney Brad Andrus had no comment, pending the ongoing investigation. “We’re not going to stop until we get answers. No matter what the situation is, we just want her home,” added Lewis. Twelve days after Chief Andrew removed it’s lead investigator on 9/11/2012 from the Felix teen disappearance case, Lt. Credeur was suspended without pay, and charged with violating the constitutional rights of at least two individuals who were arrested in connection with Felix teen disappearance. Credeur is accused of conducting illegal searches and seizures, providing false testimony and making at least two unlawful arrests. Duson Chief of Police Frank Andrew made the recommendation for suspension before the town’s council. two days later on 9/13/2012 all charges were dropped against Leon Wilkerson for the rape and kidnapping allegations. Many observers site the fact that Felix who was the alleged victim in the case, and continues to be missing. It’s just too difficult to bring such charges without statements from the victim.

Charges against the other three adults related to the case had already been dropped at the direction of Chief Andrew. The case was transferred to the Lafayette, Louisiana Sherrif’s Office. The change of venue was more than likely do to a conflict of interest once it was learned that Duson Chief of police Frank Andrew was in fact related to the Felix teen’s aunt Patricia Andrus. The discovery was made during Credeurs termination hearing when Chief Andrew called for Credeur’s arrest citing that Credeur had left him in the dark on the Felix investigation. Andrew said, “He would brief me on some things, but then I’d find out that some of those things were not true.” Credeurs attorney who represented Credeur at the termination hearing fired back. Joslyn Alex presented the town’s council with text messages, which apparently show frequent communication between Credeur and Andrew. In the alleged text messages from August 13, 2012, Lt. Credeur wrote Chief Andrew with apparent doubts about the case.

Credeur: “Chief I’m done…they been trying to get something on us.”

Andrew: “No, it’s cool… You winning!”
The text contradicts Andrew’s claims that Credeur had left him out of the loop on the Felix case. Chief Andrew also allegedly disclosed he is related to Keiosha Felix. Writing on August 17th:

Andrew: “Missing girl grandma is my 1st cousin, her great grandma is my daddy’s sister.”

Credeur: “Damn y’all close…Have your family come in for an interview…lmao. And I don’t like your cousin Patricia.”

Andrew: “Guess I’m a suspect too, huh…”

Credeur: “Yea just bring the girl back…and tell your cousin in-law leon I don’t like him. Lmao. I’m gonna need your DNA…Lol.”

Andrew: “I’ll get a lil family history today, having a get together in maurice…”

It’s unclear if the Patricia referenced in the above conversation is in fact Patricia Andrus, Keiosha’s aunt, who was charged with accessory to rape and improper supervision of a minor in the 15 year old’s disappearance. In one instance, Credeur also showed his reluctance to deal with the media.

Credeur: “Why the (expletive) is tv 3 still calling me..I’m not answering…you give [all] media details..lol.”

Andrew: “I talk to them..Just got off the [phone], with them.”

Credeur: “Cool thanks…you the man.”

That text exchange doesn’t offer the Duson police department’s top brass in a flattering light, but it does indicate that the two top cops were cordial, at least while discussing the Felix investigation. It’s simply strange that Andrew apparently flip the script on Lt. Credeur, ordering his firing, and opening the door for charges to be dropped against all four of the adults (two of which are his blood relatives) who lied to cops about the troubled teen’s disappearance from the very start. After glancing over some of the above text messages, some council members wanted to delay action on Credeur’s employment status, however a motion to delay failed by a vote of 3-2. Credeur’s termination was approved by that same margin. The Federal Bureau of Investigations have now reportedly gotten involved in the Felix investigation and have offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of the teen mom’s whereabouts. The Lafayette Sherrif office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the man pictured below. He is not a suspect in the case, but authorities believe he may have had contact with the Felix teen. He purchased a device at a local cellular store. That device was used in some communication with Keiosha. Police believe he purchased that device for someone else and want to identify him;

Person of interest in the Keiosha Felix disappearance investigation. The women in the picture is not Keiosha. Cops believe the man may be able to aid in the child’s disappearance case.

Other efforts are also being mad to locate the teen. Ms. Tammy Charles who is unrelated to the Felix teen, just a concerned citizen who has launched a campaign to help locate the child. Ms. Charles has been on Internet Radio Broadcast shows like “Peas In Their Pods” advocating awareness for the teen’s story. Several websites have also emerged bringing awareness to the Felix disappearance at Find Keiosha Now on Facebook , www.findkeioshanow.com, and Youtube Information Video. Anyone with information regarding the tragic and heartbreaking story of young Keiosha Marie Felix is encouraged to utilize the contact information below:

Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office (337) 232-9211
Lafayette Crime Stoppers (337) 232-8477
Federal Bureau of Investigations (337) 233-2164 or (504) 816-3000
Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

Sources:

News One

Peas In Their Pods

3 KATC.com

CNN iReport

It has been nearly a month since pretty 18-year-old Vanessa Malone was gunned down in a Stone Mountain Georgia apartment by gun-toting thugs who the cops say they believe robbed the apartment in search for drugs. Very few details have leaked out about police progress or if they even have a person of interest in the teen’s slaying. As the public’s interest in the case grows, so does the volume of people who say the circumstances surrounding what happened that night just doesn’t add up. Mainly, the fact that the petite 100 pound teen was cowardly shot in the back while others survived the brazen armed robbery continues to be a very suspicious element of the case. Further investigation into the Malone murder case reveals that Travares Bendford and the mysterious alleged 4th victim (“Mercy”) are now both in police custody. Bendford was booked on CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance) and Tampering with evidence charges. Though details are limited in what actually sparked his arrest, rumors have circulated that Benford may have been attempting to discard drugs related to the armed robbery that resulted in the Malone teen’s tragic ending. Those charges also may be the reason local police dubbed the Malone killing as drug related. Also, the mysterious person that Travares Benford and India Smith say was an alleged 4th victim of the armed robbery but fled before police arrival, is also in police custody on handgun charges unrelated to the Malone murder. This perhaps explains his early departure of a homicide crime scene before cops could interview him. Mercy apparently new he was already wanted by the law. Now that we have a little bit of background on two of the three people who were also there the night Malone was killed, we also realize that drugs and violence were a part of the culture at that dwelling. If the apartment was being utilized as a drug stash house which precipitated the armed robbery, it’s highly possible that one of the three survivors know who was responsible for the killing, and quite possible that they just maybe the culprits themselves. None of them have offered a compelling rationalization why a gang of heavily armed thugs would shoot the person who posed the least threat to them while others mysteriously survived. There have been an onslaught of low-lives appearing on the R.I.P. Honey Facebook page crying out for the release of this “Mercy” character while professing is complete innocence in what happened to the Malone youth, but none of them were there that night. Another interesting factor in this case is that cops have been on T.V. asking for the public’s help. This could only mean that the forensics obtained at the crime scene were void of any clues (i.e. no DNA, finger prints, etc.). If these thugs searched through the apartment in the fashion that both Benford and Smith allege, it was a well orchestrated and clean robbery assuming they left no trace behind. However, I am not so sure that it was such a well planned crime. The robbers knew what apartment to hit and their timing was exact, but if the crime was actually meted out that way, I can’t help wondering why no one was alerted to the door of that apartment being broken into. Not only that though, but no one heard Malone’s screams or the alleged gunshots they say occurred. Nobody saw nothing? The robbers knew too much about the apartment and they weren’t in and out like most home invasions. They had time. Enough time that they felt comfortable chasing Malone outside and bringing her back inside. If they had simply tied the Malone youth up as they allegedly did the other occupants of the apartment, they more than likely could have gotten away without any worries from the cops. There is no way Benford nor Smith would make a police report because they were dirty, and had drugs in the house. So, why kill the teen? This particular aspect of this case is what puzzles many. They didn’t have to kill the teen over a crime in which they allowed at least three other people to survive. We can not be fooled by the antics of family, friends, and other supporters of “Mercy”, Benford, and India Smith. They are all love-lives who have committed crimes and are also directly responsible for the tragic and senseless death of Vanessa Malone whether they pulled the trigger or not, because of the negative  culture associated with their apartment. Some of the language that many of these supporters are displaying depicts complete ignorance, reflect ghetto mindsets, and other negative cultures which derive from thug street life. A closer look at the Social Media pages of many of these same people highlights my perspective, showing images of party atmospheres with drugs, alcohol, and with their associates dressed in fashion which emulate violent rap culture. Now that may be a stereo typical generalization of black youth, but it’s indicative of exactly why no credibility can be given to any of these people.  If the local church Minister was crying “free Mercy” it would be more persuasive. Some of these people commenting about Mercy’s non-involvement in Malone’s murder don’t exactly appear to be stand up citizens within our society, and nor does any of the people they proudly show in images of their FB pages appear to be upright characters either. You can tell Mercy, Benford, and Smith are lying because there were drugs in the house, and nobody had a gun to protect the stash. This is completely unheard of in the drug game. So as far as I’m concerned, “Mercy” and Benford can rot in jail until they tell exactly what happened that night. i also find it very suspicious that Smith wasn’t taken into custody. Usually when cops arrive at the scene of a homicide crime where drugs are found at the location, everyone is normally taken into custody, and they can plead their case to a Magistrate. Smith could have set everything up. Let’s face it, if there was actually a robbery, than somebody told these thugs where the drugs were, and that person was from inside of that house. If Malone’s relationship with Benford and Smith was so casual that she could simply walk into the rear of their home unannounced, she more than likely was a trusted friend. Although I am confused as to how she could walk into a rear door of the apartment when they all had allegedly went to bed early that not. Do they always sleep with doors to the place unlocked or ajar? There are simply far too many holes in the story they offered the cops. Another theory is that Malone may have been accused of setting up the robbery since she had such a casual and trusted relationship with Benford and Smith. A robbery may have in fact occurred as the three survivors have alleged, but angered that someone told the robbers that the apartment was a drug stash house, “Mercy”, Benford, and Smith may have blamed the teen and killed her in retaliation. Like many within the public, I am not convinced that police were told everything that happened that night Vanessa Malone was killed, and the cops just may already have the actual culprits in custody. The fact that people are willing to speak out and protect known violent felons and not divulge any information about this case speaks volumes about the true identity of those who call for these people to be released. One poster on the R.I.P. Honey Facebook pages told me to mind my business. His perspective only heightens the obvious, that there are people within the Stone Mountain community who don’t want Malone’s killers found. The story stinks and I would advise everyone to distance themselves from these people who are quick to defend the survivors of this horrific crime. When a female is murdered in the fashion which Vanessa Malone was, it’s everyone’s business, and those responsible should be removed from humanity along with their supporters. #JusticeForHoney

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

The discussion is now centered on how best to bring the tragic killing of Vanessa “Honey” Malone to the National Media spotlight. The killing of the popular Georgia teen is undoubtedly a horrific crime, and the fact that her peers were able to bring her story onto Social Media’s worldwide center stage is nothing short of incredible. Blogs from various social forums are now talking about how cowardly young black men shot the 100 pound 18-year-old in the back while suspiciously others who were there strangely survived. The events of that night when this beautiful young girl lost her life in a hail of gunfire is all too familiar. Nobody knows anything, no one saw anything, and no one is talking. Like the normal script, cops labeled the case drug related and their efforts finding the teen’s killers have been apathetic at best. Many followers are now writing letters, sending emails, and making phone calls to prominent black leaders, radio shows, and T.V. talk shows in a desperate attempt to bring broader media exposure to this senseless killing of a young female. Although the JustForHoney case is continuing to gain attention from all over the world, it’s simply disturbing that none of the so called prominent black figures who advocate social change in this country have chimed in on the teen’s tragic story. My personal calls to the Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network headquarters were met with constant voice recordings advising that the voice mail box was too full to retain further messages. Sharpton who came into national prominence surrounding the Tawana Brawley case, is more well known for his recent public advocacy in the Travon Martin killing. I also sent a communication to the so called Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s Center Mosque in Chicago. I actually did speak with the secretary of an Aid to the Minister. During that dialogue the sister who answered the phone was diligent and asking questions while obtaining information regarding the case and the R.I.P. Honey Facebook page. I also gave a telephone number for Mrs. Flora King Malone to the sister and asked that someone from the Nation of Islam at the very least telephone the grieving mother to offer support as well as spiritual guidance during the Malone family’s darkest hour. Flora Malone tells TPC that no one has even bothered to even put a call out to her. Farrakhan has recently been speaking in black communities where black on black violence is perpetuating. Farrakhan has visited the streets of Chicago, Newark New Jersey, and Harlem New York on a campaign that he alleges is an effort to save black lives. However, Farrakhan’s public speaking during many of these events appear to be nothing more than his normal publicity seeking, and are not void of his usual undertones of race hate and racial divide. Farrakhan is more widely known for his Vintage Race Hate toward white people, and my communication to him was to call him out about his own words. Farrakhan has been advocating that black people should learn to love themselves, his message continues to fall upon death ears from many within the black community who see him for what he really is ( a cowardice racist who hides behind an army of assuming black men eager to make their capacity to hate known to the world). The 127,000 followers of the Malone murder case make up a rainbow of God’s people deriving from various ethnic groups across the planet, and many of whom are the world’s young people. What a pristine opportunity for black leaders all across this country to capture the ears of the world’s youth and advocate love, hope, condone violence of any kind, and more particularly violence against women. The fact that none of them were able to become informed about such a horrible crime without solicitation from the public, is indicative of exactly how out of touch black leaders are with the masses of people whom they profess to represent. However, looking at my perspective from your own personal objectivity, you will find that there is a common denominator that exist in cases like the Malone teen slaying that prohibits action of any kind from these so-called and professed leaders of the black community. Every time any of these public figures are in front of the media there is always some issue related to race, issues pertaining to an injustice toward people of color, and opportunities to spark outrage within an assuming black community where donations, and other financial support is eventually gained. Why are these leaders only present during race related social issues in our country? When was the last time Al Sharpton stood in front of a microphone to denounce black on black violence, violence within the American youth, and violence against women? When was the last time you saw Farrakhan speaking in protest of the very viciousness of violence that blacks impose upon black communities, and did so without pointing figures at the white community alleging that they are directly responsible for black on black violence? Never! The dark-heart and uncompassionate black men who killed Vanessa Malone are in fact savages, and represent a vicious minority within our community that we must collectively rid ourselves of. How dare you advocate injustice toward the masses of black people, but fail to display an equal disdain for extremely violent culture inflicted upon our communities at the hands of many of our very own people. There are countless of murders all over America committed by black youth and none of these so-called leaders have said nothing about this. This is hypocrisy at it’s best. Where are you now when the masses of the people look to you for your guidance, and leadership? In fact where are the ministers who collect tithe from God’s people on Sunday? Where are the black entertainers and musicians whose very prosperity has derived from the masses? Where are all of you now when such a crime has cast down disparity, grief, and suffering upon a people crying out for justice? In fact, where is the NAACP? Where is the Urban League? Where is Minister T.D. Jakes? Where are all of the so-called prominent leaders of the black community? Most importantly, where is President Barack Obama in the wake of the senseless killing of a young female?Flora Malone doesn’t have tens of thousands of dollars to buy your leadership, and her daughters murder is nothing more than another another case file number for the local police investigating her killing. So, if this child’s life is of no significance to those of great influence and political power, then at the very least come forward and stand beside these children whose lives are now shattered because of the tragic ending of one of their peers. The lack of involvement by black leaders in this country is simply pure hypocrisy, and sends a hell of a message to the world’s youth who have mobilized for non-violence and justice. I will continue to support our youth and speak for the masses who lack the capacity to accurately express their plight, while our black leaders selectively chose their involvement in social issues that profit their advocacy.

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

Every Muslim male from adolescence to adulthood are taught that the life of a woman child is the very essence of humanity’s existence and her creed must be protected. You do not see volumes of violence toward muslim women in our country, because there is a very distinct consequence for perpetrators who dare be so bold to inflict violence of any kind upon our sisters. Although many African-American people in our nation transcend from various religious faiths, the message must be clear that violence upon black women can not and will not be tolerated regardless of their religious persuasion. The tragic murder case of Vanessa “Honey” Malone in Stone Mountain, Georgia is perhaps one of the most horrific crimes against a black woman at the hands of black men in recent memory. The killing of a 100 pound, size 1 18-year-old teenage female who was shot in the back by black men, can only be described as pure cowardice, and should rattle the consciousness down to the very core of every black man in America. The Muslim male child is also taught that its innate duty to lead his family, but sadly in this case our brothers have fallen short. Keah Clayton who is the friend of the slain Malone youth has stepped to the plate and single-handedly launched a massive effort to find the killers, while our brothers have stood by silently. Since local men in the Stone Mountain community have failed in this effort, I can only conclude that their deficiencies are directly related to ignorance. I have reached out to the Nation of Islam and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in an effort to obtain some spiritual guidance and direction in the wake of this tragic story. Our young people must learn that black on black crime and violence is nothing more than a planned script by enemies of black people who seek our complete self-destruction. Therefore, my communication to the Nation is as Follows:

The Nation of Islam
The National Center Mosque Maryam
7351 South Stony Island
Chicago, Illinois 60649

Beloved, As Salaam Alaikum and I pray the Blessings of Allah are upon you with his mercy. I am Muslim and would like to bring to your attention a tragic story of black on black violence that has taken the life of one of our beloved sisters. The case is in Stone Mountain, Georgia. On October 23, 2012 a gang of armed men identified as African-American broke into an apartment, tied up the residents, and proceeded to search through the home. Unfortunately, 18-year-old Vanessa Marie Malone entered the apartment while this home invasion was in progress. Startled by the events as she arrived, the young sister attempted to flee and was caught by these men, brought back inside, placed in a closet, and was shot twice in the back. The Malone youth only weighed 100 pounds, and was an incredibly beautiful young sister. The events of this tragic night that was offered by the survivors are sketchy at best, and the efforts of an inept police department have been apathetic in solving this horrific crime. However, one of the Malone youth’s friends Keah Clayton has successfully launched a massive effort to find the teen’s killers. Through her work on the R.I.P. Honey Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/JusticeForHoney). Followers from all over the world have chimed in with support for the Malone family. Over 127,000 followers have since offered support. A Crime Stoppers Reward Fund has also been established to help police find the murderers of this beautiful young sister. The most positive aspect of this horrific case is there are thousands of black youth following this case who are now dissociating themselves from the “stop snitching” street code of silence, and the Justice For Honey Movement is now born. I have followed the Minister Louis Farrakhan since my youth, as recent as the Nations efforts to end black on black violence in the streets of Chicago. The teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches us that we must do for self and not depend of others. I am proud of these youth for the stand that they have taken against black on black violence, and this is a great moment in our time to send a strong message to youth regarding self-destruction of our own people. I beg you to help them. Could you have a representative of the Nation, if not the Minister himself to contact the Malone family with encouragement and support during this dark moment of their family. There articles about this sad case on my Blog (http://www.thepeopleschampiuon.me), and Mrs. Flora King Malone may be contacted at (404)661-0448. I may also be contacted at (203)374-4081. Your assistance and support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

As Salaam Alaikum
Daawood Ibn Abu Aadam
(David B. Adams)

The local police in Stone Mountain are inept. Soliciting help from National News Broadcast have failed so far, and we can no longer stand by idle expecting others to do for our community that we refuse to do for ourselves. this is a tragic crime committed at the hands of some of our own sick brothers. More importantly, black on black youth violence has now reached biblical proportions and we must find leaders among us who are best qualified to educate us all on this sickening epidemic of violence that plague African-American people across this country. I continue to pray for peace.

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

The R.I.P. Honey Facebook Page has drown interest from every corner of our nation from  Southern California, Northern Connecticut,  Texas, Michigan, our southern states, and from all across America. It seems that the pretty popular teen from Stone Mountain, Georgia tragic murder case has began to develop into a national topic on Social Media. Followers are chiming in with condolences and other heartfelt expressions for the slain youth’s  grieving family as the public  continues to look for answers related to who killed the teen.  The story offered by two of the survivors  present the night armed gunman allegedly broke into to  India Smith and Travares Benford’s Georgia apartment  continues to puzzle many, in a brazen armed robbery that resulted in the Malone teen having been the only person murdered.  Since that fateful night Benford has been taken into police custody on charges related to a violation of the State of Georgia’s Controlled Substance Statue, and for Tampering With Evidence. While he sits in a Dekalb County jail cell, many living  near the apartment complex where the teen was killed say that Smith continues with business as usual like the teen was never killed at her home.  Smith reportedly also hasn’t even spoken to the teen’s mom to simply offer condolences regarding the tragic ending of her baby girl.  For most who are closely following this case, Benford and Smith are the primary suspects in the  court of public opinion, and are perceived to know exactly how the teen’s lifeless body ended up on the floor of their apartment riddled with bullets.  Benford & Smith appear to be much older than the Malone youth and many ask what was the connection or affiliation between them. Smith is a model with various images displayed on the Model Mayhem Agency, and may have been attempting to mentor the pretty Malone teen who was also aspiring to become a model. Malone’s friends say that Smith’s association with the teen is the sole reason she was at the apartment, and it’s just disturbing that the youth came to such a tragic ending while visiting her apartment. The quest for justice for Malone has garnered support from everywhere, but the publicity of the teen’s killing isn’t without controversy. A Rap Video published in 2009 has surfaced on Youtube with the Rappers referencing a female named “Honey”. The music video is very creepy with some of the soundtrack talking about killing the “Honey” female. Gunshots are heard after a female is overheard screaming as part of the sound effects, and the main acoustical theme is similar to music you might hear in a Bride of Chuckie horror movie. The video is listed under the name TC Missez – Itz Whateva. It’s unclear who associated the video with the Malone youth, but it’s a horrific song with an extremely Erie resemblance to how Benford & Smith describe Malone’s last moments before the teen was killed.. Smith and Benford both allege that Malone was overheard screaming as gunshots rang out and found the youth murdered after freeing themselves from being tied up. Keah Clayton who founded the R.I.P. Honey Facebook Page posted on the site to dispel rumors that the song was related to the Malone killing, but encourage those who felt the song had merit to contact local investigators covering the Malone murder case. There are others who say that the song was about a former member of the female rap group, and was a publicity stunt to gain attention for their music. However, the sound effects with gunshots and screams while talking about a female named “Honey” is simply too coincidental for many people who have heard the recording, considering how the teen was allegedly killed. Followers say that the Malone youth Social Media pages are very telling, that the teen was aware that something was about to go down. Malone posted “I’m getting out of Stone Mountain”, and allegedly had guns in some of the images on her page stating, “I’m not hiding”. The video itself is violent and feeds a blood thirsty rap culture which permeates much of our younger generation, and it’s simply disgusting that individuals would bring the song to light on the Facebook Page created to find the teen’s killers. It almost appears that someone was after one last slight toward Malone’s family to taunt them about the pretty teen’s murder. Also, a volume of followers have made diligent efforts to tarnish the JusticeForHoney Movement by posting obscenities, profanity, and other innuendo causing disruption on the R.I.P. Honey FB site. There continues to be petty bickering between many followers on how best to get information out to the public about the murder case. Pictures of Benford and Smith have emerged on the site, and some say it’s not right to publicly display the images because the pair could fall to street justice without actually having been involved in the teen’s killing. Some even cite that defamation lawsuits could possibly follow if the pair are proven not to have been involved. It seems that too many people are quick to protect the very people who were there the night Malone was killed, and are in fact the same people who have failed to give cops the information they need to capture the teen’s killers. Much of this discussion is centered around the mystery “Mercy” character who was also an alleged victim of the armed robbery but suspiciously left the scene before the cops arrived that night. It’s unclear whether “Mercy” is a male or female, but that person is clearly the most important element of this case, and that is of course if you believe that such a person even exist. Whether it’s a rap song or people saying that they know what went down that night, all of these factors are important to investigators to sort out the facts and find out who committed this horrible crime, and it should not matter whose feelings are hurt along the way. A little girl died senselessly to violence and everyone of us should be hunting well into the dark of night, and anywhere they may hide until #JusticeForHoney is obtained. This tragic story is rightfully in the spotlight because her life mattered just like all of the youth whose lives are lost tragically and die so young.

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams