November 7, 2011 – Day 98 of Morgan’s stalking – a very dark day for all of us…

Wylah looking at the front door

Today started out OK – last night was quiet.  The grandchildren slept over and Dave, Steve’s friend, still never answered his phone.  Steve decided to drive into Aspen extra early, and go straight to Dave’s house.  He wanted to check up on him, and deliver the food, since we were unable to last night.  We felt terrible, because we knew Dave never wanted to accept help, but he had just returned from the hospital, and couldn’t really do much of anything for himself.  We were still in disbelief in regards to everything that was happening with the stalker, the sheriff’s dead batteries, and just about everything else.   Morgan was losing hope in the sheriff’s department, and so were we.  We were trying to come up with ideas – then everything turned black.

Steve got to town, and went straight to his friend Dave’s place.  He knocked and knocked…yelled Dave’s name – nothing.  He called their other friend to tell him what was happening – his other friend told him where the key was hidden, and said he was on his way.  Steve opened the door, went inside and found Dave on the couch – he was not moving (Dave had already been dead for quite awhile, but Steve had no way of knowing), Steve called 911 and started CPR.  By the time his other friend arrived, and the EMT’s had gotten there to take over, it seemed like a lifetime to Steve.  He was devastated.  He called me to tell me what had happened, and was so shaken up he couldn’t drive his truck home for hours.  This was our first dark, dark day – we never realized that the darkness would be returning again on December 2nd.

I didn’t read my emails until later in the day – there were 2 emails from Detective Glassmire.  They were both from yesterday, after they left our house.  He said when they stopped at Starbucks in Rifle they saw a Green Ford Fiesta with a female driver.  They jotted down the license (don’t ask me why since it was in Rifle, not Glenwood or Carbondale, and it had a female driver), and it wasn’t registered to Keenan so what was the point?  He mentions they are all doing this to follow up on any sightings of a vehicle they think might be Keenan’s and to let us know this could be the vehicle witnesses have seen near Thunder River Market.  Are you kidding me?  Morgan said whenever she saw his car at the Thunder River intersection she saw Keenan in it, and now I feel like this email is trying to make it sound like it’s not him that she is seeing in the car.  The next email he sends me says an off duty deputy saw one at the Rifle Walmart registered to a couple somewhere else, and mentions these cars are a little more popular than we thought.  I am now thinking, OK – this is a little ridiculous at this point, do you know how far away Rifle is from the Thunder River Intersection?  Am I supposed to feel like they are actually watching out for this car and Keenan, or just trying to make excuses?  At this point I still trust them, but it’s starting to wear a little thin.

Morgan gets a text message from her sister that says, “I wish you could come here soooooo bad!!!  I need help with my shows & I miss you!!”  (She really just wants to get Morgan out of Colorado) Morgan answers, “I miss you!  I just can’t ditch out on Wylah and ballet. :(”  Her sister texts back, “When is ballet over?  Maybe Mom can watch the dog…I need my Morgana!” Morgan writes back, “In December.  I can’t leave Wylah though.  I’d be so sad.”  Her sister writes back, “:( you could Skype with her.”  Morgan says, “Haha I don’t think that would do it unfortunately.” Her sister says, “Fine!”  Morgan says, “I love you!!!”  And her sister says, “I love you!!!”  When I read these texts now I remember Morgan’s older sister calling me on the phone later, and chastising me for not forcing Morgan to go stay with her to get her away from the stalker.  She was starting to panic, she had a really bad feeling (she was very intuitive and always had been), and she was getting upset with me, because she wasn’t getting anywhere trying to convince Morgan to leave.  I explained to her that Morgan was 20 years old, she was a Leo, and very stubborn, and I couldn’t make her do anything.  I explained that I wanted her to leave too – I pleaded with her to go back to visit her Godparents in Hawaii for a while (that was pretty far away), and I would take care of her puppy, but she wouldn’t do it  – she didn’t want the stalker to force her to leave and she was also concerned that if she left, and he followed her then what would she do?

At 8:46 pm Morgan sent me a text to say, “On my way.”  I watched for her to drive up so I could meet her in the driveway as usual.  Morgan spent some time watching TV and knitting.  She was making homemade Christmas presents as usual…here is a picture of the gloves she was making at the time (she looks so worn out, but still her happy self).  She almost finished the present before she was killed.

Morgan’s last knitting project just before she was killed

Click here to read about the 99th day of Morgan’s stalking https://morgansstalking.com/?p=2011

November 6, 2011 – Day 97 of Morgan’s stalking – wasn’t that a long day?

Morgan holding Wylah and typing on her computer

At 5:55 am Morgan texts me and says, “Will you let Wylah out? I’m still traumatized.”

We had already arranged that I would let Wylah out at 6:00 am every morning, which was working fine so far, but it seemed that her clock was just running a little fast. I was already on the way to let her out, and didn’t get the message until later, after I had already let her out. Morgan thanked me from under her covers when I came in, and I told her she was very welcome.

Detective Glassmire was coming over at 11:00 am and before he arrived I wanted to ask Elliott one question, based on developments from the Facebook conversation over the last few days between Keenan and Morgan’s friend.  I waited until a little after eight before asking him if he had any information on Wiley, as I knew very little and he was being accused by Keenan of being the stalker.

Around 11:00 am I received a text from our detective that he was running late on a call between Glenwood and Carbondale and shouldn’t be any later than 12:00 pm. It seemed at the time that our officers were spread so thin at our end of the valley.  I told Steve they were running late.

They had a little “routine” with Rob and Steve, where Steve would pull out our ladder, from our garage, when the detectives came so they could use it to check the cameras, usually he just had it close by, but this time it was already pulled out and set up right at the tree where their camera was.  We were both very excited to see their “face shot” of the walkabout, waiting another hour was going to be excruciating.

Detectives Rob and Megan have pressing matters when they arrive. We talk about interviews that are ongoing and plans for the resolution of this case.  It is all promising and we believe they are trying their best, Rob discussed information about cars first, so we talk about cars.

Rob tells us that one of their officers saw a green car by Thunder River– right where Morgan has reported seeing Keenan multiple times when she is coming home from school. Our Detective Glassmire said he has revised his numbers when he looked up the exact model and color car that I have given him and their are 6 of them between Grand Junction, Vail and Aspen, so it might not be Keenan. I asked what the problem is, because Morgan said she actually saw Keenan driving when she saw the car that was following her.  Steve adds that he has seen Keenan’s car in the Catherine Store parking lot, with another girl driving it, and it has a unique emblem on the back and it is doubtful any of the other 5 would share that same emblem too.  He is quite certain also that it was Keenan’s car.  Rob is uneasy, and for a few moments there is a tension between us that has never been there before.  Morgan repeats that she saw Keenan in the car when she saw the little green car.  Rob says he will check into it.  What is suddenly going on?

I just want to see his cameras, and I suggest we look at the camera to cut the tension, and at long last we go out into the yard.  Normally it is just Rob and Steve, but now we are all there as Rob checks the sheriff’s wildlife camera that is in the direct path of where the prints in the snow were seen. Steve is talking about all the cameras he has bought and returned, because it took so long for that first picture, when Rob curses, which is very uncharacteristic for him.  As we all stand and stare we learn that the batteries are dead, there are no pictures, nothing!  How can that be?

Morgan goes back into the house without a word, I don’t think Rob notices, but I am pretty sure Megan does not miss this. I am angry beyond belief, and pull Steve back toward the house to talk with him, as they take the ladder and go to check the other camera.  The other camera that they have pointed at the camera with the dead batteries – surely that camera must have caught something.  Steve tells me he knows why I am so upset, but he does not.  There is no excuse for this.  A felony stalking case and the one time someone does not just pass by, but intentionally marches right in front of their camera, and the batteries are dead.  I’m losing track at the moment, but I think this is battery problem three, at least. I want to start screaming, but I do not.  This is our daughter’s life we are talking about here – will someone please take responsibility for this stuff!

Then we learn that the batteries in the other camera are also dead, but it has some images, just none that can be used, just someone’s back. It is a bad meeting all the way around and we say goodbye.  Steve tells me we are obviously on our own here.  I say great, now what? Pray for snow, lots of snow? Let Mother Nature stop him, because nobody else seems capable?

Right after the detectives leave, Morgan walks up and tells us to get Keenan’s phone number for her.  She wants to call him and confront him.  She knows that he lives only three houses down the street and we can’t go near him, but she has to do something.  I was about to say no when Steve agrees and tells her he will ask Rob, in fact he will suggest that they are on hand to record the call.  Morgan is alright with this and I am surprised.

Morgan receives a text message from Nate in Australia in response to her message yesterday, “fifteen minutes and I’ll be free. Just let me know.”

At 6:15 pm I send Morgan a text myself, “Dad and I are leaving to go to Aspen to drop off food for Dave (Steve’s friend Dave is laid up, so we want to bring him some food), so we are wondering what your plans are, do you want to go with us or go to a friend’s house and wait till we text you that we are home?” Since Steve’s friend is laid up and not answering his phone we have cooked up some of his favorites to cheer him up and we were leaving.  Morgan answers, “Just let me know when you’re home.” And I tell her, “OK.”

Leesa calls and their heater is on the fritz and she wonders if she can spend the night because she would rather not spend the night in a cold house.  I welcome the chance to see my grandchildren, and offer to pick her up.  We make arrangements and then as soon as I hang up Elliott sends me a text message, “He (Wiley) wasn’t here when this (the stalking) started. Don’t know his last name.” I wrote back to Elliott, “I know Wylie wasn’t living here when the stalking started, but Keenan told one of Morgan’s friends that Wylie moved in when this first started and people should be looking at Wylie. Could you get Keenan’s cell # I think Morgan should call him and say she hopes it’s not him doing this, but if he has any information on how it could be someone else then please share that with me.  What do you think?”

As we are putting the ladder away and Steve is wondering how the sheriff’s department would respond to a crate of batteries at their Christmas party, I tell him I am just looking forward to a quiet night with my favorite, and only grandchildren.

We pick Leesa and the kids up just after dark, and head home.  On the way Leesa thinks she sees someone she knows in a group of 3 or 4 walking up Equestrian way in our subdivision, just before the turn to our house. She wants Steve to stop the truck and he does.

Leesa leans out and starts talking to the small group.  One of them is familiar to me, but it is hard to be sure in the dark.  One answers with her name and Leesa asks her if they have heard anything about the stalker, and a most interesting conversation ensues.  It turns out that three of them know all about it, but after being told to shut up, by one particular girl (Brooke Harris) who seems to think she is in charge, all of a sudden they know nothing.  It also turns out that this girl (Brooke) tells us that she has knowledge of a “Video that exonerates her boyfriend Keenan” and says this is also well known. Nobody in the group tells her to shut up, and she goes on to explain that she has heard all kinds of weird stories about cameras all over the neighborhood, and does not know exactly what to make of it all.

At the end of the conversation we drive away in silence, until Steve says, “Now how did she know that? I didn’t think we had told anyone yet?” But of course she knew – she was the one doing the alibi walk I truly believe.

Today is October 23, 2012 – It is so easy to look back and see something different from what presented itself at that time. That is the last time I heard from Elliott until the morning of December, 2 2011 when Morgan was already no longer with us in this world.  Rob never mentioned any of our encounters with the green car again.  And the neighbors walking up Equestrian Way?  We only shared with Rob and Megan the odd conversation that took place.  And now that I read through the sheriff’s reports, I still have not found any mention of it in the official reports.  Strange, isn’t it all?  You would think this would be an important fact to be written in to the police reports.

And as I go over the final edit we have 12 signatures to go before we reach 1,000 on the petition to Governor Hickenlooper to open Morgan’s investigation.  Thank all of you out there – I just honestly don’t know what I would do without you.

Click here to read about the 98th day of Morgan’s stalking https://morgansstalking.com/?p=2001

I don’t think Morgan will ever be forgotten – none of us, even her friends can stop talking to her

I don’t think this picture would ever apply to Morgan.  Last week one of Morgan’s friends said:

i think about you everyday. i want to have just one more conversation with you. even though i talk to you at every moment, and about every decision, i need feedback. your words always meant the most. i just want you back. i love you angel. ♥

If you think you are currently being stalked – this is a good resource for information

This is from http://www.victimsofcrime.org/our-programs/stalking-resource-center/help-for-victims

Things you can do

Stalking is unpredictable and dangerous. No two stalking situations are alike. There are no guarantees that what works for one person will work for another, yet you can take steps to increase your safety.

  • If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
  • Trust your instincts. Don’t downplay the danger. If you feel you are unsafe, you probably are.
  • Take threats seriously. Danger generally is higher when the stalker talks about suicide or murder, or when a victim tries to leave or end the relationship.
  • Contact a crisis hotline, victim services agency, or a domestic violence or rape crisis program. They can help you devise a safety plan, give you information about local laws, weigh options such as seeking a protection order, and refer you to other services.
  • Develop a safety plan, including things like changing your routine, arranging a place to stay, and having a friend or relative go places with you. Also, decide in advance what to do if the stalker shows up at your home, work, school, or somewhere else. Tell people how they can help you. Click here to learn more about safety plans.
  • Don’t communicate with the stalker or respond to attempts to contact you.
  • Keep evidence of the stalking. When the stalker follows you or contacts you, write down the time, date, and place. Keep emails, text messages, phone messages, letters, or notes. Photograph anything of yours the stalker damages and any injuries the stalker causes. Ask witnesses to write down what they saw. Click here to download a stalking incident and behavior log.
  • Contact the police. Every state has stalking laws. The stalker may also have broken other laws by doing things like assaulting you or stealing or destroying your property.
  • Consider getting a court order that tells the stalker to stay away from you.
  • Tell family, friends, roommates, and co-workers about the stalking and seek their support.
  • Tell security staff at your job or school. Ask them to help watch out for your safety.

If someone you know is being stalked

  • Listen.
  • Show support.
  • Don’t blame the victim for the crime.
  • Remember that every situation is different, and allow the person being stalked to make choices about how to handle it.
  • Find someone you can talk to about the situation.
  • Take steps to ensure your own safety.

November 1, 2011 – Day 92 of Morgan’s stalking – seems like all is well, but it is not…

Morgan gets a text message from her girlfriend, “Call me! Hey Morgan 🙂 ”  And Morgan texts her back, “Hey cutie pie how are you?”  Steve and Morgan have already been in contact and she is on her way home.  He is hidden in another spot.  Every time he goes to a different place.  He has not told Morgan, but he keeps this a secret from her.  We have heard so much about ways that our communications with Morgan can be intercepted that we are being ultra cautious.

Steve calls me because he knows how worried I am, and tells me that Morgan has just past where he is and in a minute he will start to follow her home.  He tells me it’s snowing and freezing out, there will not be a stalker in this weather.  It helps, but still I am worried that he is going to be close enough and I express this to him.  He tells me to not worry, that she will be out of sight, but he feels like we have to take small chances to catch him.  If she stops for even a few seconds he will catch up, then he can speed way up, and be upon her in absolutely no time at all.

I have a sick, empty feeling in my stomach, I feel we are taking chances with our daughter.  But in order to protect her, this is what it has come to.  Taking calculated risks, leaving her out of our sight for seconds at a time.  Hoping that our extra bit of hanging back is enough to give her stalker enough courage to move in, and then be caught.

There is no harrowing moment tonight, Morgan comes home without incident and wonders what all the fuss is about.  I know that this frightens her, that she might be followed again, and we are reminding her of it.  But I weigh that against how the Garfield Sheriff’s Department fell flat on their face, with the assurance that next time it would be different, when in fact the next time was worse.  I am not saying that they may not have intercepted him if she had dialed 911 while driving, but right when she got home and we called them they could have been proactive and looked for the car, pulled it over and questioned him – there are not too many ways to go from that intersection.   This further eroded any hope Morgan had in them of stopping this nightmare.

I met her in the driveway, with the usual spray and gave her a kiss.  She thanked me and then we saw the lights of Steve’s truck turning onto the street.  Morgan told me that we didn’t have to do this.  I told her, oh yes we do Morgan, and we will never stop, you know that,

We hugged, and when Steve drove up she walked to his truck and hugged him too.  I watched him whisper in her ear, and I wondered what “daddy thing” he had just told her.  She smiled, so I knew it was a good one.  We all walked in the house and Steve and I held hands watching her go to her room.  She told us we were “too much,” but without saying a word Steve and I knew we were not enough, not yet, but we knew we would be, we had to be.

We headed for an inviting bed, and said nothing, just staring at a dark ceiling for the longest while.  Then for some reason we both sat up and decided to check the cameras before going to sleep.  It seemed like I had heard noises earlier, really, really small noises, so I wasn’t concerned as it was snowing out.  We were exhausted, but went into the bathroom where it was all set up and sat together looking at our camera monitor, calling up motion events for the evening, there was one in particular we went right to, at 23.51.30 camera number 4 spots a little light moving around on the other side of the berm.  We watched it a few times and could not tell what it might be.  Tired and needing sleep we decided it could wait until morning.  Steve said it was probably a reflection of something.

We went to bed, then slept, and I felt we had somehow moved in a positive direction tonight…boy was I wrong.

Click here to read about the 93rd day of Morgan’s stalking https://morgansstalking.com/?p=1919