Delayed Justice

Detective Sergeant Josh Ivey of the Eaton County Sheriff’s department told me last month that he was sure Beverly McCallum–wanted for the 2002 murder and mutilation of her husband, Roberto Caraballo–would be found. It was just a matter of time. “They don’t get away often,” he said.

He and I agreed, I taking my cue from the idea that there is nothing hidden that shall not be made known. The whereabouts of an accused killer would fall into that realm. It seemed obvious to both of us that that she would slip up and be found.

She did and she was. Here’s today’s Detroit Free Press article on the same.

She has been on the run with her teenaged son since she vanished from Pakistan. There was even a report that she had made it as far as South America. But no. Rome.

There are so many stories that will come out as she is brought back to face justice. Yes, our film Jack in the Box and this web played a significant role, but it’s the dogged determination of law enforcers who had led this case the Beverly’s apprehension and the so-far prosecution of Christopher McMillan (who pled guilty) and the binding over to face charges of first-degree murder for Beverly’s daughter Dineane Ducharme.

That part of the story starts with a phone call that Detective Bob Donker, now retired from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department, received in 2015.

And it’s there I’ll leave it for now. While I may know some things, just because I may be aware does mean that it’s mine to tell. There is one thing that is mine to tell: there have been so many people praying for justice in this case. So many. I believe we have just witnessed another miracle.

Thirteen years after her murder, Renee Pagel’s husband, Michael James Pagel, has been charged with the crime. This according to WOODTV.

One of the people cited in the story is Chris Crandle, Renee’s good friend and untiring advocate for revealing the killer. Chris has remained sure right from the start that it was Michael who was responsible for Renee’s stabbing death in her home in Courtland Township, Kent County, MI, on August 5, 2006. But assurance and proof are two different things. It seems that at last they have come together. Everyone should have such a friend. Thank you, Chris. Thank you. And thank you law enforcement and Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker for pressing on. Now it begins to play out.

Two days and two stunning revelations in delayed-justice cases.

So much more to come but we don’t know how quickly. My understanding from the news story is that based on his admission of having killed his adopted daughter, Alexis Badger/Aundria Bowman, and revealed the location where he buried her, human remains have been found under a concrete pad on his former property.

Here is the story from WOODTV.

While the law enforcers are not saying that the remains at hers, her biological mother, Cathy Terkanian, asserts they are and that she has learned Bowman has confessed to causing her death. Law enforcement officials are not stating that much yet. They have to be very careful about what news they release and when. Bowman has a long history of assaulting women and is charged with the death of Kathleen Doyle, 25, in Norfolk, VA, in 1980. He is facing extradition.

Will this case keep him in Michigan? We’ll see. Or if he confesses to all or is convicted where will he do his time? Again, we’ll see.

Cathy Terkanian at last has the beginning of some answers.

The sentencing for Christopher Wayne McMillan in relation to the 2002 murder of Roberto Caraballo “has been adjourned without a new date.”

The reasons could be many, including that because Dineane Ducharme, Mr. Caraballo’s step-daughter, has chosen to go to trial for her alleged part in his death, that Mr. McMillan will need to be on hand to testify. Providing truthful testimony was a part of his lesser, second-degree murder charge. He has been promised a sentence of 15 years for his complicity in the crime, the coverup and the treatment of Mr. Caraballo’s body. Ms. Ducharme now faces first degree charges, a mandatory life without parole if she is convicted. …Unless she seeks a plea.

Ms. Ducharme’s mother, Beverly McCallum, is still being sought for her role as the alleged mastermind and primary actor in the May 7, 2002 murder.

On a sidenote, January 11th will be Mr. Caraballo’s birthday.

Here is yesterday’s testimony of forensic pathologist Dr. Stephen Cohle and the ruling of District Court Judge Julie Reinke that defendant Dineane Ducharme is bound over for trial in Eaton County. This testimony includes graphic evidence from 11:30 to 22:03 and is not intended for children or others who will be aggrieved by it. But the photos admitted into evidence illustrate just what his murderers did to Roberto Caraballo.

Dr. Stephen Cohle from David Schock on Vimeo.