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September 19, 2006
The Trenton Duckett Tragedy
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Where is Trenton Duckett?
Cops arriving at Melinda Duckett’s Leesburg, Florida apartment the night of her son Trenton’s “disappearance” on August 27 may have immediately suspected that the scene was staged. Trenton’s disappearance occurred less than two weeks after his second birthday, which was celebrated at the Venetian Gardens with a combined party for him and his 21-year old mother. Melinda announced the birthday party on several MySpace sites and invited friends and online strangers to bring their friends, family and “a dish to pass.”
From the news stories covering Trenton’s disappearance, a familiar pattern emerges:
Trenton was last seen in his bedroom at the Windemere Villas in Leesburg around 7:00pm.
This information came from Melinda – she claims he was “last seen” at 7:00 pm. But, of course, that is probably false. She may have been the last to see him, but it wasn’t at 7:00 pm. The problem with news stories that repeat information that has not been verified or that originates from the prime suspect in a potential domestic murder is that it presents this information as fact rather than unsubstantiated alibi.
Later in the investigation and after Melinda’s suicide, the reports take a turn toward factual:
Police said no one can confirm seeing Trenton after about five o'clock on Saturday, August 26 and that's a good 26 hours before his mother reported the kidnapping. Police have checked store surveillance tapes and phone records, but they won't confirm what they've found.
Signs of staging:
There is a sign of tampering to the exterior of the apartment that raised our concerns pretty much immediately when we were out at the scene...
Possible motive(s):
Melinda Duckett filed for divorce in June and was granted a temporary restraining order against her husband in July. In her petition to the court, she said Joshua Duckett sent her an e-mail threatening to kill her and their son.
Joshua Duckett, a Wildwood electrician, has denied writing the message and said Wednesday that he has hired a computer analyst to prove it.
Melinda Duckett filed for divorce from Joshua Duckett on June 14, and the two were fighting for custody of Trenton.
Early on, familiar lines were drawn between the families of the estranged couple:
Police are trying to verify the mother's account of what happened. Her side of the family was not at Tuesday's news conference with police.
Trenton Duckett's father, Joshua, and his family stood right next to investigators Tuesday to plead for Trenton's safe return. They call themselves Team Trenton and wore t-shirts with a picture of his smiling face.
Melinda said she hasn't attended recent news conferences to keep the feud with her estranged husband from overshadowing the search.
Keep the focus on Trenton, right? Just as the focus on Trenton was becoming more like a laser beam, Melinda commits the ultimate selfish act of suicide; thus taking any information of Trenton’s whereabouts to wherever the soulless go after death.
If Mark Geragos were defending Melinda, this bit would go into the "No Playbook for Grief" argument:
Law enforcement officials told the WESH 2 I-Team that police found freshly painted walls in some places, and in the back, trash thrown out by Duckett was filled with Trenton's toys.
But what grabbed investigators' attention were the pictures. They said a lot of pictures of Trenton, including the sonogram printout from when Duckett was pregnant, were all thrown away in the trash.
Does this remind you of anyone? You can set your watch to these types, they are so predictable
Based on some of Melinda’s posts on MySpace, she was familiar with guns and had gone to a firing range this past summer. Who knows what she was plotting at the time, but it’s becoming clear that there was a method to her madness. She was obviously seeking new romance and an escape from her “two full-time jobs”, full-time school and single parenthood, and likely hoped that Joshua or a mysterious intruder who could fit through a 10” slit cut in a window screen would be the prime suspects.
Melinda’s body language and affect during media interviews set new standards for stoicism and evasiveness. Even Scott Peterson could squeeze out a few tears (and other facial fluids) for Diane Sawyer. Melinda’s expression was blank; at least those times when she wasn’t closing her eyes. Once again, the ice cold blood of the pathologically selfish seems to stifle any emission of passion or sympathy in their performances. Acting lessons would not have helped.
Police said they do not believe Trenton was taken by an intruder. They are asking everyone in Leesburg and Lady Lake to search their own properties, though they admit a mother harming her own child and then faking a kidnapping would be rare, but not impossible.
On the contrary, there are many cases in the annals of crime history in which parents kill their children to escape the inconvenience, expense, and romantic hindrances. Cameron Brown (accused, not yet convicted), Nicole Diar, Diane Downs, and Susan Smith immediately come to mind.
This case is incredibly tragic and sad, but not unusual.
Comments
In defense of Nancy Grace, she's a prosecutor. She was an interrogator. She has an interrogatory style. Melinda was giving Petersonesque answers.
I don't think the interview was that tough. Nancy was asking her why she wouldn't tell them where she took the child that day. She says she was shopping - where?
It's unfortunate that they might never know what happened, but at this point it's moot, since it's pretty likely that Melinda did it, saw that she was going to spend the rest of her life in prison, and took the easy way out.
Posted by: loretta | September 19, 2006 08:49 PM
Melinda was young, she went to school and apparently cultivated an active social life, so it's possible she'd never watched Nancy Grace and wasn't familiar with Nancy's style.
Not that I am defending Nancy or Melinda. I think Melinda did it and I think Nancy sometimes gets a little overzealous.
Throwing away the pictures speaks volumes.
Why not just give the soon to be ex custody?
At least she didn't claim it was the Bushy Haired Stranger, I guess.
Posted by: Lisa | September 19, 2006 09:09 PM
Lisa, or a black man, like Susan Smith claimed.
Detectives have received “credible information” that Melinda Duckett was seen without the toddler about 8 a.m. Aug. 27 at a Leesburg business and was also spotted walking from her car to her apartment about 3 p.m., said Capt. Steve Rockefeller.
http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2006/09/19/news/news03.txt
Posted by: Astrologer | September 19, 2006 09:45 PM
She refused to let authorities search her apartment on the day she reported her son missing to police.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=65148
Posted by: Astrologer | September 19, 2006 09:49 PM
I thought of that, too, Astro.
If a child goes missing, most parents invite them in with open arms.
Unless they are hiding something.
This isn't like Jessica Lunsford, with two elderly people asleep and a pedophile next door who had done it before, and the door probably unlocked.
Ten inch slit in the screen? What, did Alien Baby Cruise slip in there?
Posted by: Lisa | September 19, 2006 09:53 PM
Wouldn't most parents say, "Okay, here's the porn, here's the weed, and I hide my dirty dishes in the oven, don't turn it on. Have at it." ?
Posted by: Lisa | September 19, 2006 09:57 PM
WESH TV is reporting contradicting stories:
Police asked to search her apartment on Aug. 27 -- the night she reported Trenton missing. She consented, but investigators also went to court to get a search warrant.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 19, 2006 10:03 PM
Covering their bases, making sure it is a totally clean investigation?
Posted by: Lisa | September 19, 2006 10:18 PM
Evening, all. In one of the articles, it stated Melinda refused a polygraph test.
Trenton's father took and passed one.
Posted by: Nadine | September 19, 2006 11:22 PM
It did bother me though, that his father kept referring to Trenton in the past tense.
Posted by: Nadine | September 19, 2006 11:40 PM
Good morning all!
Loretta, I have been following this case and it makes me sick to my stomach.
I think poor Josh is still holding out hope that Trenton will be found alive. Poor soul!
To think that her lawyer knew vital details of her trip to Ocala National Forest with a gun, and pulled the "client confidentiality" crap. Aaargh! If that is true, I find it appalling.
Posted by: Mgt | September 20, 2006 04:13 AM
Morning Doe! How is the hair looking?
Posted by: Mgt | September 20, 2006 04:14 AM
Bless his little heart! I hadn't see his face, till now.
You can only feel that something bad has happened to this sweet child.
Posted by: Mgt | September 20, 2006 06:21 AM
Loretta, it is still raining here - four days, now!
Posted by: Mgt | September 20, 2006 06:35 AM
Good morning, Mgt! I don't hold a lot of hope for Trenton to be found. He was such a tiny little boy.
It's raining here today for the first time in awhile. I don't mind it so much, because it will make for good autumn colors. It's getting chilly at night and in the morning, but the days are still warm. Perfect weather, really.
Posted by: loretta | September 20, 2006 07:42 AM
Catherine Crier has a new book out about the Polk case:
Hard to believe.
Posted by: loretta | September 20, 2006 09:51 AM
$100 says that Regan Books is currently publishing a book by Scott Dyleski's girlfriend, fronted by Glow-Reeah Allred.
Hot off the press in bookstores before the holiday.
I know, I know. Chump bet.
Posted by: loretta | September 20, 2006 09:53 AM
Good morning!
This is such a sad case. I pray that they are able to find Trenton.
Mgt, the is looking good! I had it highlighted and cut. It was done the best way with tinfoil, not a cap. I must confess something though. I chickened out at the last minute having it cut short. It's cut the same high maintenance way. LOL!
Posted by: Anonymous | September 20, 2006 09:58 AM
Oops! That was me up there. I need some more java.
Posted by: Doe Eyes | September 20, 2006 10:00 AM
Ha, I did that a couple of times, Doe (chickening out). Going really short is nerve-wracking!
Posted by: Mgt | September 20, 2006 10:17 AM
Things are not looking good in the Geragross camp. Maybe he should turn his hand to writing as he is not very successful as a lawyer.
Posted by: Mgt | September 20, 2006 10:20 AM
Wecht always looks as though he is being paid for his time.
He is actually trying to undermine the doctors in Barbados, who say they know the cause of Daniel's death. That must be so annoying.
I like Baden the best.
Posted by: Mgt | September 20, 2006 11:38 AM
Ciao, everybody!
Have a good day.
Posted by: Mgt | September 20, 2006 11:42 AM
Good day to Nadine. I see I have missed you today.
Have a good one!
Posted by: Mgt | September 20, 2006 11:56 AM
This case is just so sad. And like you said, Lo - pretty common. And I will never understand how it could happen - how could a parent do that.
Selfish b*tch. I am sure her grandparents, Josh, his parents...Anyone would have taken that precious boy if he were just too much for her. It just makes me sick to my stomach. That poor sweet baby.
Posted by: Justin | September 20, 2006 12:09 PM
The baby was murdered out of spite for the dad, and to the rest of the world in general.
Melinda was giving him the big "eff you" with that. Sick, but common.
Posted by: loretta | September 20, 2006 12:16 PM
Sort of a Medea thing?
Posted by: vero | September 20, 2006 01:31 PM
Really, she could've just relinquished custody and gone on with her big important life. Nobody had to die over that.
Posted by: Nadine | September 20, 2006 02:00 PM
But, if it's because she hates his father, that would be his father winning, and she couldn't stand that.
Posted by: vero | September 20, 2006 02:18 PM
You're right, Vero. It's just sad and horrible.
Posted by: Nadine | September 20, 2006 02:32 PM
"As early as this week, police hope to get test results from a screen from Trenton's bedroom window. They hope to be able to tell if it was cut from the inside and his reported abduction possibly staged."
http://www.wesh.com/news/9891837/detail.html
Video from the news conference today is on the right.
Posted by: Doe Eyes | September 20, 2006 03:30 PM
Dr. Phil calls anonymous posters on the Internet "gutless cowards."
LOL
Dr. Phil shares his opinion. “I think people who step up and say things anonymously are gutless cowards, because you have no way of confronting them or dealing with it,” he says.
From the show on "revenge"
Posted by: loretta | September 20, 2006 06:24 PM
Todd's winning the poll by almost a 2:1 margin.
Do you agree with Todd or Tasha?
67% 2371Todd
33% 1204Tasha
Total:3575
Total Votes: 3575
Posted by: loretta | September 20, 2006 06:59 PM
Duckett's timeline coming together via cell phone and ATM records:
Posted by: loretta | September 20, 2006 11:01 PM
Here's the latest story.
Posted by: loretta | September 20, 2006 11:02 PM
That's pretty damning, throwing out the toybox and unused diapers.
One of the articles mentioned she had run an ad to sell Trenton's car seat, before he "disappeared".
Posted by: Nadine | September 20, 2006 11:24 PM
Leesburg police were hoping the Florida Department of Law Enforcement crime lab could determine whether the screen on Trenton Duckett's bedroom window was cut from the inside or outside to confirm or discredit his mother's story.
"In this case, it would be almost the entire case. It's very critical," Rockefeller said.
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I'm not so sure it would make a difference which direction that screen was cut from. If you watch enough CSI, you'd know to cut if from the outside to make it "look good".
Posted by: Nadine | September 20, 2006 11:36 PM
You know, I think Dr. Phil has something there. The ever-present anonymity can certainly bring out the worst in some people. Sitting behind a monitor and being anonymous seems to make some people take a stance they never would take in "Real Life." Sad really.
That poor little boy and his very sick mother. I hope they can find him or his body.
Posted by: Deege | September 21, 2006 12:22 AM
I think it was 20/20 that aired an episode called "Mean Girls".
It was a kind of study on how mean they could be if given the anonymity of chatrooms. It was very enlightening.
Posted by: Nadine | September 21, 2006 02:33 AM
Good morning all!
Posted by: Mgt | September 21, 2006 06:59 AM
From the transcript of Tucker Carlson's show last night, I came across this really disturbing remark:
CARLSON: But, see, here‘s why—look, I think the Bush administration‘s foreign policy has been really stupid in a lot of ways. But here‘s why having Bush in office still may be better than having a Democrat in office, and it‘s this: everybody knows Bush is a stone-cold psycho with his finger on the trigger who might actually, you know, commit troops. He might invade your country, and that makes people obey and pay attention and come around to your point of view.
Nobody is going to believe a Democrat will do anything like that.
I don't think I have to elaborate on why that is so disturbing. Carlson is a lunatic. How he has that show, period, is beyond me. He's a fascist little clown in a bow tie.
Posted by: loretta | September 21, 2006 09:37 AM
By the way, the "psycho strategy" is what Nixon used with Russia (Soviet Union then) with regard to nuke-you-ler war. It may or may not have been effective, since the Soviets were pretty darn nutz, also, but it's a very barbaric and risky way to play chicken with the country.
May I remind everyone to THROW THE BUMS OUT!!?
Posted by: loretta | September 21, 2006 09:39 AM
Geez! Don't you like the expression "stone-cold psycho with his finger on the trigger"?
Elect him once, shame on him. Elect him twice, shame on you!
Ha, the same goes for Blair!
Posted by: Mgt | September 21, 2006 09:55 AM
The weather is sunny at last. We still have quite good temperatures - somewhere in the region of 18 - 21 Celsius. Unheard of at this time of year in Scotland.
Even all that rain didn't cool things down too much.
Posted by: Mgt | September 21, 2006 10:05 AM
Carlson is a lunatic. How he has that show, period, is beyond me. He's a fascist little clown in a bow tie.
And he CAN'T DANCE either.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 21, 2006 10:24 AM
CIA "refused" to operate secret prisons:
Poor Dubya can't get any cooperation.
Posted by: loretta | September 21, 2006 10:24 AM
Nevermind how many of our military are killed so he can play the de-cider in chief.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 21, 2006 10:25 AM
Hey, he and his buddies are making a LOT of money. What's a few thousand dead people when you are raking in BILLIONS?
We are all expendable to them.
Posted by: loretta | September 21, 2006 10:30 AM
But the former CIA officials said Mr Bush’s hand was forced because interrogators had refused to continue their work until the legal situation was clarified because they were concerned they could be prosecuted for using illegal techniques. One intelligence source also said the CIA had refused to keep the secret prisons going.
~~~
That tells you right there they were doing torture.
DH had to go to SERE school because he was a Navy RIO. He told me very little, but it wasn't a fun time.
The "Resistance and Escape" component of SERE focuses on resistance and survival in captivity. Despite constituting only a small portion of the whole training, it is often regarded as mysterious and controversial, despite, or perhaps because of, the dearth of verified information regarding its actual content. The majority of this portion of the course is classified Secret by the United States government. What is known about this portion of the course is that it is very unpleasant.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 21, 2006 10:49 AM
A colleague has bought the most delicious looking chocolate cake for me to take home to my family.
A pair of khaki trousers were lying in a bag at home, never worn. I asked her yesterday whether she would mind me bringing them in for her son. When she saw them this morning, she was really pleased with them.
Hence, the chocolate cake from Marks and Spencer. Yum! That was really sweet of her, cause she knew I would never take any money for the trousers.
People are kind (as we know, hey Vero)!
Posted by: Mgt | September 21, 2006 11:47 AM
Time for me to go!
To our kind Hostess...thanks!
Ciao everybody
Posted by: Mgt | September 21, 2006 11:48 AM
Everything that touches the JBR case is doomed:
Authorities seized the computer from Karr’s home in 2001 and copied the entire hard drive onto paper, including the five illicit images, said Sheriff’s Department Lt. Dave Edmonds. He said authorities looked for the computer for the past two weeks, but have had no luck...
Talk about snake bit!
Posted by: loretta | September 21, 2006 12:01 PM
Yikes. I wish youda warned me first.
Posted by: yomammadontdance | September 21, 2006 01:02 PM
It was good to "see" you again Mgt. Enjoy the cake!
Posted by: NachoMama | September 21, 2006 01:10 PM
So now they can't even offer Karr a plea deal? He gets a "get out of trouble free card" because of incompentency on LE and the DA's part?
Truly unbelievable.
Posted by: MotherGoose | September 21, 2006 01:13 PM
Gawd! What a sow. Girl needs some strenuous exercise amd a whole lotta cosmetic surgery. Did I hear a plaintive "Oink"?
Posted by: MamaGucci | September 21, 2006 01:17 PM
I missed you again Mgt! Have a great evening.
I saw that article about Karr this morning. Oh brother.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMe | September 21, 2006 01:18 PM
Yep, it sure seems that way MotherGoose.
I guess he won't even have to worry about mounting an insanity defense.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMe | September 21, 2006 01:24 PM
Maybe Mark Geragos could take this case. It sounds like one that he might actually be able to win!
Posted by: NachoMama | September 21, 2006 01:26 PM
They'll probably have to dismiss the charges, now. What a waste of money.
Posted by: yomammadontdance | September 21, 2006 01:28 PM
LHAT, NachoMama!
I think you're right.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMe | September 21, 2006 01:29 PM
Ole Mark Karr
Was a psycho by far
Admitting to high crimes of murder.
Flown home from Thailand
Looking more like She Man
The DA has lost all its girder.
So "freedom" is his
To carry on with his biz
Of stalking and fantasies of murder.
The End.
Posted by: MotherGoose | September 21, 2006 01:46 PM
Eggsellent job, Mother Goose.
Posted by: mother hen | September 21, 2006 01:50 PM
So Karr's going to go free for lack of evidence? Unacceptable!
Posted by: Mother of Invention | September 21, 2006 02:02 PM
"stone-cold psycho with his finger on the trigger"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Good Gawd.
THROW THE BUMS OUT!
Posted by: Mother of Invention | September 21, 2006 02:09 PM
And yes, MotherGoose, that deserves a standing ovation.
Posted by: Mother of Invention | September 21, 2006 02:11 PM
Good Lord Madison,
Hmm, I never set much store in the stork or finding kids under cabbage leaves, mayhaps I was wrong.
Cute kids tho. Guess they take after the sperm donor.
Posted by: mommylove | September 21, 2006 02:12 PM
Unfortunately, it looks that way, Mother of Invention.
I just hope he doesn't carry out any of his sick fantasies during his stint of freedom (which I think will be short-lived). I don't think he will be able to function too well in society as his looks and MO are infamous now.
He needs to be locked up in a psychiatric facility. Somebody will probably open up a can of vigilante justice on him. The whole thing is rather unfortunate, if you ask me.
Nobody is a winner or safe.
I really think we should all petition our states to make child ornopay a felony offense.
Posted by: Bahama Momma | September 21, 2006 02:14 PM
Somebody will probably open up a can of vigilante justice on him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bahama Momma, I couldn't agree more about making child p*rn a federal offense. I also think a lot of child molesters need to be sentenced to life in prison.
Posted by: Mother of Invention | September 21, 2006 02:19 PM
LE believe that Melinda Duckett may have an accomplice.
http://www.local6.com/news/9902762/detail.html
Disclaimer ~ L Ron is NOT one of my children!
Posted by: Old Mother Hubbard | September 21, 2006 02:20 PM
Eyebrows shooting up on that one, Ma Hubbard.
(btw - LHAT on the L Ron reference)
Posted by: mother knows best | September 21, 2006 02:25 PM
Hi Mom!
Posted by: MamaCaliente | September 21, 2006 02:25 PM
Hmmm.
Thanks for the link Mother Hubbard!
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMe | September 21, 2006 02:27 PM
They have the contents of Karr's HD on transcript, don't they?
Posted by: MommyAnony | September 21, 2006 02:29 PM
Wouldn't you think an Allstate agent would have access to good dental insurance?
Posted by: soccer mom | September 21, 2006 02:29 PM
Who's ya Mommy?
Posted by: mommylove | September 21, 2006 02:34 PM
I'm going to have to assume LE has determined without any doubt that Melinda committed suicide. Gunshot residue on her hands, etc.
The reason I say this is, if she did have an accomplice, it's possible that person could have felt she would start talking.
She was getting rid of things early on, trying to sell the car seat. It also appeared she was preparing to move from that apartment.
The key seems to be that threatening email she claims was written by Josh Duckett. He insists he didn't write it.
Remember he also took and passed a polygraph.
Melinda refused to take one.
Posted by: Mother of Invention | September 21, 2006 02:35 PM
Guess this is the real "Mom's Gone Wild" site.
Posted by: gutless wonder | September 21, 2006 02:37 PM
Hi Gutless Wonder!
And Welcome.
Yes, this is the home of real card carrying Moms. Unlike some other sites on the net, that all you have to do to claim that distinction is type it out.
Posted by: mommylove | September 21, 2006 02:39 PM
Disclaimer ~ L Ron is NOT one of my children!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank goodness for small miracles!
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 02:40 PM
Yes, what mommylove said!
We even have a union!
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 02:41 PM
Thanks for the warm Welcome mommylove.
Hey, Mama Tamale I am so happy to know that this site takes the real moms position in society so seriously.
A union you say. Great idea. Hope it kicks the pretenders to the curb.
Posted by: gutless wonder | September 21, 2006 02:48 PM
This is a very PC site. Heh. I'm duly impressed.
Carry on!
Posted by: Mother Board | September 21, 2006 02:52 PM
I didn't get any vibe that Josh was involved. He has an airtight alibi, for one thing; passed the polygraph for another (and he's only 21 or something, so he's not exactly mature), but the idea of an accomplice is interesting.
I think there will be some hint of it at MySpace. Clearly, Melinda was the weakest link in any conspiracy.
Posted by: queen mother | September 21, 2006 02:53 PM
Gutless,
I hope you will stick around for a spell.
Yep, as Mama Tamale mentioned we do have a Union. Entry is simple, you have to be the one that either dialated or got cut "stem to stern".
I.E. simply put, just claiming to be someone's mom doesn't fly in these parts.
Posted by: mommylove | September 21, 2006 02:55 PM
In the royal kingdom of pretenders, "wannabe" moms are a dime a dozen. Off with their heads, I say.
Posted by: queen mother | September 21, 2006 02:58 PM
mommylove, don't forget the papers! Signing the papers makes a mom too.
Posted by: MommyAnony | September 21, 2006 02:59 PM
Actually loving a child also helps get you in the union. I don't mean that "pretend love" stuff either. I mean actually caring for a child and being willing to give up part of yourself in order for the child to have a better life.
I think think of a lot of moms who gave birth but it didn't make them real mommies. Melinda Duckett comes immediately to mind.
Posted by: NachoMama | September 21, 2006 03:04 PM
Yes, our Union specifically states that no pretenders are allowed.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 03:05 PM
I think your newest cause is a very worthy one.
I for one take my station in life as a mom, a privilege well earned.
I can actually submit a video of the entire ordeal. Oh wait, the camera angle may not be proof positive.
Any suggestions?
Posted by: gutless wonder | September 21, 2006 03:12 PM
Absolutely, NachoMama.
Pretend love, (the gushy stuff that's really hollow)isn't going to cut it.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMe | September 21, 2006 03:13 PM
Adoptive mothers are most welcome in our Union.
Yes, NachoMama, it's apparent that there are unfortunately some biological moms who simply don't make the grade.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 03:13 PM
gutless wonder, do you perhaps have a transcript of the entire ordeal, to supplement the video?
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 03:14 PM
(You mean we didn't all have absolute silence in the birthing room?)
Posted by: NachoMama | September 21, 2006 03:19 PM
Mama Tamale,
Interestingly enough I understand my MIL did record everything.
Apparently I wasn't on my best behavior. I guess she didn't like the names I called her son. The local video store fixed it so we not only have a silent movie, but it is in B&W for the squeamish.
I am so glad that you mentioned the adoptive moms out there. My hat is off to them, as I have several friends whose lives have been forever enriched by the process.
Posted by: gutless wonder | September 21, 2006 03:24 PM
I imagine black and white would indeed enhance the experience for the squeamish.
I suppose you could take that not so desirable soundtrack and dub it in the appropriate places for language. In fact, you could have several versions with different ratings.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 03:27 PM
I think all good moms deserve LOTs O' Bling!
Fake ones (aka ones who force the title upon themselves or demand to be called mom when they aren't EVEN related)...ehh, not so much bling!
Posted by: Mother of Pearl | September 21, 2006 03:33 PM
Yes, Mother of Pearl, this one would definitely qualify as a "No Bling for You" false mom.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/09/21/baby.missing/index.html
Posted by: Mother May I | September 21, 2006 03:45 PM
Good Lord, Melinda sent a false death threat to herself! She is officially named a suspect.
Posted by: Mother May I | September 21, 2006 03:48 PM
I bet those services that celebrate babies being born (with storks and balloons on the lawn) are going to be bummed out about this, Mother May I.
It doesn't pay to announce these things anymore.
Posted by: queen mother | September 21, 2006 03:55 PM
Good link Mother May I,
The first thing that came to my mind was the quote from GWTW by Rhett Butler.
A cat's a better mother than you.
Posted by: mommylove | September 21, 2006 03:56 PM
They must think Melinda put him in the water. Why else focus so much of the search there? That poor baby.
Posted by: mom knows best | September 21, 2006 03:59 PM
The accomplice is an interesting twist.
Posted by: Mommie Dearest | September 21, 2006 04:13 PM
That is an interesting twist.
One of the videos I watched yesterday was an interview with Trenton's dad. He addressed the My Space threat in general terms.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMe | September 21, 2006 04:22 PM
Duckett, who was watching videos with two male friends, told police she discovered her son missing from his bed when she peeked in to check on him between movies.
She told police the window screen in his bedroom was cut. And she said her estranged husband might be involved.
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It would be interesting to know if her two male friends actually saw Trenton that night. And by that, I mean did they see him walking around, or just lying on his bed?
It sounds like she was creating an alibi for herself by having companions over to watch movies.
I see two possibilities.
Either Trenton was already gone before the movie marathon, and Melinda staged dicovering him "missing" between movies, or there WAS an accomplice who took Trenton out the window during the movies.
In the last scenario, if this is true, the accomplice may never be identified, since Melinda would have been the only person to know who that was.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 04:28 PM
According to all the news stories I have read, the "friends" never saw Trenton that night in the apartment, and one of the "friends" has disappeared.
Posted by: mom knows best | September 21, 2006 04:31 PM
mom knows best, I hadn't yet heard that one of the friends had disappeared.
That's definitely not a good sign.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 04:34 PM
Public Service Announcement
Please don't take yours or anyone elses children to late night drinking parties, imbibe, and then drive home with them in tow. That is simply NOT good parenting.
Posted by: MADD | September 21, 2006 04:36 PM
Drinking and driving with children on board= Bad Parenting.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 04:41 PM
That's crimal behavior in my book MADD.
Perhaps some should call the authorities!
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMeNottoDrink&Drive | September 21, 2006 04:46 PM
Why yes it is, MMDTMNTD&D. Not to mention it sets a horrible example of adult behaviors and choices for the young children's impressionable minds.
AND IT IS DANGEROUS!
Posted by: MADD | September 21, 2006 04:51 PM
I'm sure it would also be very scary for a child to get in said car, knowing the driver(s) had been drinking,MADD.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMeNottoDrink&Drive | September 21, 2006 04:55 PM
Yes, better to stick with good old Lemonade.
The regular kind.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 05:06 PM
Exactly, Mama Tamale!
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMeNottoDrink&Drive | September 21, 2006 05:11 PM
MADD, that of which you speak is called "child endangerment"if caught by LE.
That brings on CPS like nothing else.
Posted by: motherlode*notaloadedmother | September 21, 2006 05:11 PM
You guys are SO right!
I was given permission as a child to refuse to get into any car when the driver had anything to drink.
We even practiced all my yelling, screaming and rolling on the ground.
Posted by: gutless wonder | September 21, 2006 05:16 PM
Gutless,
I wish someone had done that for me!
When all my brothers and sisters and I were put in jail for an evening, even the nice teddy bear that the policeman gave me was little comfort.
I was so scared. To this day I still remember the fear.
Posted by: mommylove | September 21, 2006 05:22 PM
mommylove, what a horrible experience.
No child should ever have to endure something like that.
Talk about being traumatized for life.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 05:24 PM
That is horrible, mommylove.
I'm so you had to endure that.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMeNottoDrink&Drive | September 21, 2006 05:28 PM
I wish the same thing mommylove. One night we came within inches of going off a very steep cliff. I was probably six years old, and remember it like it was yesterday.
Posted by: MommyBear | September 21, 2006 05:32 PM
Even very young children remember so much later in life, and it does affect them for many years to come.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 05:52 PM
If this story is true, Melinda was just pure evil. I would probably kidnapped my child and gone underground had I been Josh. Unbelievable.
http://www.wftv.com/news/9896054/detail.html
Posted by: Mommy Dearest | September 21, 2006 06:12 PM
In all fairness, it was a lesson well learned.
My parents were trying to celebrate one night. Daddy had gotten a big raise. The parents were in a serious celebratory mode when they realized they were too drunk to drive.
So they enlisted the aid of a local chap, a mere 18 years old. Though he had a permit to drive, not the proper sense of responsibility.
He worked for my father so naturally he wanted to please. In the middle of the night when he got sleepy, he merely pulled off the road.
Had it not have been for my younger brother awakening the entire carload of people, we would have all been dead.
When asked years later, Steve swears what woke him was a little kid patting him on the head and saying "Choo-Choo".
We were on the tracks!
Posted by: gutless wonder | September 21, 2006 06:20 PM
That is very disturbing, Mommy Dearest.
I wonder if the other adult seen in the car with her is the one that can't be found. The person who was there watching movies with her from the article linked above.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMeNottoDrink&Drive | September 21, 2006 06:23 PM
I admit that I drove one child to a play once after a few too many. I'd never do that again.
Posted by: mamadontletyourbabiesgrowuptobepresident | September 21, 2006 07:45 PM
A little more detail on the fake email Melinda sent to herself.
Posted by: mamadontletyourbabiesgrowuptobewimps | September 21, 2006 08:12 PM
I still find it interesting that Joshua thinks that Melinda stashed Trenton somewhere.
He's still saying he doesn't think she hurt him.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMeNottoDrink&Drive | September 21, 2006 08:29 PM
I find that very interesting as well, MMDTMNTD&D.
Me thinks he was snookered by her.
Posted by: Mommy Dearest | September 21, 2006 08:39 PM
gutless wonder, it really is a wonder you and your family weren't killed that night.
Thank goodness for the little angel telling Steve about the "Choo-Choo".
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 08:42 PM
That poor little boy was in the middle of a lot of threats going back and forth by both parents, according to this article.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.wesh.com/news/9896822/detail.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Family Friend Says Melinda Duckett Threatened To Hurt Son
Melinda Duckett threatened to hurt her son if her husband didn't do what she said, according to Josh Duckett and a witness who talked to police after an incident involving the couple last Christmas.
Josh Duckett told a fire investigator on the scene that he was sure his wife had set the fire, although he later took that back.
Both parents were warned by police and by the Florida Department of Children and Families to stop filing false abuse reports concerning Trenton.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 09:05 PM
The fire I'm referring to in my above post was started at Josh's family business. He had named Melinda as a suspect in that fire.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The interview was part of an investigation into a suspicious fire at a business owned by Josh Duckett's mother. It was an arson fire where Melinda Duckett was one of several suspects that Bushnell detectives were seriously investigating.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What a no-win situation all around.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 21, 2006 09:16 PM
Good morning all!
Posted by: Mgt | September 22, 2006 04:49 AM
Hi Mgt!
I am so rarely up this early, I couldn't resist a formal Howdy.
Posted by: mommylove | September 22, 2006 05:29 AM
Good morning, loretta.
We have sunshine!
Posted by: Mgt | September 22, 2006 07:57 AM
'Mornin, Mgt. You should pick a "momma" nick today.
Posted by: Bahama Mama | September 22, 2006 08:04 AM
'Morning, Mommas.
Sunshine here also.
To those mommas celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and to all the other Misfits Mommas, I wish you a Happy and Sweet New Year.
L'Shanah Tovah Umetukah!
Posted by: NewMom (to the sweetest baby) | September 22, 2006 08:22 AM
Speaking of bad parents, I think this "dad" qualifies for the SOB category:
Obviously Munchausen Dad had custody - but where was Mommy during all this??!
Posted by: Bahama Mama | September 22, 2006 08:49 AM
Here's the link:LINK
I missed a tag.
Posted by: Bahama Mama | September 22, 2006 08:50 AM
Okay! I really thought there had been an invasion.
So I tried not to move forward, sideways or backward. LOL
Posted by: Mamma Mia | September 22, 2006 09:33 AM
There was a minor one, but the other one was Vero with her new IP. It's great to see her back online. Get 'er done, right Mgt?
Posted by: Bahama Mama | September 22, 2006 09:34 AM
Aah, thanks Bahama Mama. You are just the smartest of cookies!
Posted by: Mamma Mia | September 22, 2006 09:38 AM
Good morning!
It is great to see Vero again.
Hi, Mgt!
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMeNottoDrink&Drive | September 22, 2006 09:53 AM
Hi there, Nodrinkydrivey. Any clues for the clueless?
Posted by: Mamma Mia | September 22, 2006 09:55 AM
If Josh kept advising LE that his son was in danger, then why did they not take him seriously?
Maybe I have been misinformed, again!
Posted by: Mamma Mia | September 22, 2006 10:00 AM
Umm, did I send my request to the wrong email address, Hostess?
No pressure, just when you get some time.
I have a long weekend and will only be back with you "super" people on Tuesday.
Wishing you all "something special" this weekend.
Ciao!
Posted by: Mamma Mia | September 22, 2006 11:05 AM
You should have some mail, Mamma Mia.
Have a great LONG weekend!
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMeNottoDrink&Drive | September 22, 2006 11:11 AM
It has not arrived yet, no-drinkydrivey!
Please do a quick check.
Posted by: Mamma Mia | September 22, 2006 11:25 AM
Sorry Mamma Mia, I just saw that. I hope it's not too late.
Posted by: MyMamaDoneToldMeNottoDrink&Drive | September 22, 2006 11:46 AM
Good lord! What kind of father does that? It's bad enough to use your child to defraud people, but to starve him in the process should net this POS more than 35 years!
Posted by: mamaskitchen | September 22, 2006 12:40 PM
Is there a s*tanic cult in East St. Louis?
You have to wonder about these cases.
Posted by: Bahama Mama | September 22, 2006 02:26 PM
Well, THAT should revive the dibbles!
Posted by: mamaskitchen | September 22, 2006 02:28 PM
No, I am not making this up. A standard mini-bar key will open a Diebold voting machine.
I feel so great about using that machine for the first time last spring!
Posted by: concerned mother | September 22, 2006 02:36 PM
concerned mother, thank your for that link about the Diebold voting machines.
That's just absurd that a key can be so easily aquired.
Unbelievable!
Another great reason to vote "absentee".
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 22, 2006 03:01 PM
Hello everyone. FYI re: Trenton Duckett. For those of you who may not already know this, Steve Huff at crimeblog.us/ has written a series of blogs on this case. There is a wealth of info. in his blogs. His posters have done a great job of digging & fact finding. Warning: There are hundreds of comments to read in order to get fully up to speed. Reading Steve's blogs only, however, will give you most info. & many links.
Loretta: Great to see you "bach"!
Posted by: AuntieM | September 22, 2006 09:19 PM
The sneaky snakes are trying to make their crimes retroactively legal:
Creating immunity retroactively for violating the law sets a terrible precedent. The president takes an oath of office to uphold the Constitution; that document requires him to obey the laws, not violate them. A president who knowingly and deliberately violates U.S. criminal laws should not be able to use stealth tactics to immunize himself from liability, and Congress should not go along.
Is Congress really that stupid? Really? If so, do you want those people running your country. I sure hope not.
Posted by: concerned mother | September 23, 2006 11:43 AM
CNN story "refuting" French story that OBL is dead.
I have a little wager going that OBL is dead, but I wish they'd hurry up and confirm it one way or the other.
My theory? OBL is dead and Atta is alive.
Posted by: concerned mother | September 23, 2006 11:54 AM
Awww. I have this wonderful mental image of OBL hiding out in a plushly decorated cave, exiting only to record an audio- or videotape railing against the yankee imperialist dogs, then quickly uploading it to the internet via satellite before ducking back into his cave. I've got to admit though, it's been a while since we've heard anything from him.
Posted by: OldMotherHubbard | September 23, 2006 12:48 PM
Much more detailed timeline based on cell phone records in the Duckett case:
She had expensive taste in candy.
Posted by: concerned mother | September 23, 2006 02:00 PM
I still think OBL and Laura Bush are playing Gin Rummy at The Ranch.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 23, 2006 02:04 PM
A really bizarre Spouse Murrrder Theater:
Man, you could not make this stuff up.
Posted by: mother of gawd | September 23, 2006 09:52 PM
Crazy people, that's for sure.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 23, 2006 10:44 PM
Musharraf has a new book coming out.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/22/bush.musharraf/index.html
Posted by: Mother May I | September 24, 2006 11:27 AM
Will the next election be hacked? (Yeah, but let's make it hard for them, ok?)
Rolling Stone article - thanks to Mtnwmn for the link:
Posted by: mother of gawd | September 24, 2006 01:47 PM
Thanks for that link, mother of gawd. I have no doubt the 2004 election was "screwed with".
In turn, we all got screwed.
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 24, 2006 01:55 PM
Where are my manners!
Thanks to Mtnwmm!
Posted by: Mama Tamale | September 24, 2006 01:56 PM