From ReleaseBarabbas, 3/21/08

– Three seductions – Three murders –

– Phillip Stewart strangled – Trashed in a dumpster in Atlanta –

– Preston Jones strangled – Put to sleep in his Charleston bed –

– Grant Leighton strangled – Packed in a trunk in New Jersey –

– Three final chapters in one woven tale – The Satin Strangler – An evil seductress – Just what the media ordered – When will you strike my dear – Where will it be – Your next victim is waiting – So are we – Come take our breath away –

– Barabbas

Reprinted with permission: http://releasebarabbas.blogspot.com/

Crazy4Crazies, 5/10/08 

A female serial killer dubbed the Satin Strangler has been hard at work during the last few months, seducing and strangling as many as 12 men along the east coast of the United States. Here are the details on three of her victims to whet your appetite:

Phillip Stewart was a bartender at the Peachtree Bistro in Atlanta. He disappeared after closing on January 16th. His body was found the next day in a nearby dumpster. Autopsy reports confirmed the cause of death to be asphyxiation due to ligature strangulation. Police have eliminated Stewart’s girlfriend and family members as suspects.

Preston Jones was a real estate agent murdered in Charleston, SC. His wife found his body in their bedroom upon returning from a business trip on February 15th. Multiple dark ligature marks varying in width were visible on the neck. The coroner’s cause of death was asphyxiation due to ligature strangulation.

Grant Leighton, a physical trainer from Atlantic City, was last spotted at 3AM on March 2nd on a Garden State Parkway toll booth surveillance camera. A woman sitting in the darkness of the passenger seat remains unidentified. Two days later, fishermen further north along the Jersey Shore found Leighton’s body bundled inside an industrial sized garbage bag and wedged into an antique traveling trunk. Ligature marks were found on his neck, wrists, and ankles. Both forearms had been broken and both pinkies amputated. The cause of death was asphyxiation due to strangulation.

Who is the Satin Strangler, and what is the secret to her seductive power? Are there more bodies out there somewhere, and how many more victims will she lure in?

For now there are more questions than answers. We’ll keep watching for news on the Satin Strangler because we’re Crazy 4 Crazies.

Reprinted with permission: http://crazy4crazies.blogspot.com/

SoundOffNJ, 7/8/08

The Sea View Planning Board decided this week to tear down the Star of Neptune Ferris wheel at the old Ocean Park Amusement Pier. We want to hear your thoughts on this one. Sound Off, New Jersey.

Comments:

1. Posted by EyeHeartNJ

This is horrible. For website visitors too young to remember Sea View in its heyday, here are some excerpts from a 2008 article from theNJdirt describing the rise and fall of this beach town. It’s hard for anyone now to imagine the Sea View of days past.

“Sea View, NJ, was a sight to behold in the 1950’s. This town, as well as several contemporaries of its era, lavished in the patriotic up-swell following World War II. A northern neighbor and would-be clone of Atlantic City in its heyday, Sea View emerged from the sand like a beach-front Brigadoon into one of the cotton candy lined boardwalks sparkling along the Eastern Seaboard.

The 1.3 mile-long boardwalk emerged from a proposal submitted to the city council in December, 1948. Financial incentives were set up for local businesses to relocate to the boardwalk. Real estate zoning contracts were inked with several major hotel chains. Amusement park czars from Coney Island and Atlantic City began bidding on the pier that would become the centerpiece of the project.

The plan was enthusiastically supported by the 400 citizens of Sea View. Within a year the boardwalk and Ocean Park pier and were built, the amusement rides and concessions were operational, and nearly every square foot of business space was leased. The resulting influx of business and explosion of jobs overflowed into the surrounding areas. Success would remain at high tide for the next quarter century.”

The article described several notable Sea View families before returning to describe the fate of the town:

“Sea View’s economic ascent was far exceeded by its subsequent plummet in the 1970s and 80s. Regardless of the reason, the shining surface of the town eroded like the wave-swept sand of its beaches. The boardwalk cracked and rotted, disintegrating into the sand. Storefronts were neglected. Paint faded. Windows cracked. The penny arcade palace that flanked the pier burned down and was never replaced. Instead, its charred remains were left standing amidst the demise of the entire boardwalk, the lifeblood of the town.

In 1985 the black steel gates of the Ocean Park amusement pier were permanently closed. Resort hotels, store chains, and even the original town merchants began their exodus, leaving behind the boarded-up windows and dated billboards of a beachfront ghost town.

Dry seaweed strands now blow across the fragmented boardwalk like tumbleweed in the shadows of the Star of Neptune Ferris wheel, which defiantly juts up out of the sand like the skeleton of a desert longhorn.”

The Star of Neptune Ferris wheel is scheduled for demolition within the next six months, not to make way for the revitalization of Sea View, but to eliminate a safety hazard.

Some of our fondest memories involve Ocean Park pier and The Star of Neptune. Dismantling the old Ferris wheel will extinguish our childhood dreams. There must be a way to prevent that from happening. If you feel the same way, do you have any ideas?

2. Posted by CarrieCarmel

I agree. Ocean Park was my family’s favorite vacation spot when I was growing up. The Star has so many memories for me. The Sea View Gazette has started an e-petition to Save the Star. You can join in by contacting the paper.

3. Posted by DownTheShore

Thanks for pointing us toward the article, EyeHeartNJ. I also agree with your sentiments, but I see the situation as hopeless. Sadly, the most accurate comment in the article was a quote from Edgar Stahl, owner of the company that will demolish the Star: “This town needs more than just a spark to rebound its economy. It’s going to take the Second Coming of Christ, or maybe a Blessed Mother sighting, to dig this town out of its financial hell.”

Reprinted with permission: http://soundoffnj.blogspot.com/

Crazy4Crazies, 8/3/08

The Satin Strangler is getting a lot of press lately. And why not? She’s been seducing and killing at a Ted Bundy pace. Makes me tingle all over. How about you?

In response to countless reader requests, here are some of the most notorious female serial killers in history. They are few in number, but juicy in body count.

Erzebet Bathory: The Hungarian “Blood Countess” who killed as many as 650 victims in the 1600’s is the mother of all female serial killers, and her record is unlikely to be broken. We are running a two-for-one sale on her Mug Shot Mugs this week.

Belle Gunness: The belle of the ball killed more than 20 men and all of her children in the 1800’s. She disposed of some husbands and burned down her own homes, all for the insurance money. Never one to give up on a hobby, she began luring suitors through a newspaper advertisement, killing them, and burying their bodies on her farm.
Mary Ann Cotton: This Mary Mary Quite Contrary had a bad habit of dropping arsenic into her pots of soup. She killed 20 people in England, including her own children, and collected their insurance money. She was hanged in 1873.

Nannie Doss: The “Giggling Granny” killed 11 people in the early 1900’s. Victims included her two sisters, her mother, a grandson, a nephew and four husbands. After running out of guests for family reunions, she was convicted in 1955 and died in prison. Look for her smiling face in our on-line t-shirt store.

Rosemary West: This English serial killer was convicted of 10 murders committed with her husband Fred in 1995. Several bodies, including that of their daughter Heather, were found buried on their property. How romantic that they shared the same hobby in an era where half of all marriages end in divorce.

Marybeth Tinning: She was a nurse’s aid sentenced to life in prison in 1987 after strangling 9 of her own children and bringing them to the hospital, faking a deadly genetic disease. The doctors and the police finally caught on, but she will forever remain one of our website reader favorites.

Dorothea Puente: As a not-so-frail old lady, she killed elderly disabled people in her boarding house, and then forged and robbed their benefit checks. In 1988 she was sentenced to serve two life terms for the murders of at least 9 people.

Aileen Wuornos: This prostitute was put to death by lethal injection in 1992 for the shooting of 7 male victims in Florida. Her body count wasn’t much to write home about, but she was later immortalized when played by actress Charlisse Theron in the film Monster. The other esteemed women on our list should have been so lucky.

The Satin Strangler: Little is known about this sexy lady, except for the growing trail of more than 15 victims from Atlanta up to New York City. She leaves no calling card. No taunts for the police. No leads at all. Just strangled male victims. She seems more in control than her lady predecessors. Is she smarter, or just lucky? Either way, there’s no doubt that she’s a different breed of female serial killer. Finally we have a hot and steamy MO to warm up to. Like her victims, we are lured in closer to her, perhaps too close. But that’s probably no surprise, since we’re all a little Crazy 4 Crazies.

Reprinted with permission: http://crazy4crazies.blogspot.com/

SeaViewStew, 8/30/08

Blogsters and blogettes. Finally got some news 2 report from little old Sea View NJ. Some guy named Edgar Stahl is missing. My friend Reg (alias Regina Fiesta Gal) says Stahl is the demo guy hired 2 tear down the Star of Neptune Ferris wheel on Ocean Park pier. Lots of people r bummed about the Star, plus the papers are saying Stahl was in the hole for few million bucks, so the suspect list started out pretty long.

The police r looking for a woman seen in a security video from the marina where the demo guy docks his boat. Word on the street is that the video gal is the serial killer called the Satin Strangler. The gang down at the Bait and Bagel said the Satin Strangler is on a killing spree, sexing guys up, then strangling them with her stockings. They were pretty in2 it. Mainly the sexing up part.

Reg was gabbing about the Stahl guy while scoring me and Suze a puff of fresh Jersey-Grown. Suze is part 3 of our party sisterhood. Every1 thinks were twins which cant even b true cuz shes 22 and Im 26 plus shes not even Italian.
It was good 2 have Reg around. She ditched us the last few nights. Shes taking some online course on the history of rock music at North American University. Once she scores enough credits she wants to get into a 4 year school with sororities. She wants 2 get a degree in music appreciation. The appreciation part comes from her dad, who played in the Vapor Noodles with my dad back in the day. None of that talent rubbed off on us, but we love partying to good tunes thanks 2 them.

About the Stahl guy. Some New York reporters have been hanging out at Ocean Park pier where he was last seen. They had Regs mom on the news asking her questions. When she got home she ran up 2 Regs room 2 tell us. Fastest she ever moved. She was huffing and puffing. I thought 4 sure shed blow her cookies rite on the shag carpet.
Were going 2 c if the reporters r hanging there again today. Suze just got her boobies done so she looks more like my twin again. Haha. Anyway. Shes trying to get herself on TV 2 start her acting career. Not sure if I want 2 b there in case she decides 2 flash those bad girls for the cameras.

Suze just punched me in the arm for that comment by the way. She better b careful cuz the doctors told her not 2 swing her arms around 4 a couple of weeks or else her new boobies might slide up into her pits. Looks like there halfway up their already. Time 2 hit the “Save” button on this blog be4 she starts punching me again.
Thats all I got 4 now. Later.

Reprinted with permission: http://seaviewstew.blogspot.com/

ReleaseBarabbas, 9/5/08

– A disappearance in Sea View – More than 20 victims for you Satin Strangler – Where is Edgar Stahl – Where is the missing demolition man – Peek a boo – But does it really matter – Not even a body yet but the media gives you the credit – They could not resist adding a little seduction to the story – How could a woman strangle men without having sex with them first – Sex sells – It gets the reporters hot and bothered – The media thrives on you Satin Strangler – They know we want more – The huddled horrid masses are insatiable – We are serial killer junkies – We want you surging through our veins – Le femme fatale – The Satin Strangler –

– You are what is released when all of our inhibitions are cast away – You are what waits inside each of us – Every single one of us the devil inside –

– The media parcels you out in news clips and special reports – Your body count escalates daily – Faster than anyone could kill – Faster than the friggin idiot reporters can count –

– The Satin Strangler was conceived – But she needed the media to thrive – The media machine is doing its part – Forcing their version of reality into the minds of the public – Our perception is 1% reality and 99% media fabrication – We ingest television – We inhale magazines and newspapers – Internet feeds and podcasts course through our veins – These are our sustenance – These are our windows to the world – The portals into each of us – Until there is no difference seen when looking out or looking in –

– Who was Kenneth Bianchi before the Hillside Strangler – Who was David Berkowitz before The Son of Sam – Before the media promoted their infamous counterparts – They were awaiting their birth as media stars – Human monsters make media megastars – Kenneth and David surpassed their predecessors in just a few hours – WHY – Because they killed in the age of television – They set the stage for Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer – Ted and Jeffrey – The greatest marketing successes of the 1900s –

– But now it takes seconds – The internet is an amazing serial killer marketing tool – The Satin Strangler is everywhere – All Satin all the time –

– From the media who brought you Son of Sam please extend a warm welcome to the Satin Strangler –

– The media has determined every presidential election since Kennedy beat Nixon – The media paved the way for Ronald Reagan to star in the role of president – Where does fiction stop and nonfiction begin – Was there a moon landing – Are we sure – Were we there – Where did we see it – On friggin television –

– An individual can only see so much of the world during a lifetime – Connect the dots between a home a job a grocery store and a gas station – Nothing more – How can we be sure about anything beyond our personal experience – We each hold just a few pieces of the jigsaw puzzle –

– All we are is because of our televisions – All we will be is because of the internet – Information has passed from the telegraph to the telephone to the television to the computer to the iPhone – The I friggin phone – From days to hours to seconds to nano friggin seconds in one century of innovation – Our senses are pounded by constant stimulation – We sink further and further into the cushions of our living room furniture – Assured that our lives will be passed to us through an electronic box or a handheld device – We are a destination for a download – We are only the target for blogs and RSS feeds and tweets – Where do we want to go today – NOWHERE – There is no need –

– We have a morbid fascination with the body count – When the media asks if Ted Bundy killed 20 or 40 we all want it to be 40 – Out loud we say no – Inside we know the truth – We condemn killing in modern society – But we yearn for the body count to be higher – We want to be impressed – We want to say wow with the TV clicker in hand – We no longer slow down for breaking news about gun sprees unless a record is being broken – We are numb to it all – Mundane murders are everywhere – We want something more – A new chapter in the Guinness Book – And there you are – The answer to our dreams – Amen and halleluiah and praise the friggin lord – The Satin Strangler – AAAAAAH – Finally a supersized murder spree to quench our thirst – Gulp gulp gulp –

– What is your true identity Satin Strangler – We wait for you to emerge through the parting curtain and walk down the red carpet – The clock is ticking – Hickory dickory dock – Who will accept the award for best female killer in a leading media role – Will you be what we want – Will you be worthy of the title –

– We know the work of the Satin Strangler – When will we get to meet the girl behind the legend –

– Barabbas

Reprinted with permission: http://releasebarabbas.blogspot.com/

SalvationSermons, 9/6/08

Thank you for coming to worship with us at Salvation Sermons, site of the online sermon blog. Today’s New Testament reading is a parable from the Scripture of Luke:

“And when a great crowd came together and people from town after town came to Him, He said in a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold.”

– Luke 8

What does this mean for all of us today? What is the Word – the message at play? And how is it spreading?
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the sower in this parable, and we are the soil. He spreads the Word among us. We must be prepared for the Word. Without the Word in our hearts we will burn forever in the fiery pits of hell. But after we receive the Word, we too become the sower of seeds. It becomes our responsibility to convey the message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to others.

What will we do with the false Word of Satan – the temptation that comes at us from all directions? Stories of sexual promiscuity. Drugs and alcohol. Poisonous song lyrics and media blitzes. Deceit and murder. We are exposed to them every second of every day. We must resist. We must not spread the false Word.
The Satin Strangler that has been in the news so much is the personification of the devil’s false Word. She lures men in. She seduces them . . .

If you are a Salvation Sermons member, then select READ MORE. If you are not a member, please visit our REGISTRATION PAGE to learn how you can contribute to our cause and share in the message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

. . . for her filthy lustful pleasure. She offers them her body. Then she kills them. Strangles them. How many men? The count rises daily. We see the stories on television. We read about her in our newspapers and our magazines. We download news feeds and blog entries and chat room gossip about her. We receive emails and tweets on our hand held devices. The false Word of this she-devil’s work on this earth is everywhere.

How do we respond? What do we say about a woman who seduces men and then kills them? Do we put a stop to the false Word of Satan?

Picture our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ telling the parable about sowing seeds. One voice in a group of people. One voice against the wind. Imagine if He had the opportunities we have today to reach out to others.

Today the Word has so much more fire power than a single voice in the wind. Sermons such as this are accessible to everyone worldwide. Every square foot of this planet. Every single day. In the form of our blogs for you to read. 100 million blog readers in these United States. 400 million around the world. All receiving the transmissions of our electronic voice. Imagine the seed you could sow through the internet alone. Imagine the strength and the reach and the power – the almighty power – of the Word.

We have the ability not just to receive the Word – not just to stand there passively – not just to wait and see if it finds us. But also the ability to speak the Word to others. To be the voice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Word has to find its way through all the other voices. The cacophony of Babel. The tongues of Satan. The false Word is everywhere. Nearly 200 million blogs and feeds and tweets daily. The Word of Satan spreads like wildfire on a hot windy day. The Satin Strangler story is one of many flames in that wildfire, friends.

In Galatians we read “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” We must become the sowers of the Word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, or we become the Word of Satan.

Readers of this article may also be interested in purchasing the following items (membership not required):
t-shirt: “Help Me Spread the Word” – $12
t-shirt: “Sow What? Let Me Tell You” – $22
Mouse pad: “Ask Me About Salvation Sermons” – $20
Mug: “This Cup Runneth Over” – $9

Reprinted with permission: http://salvationsermons.blogspot.com/

theNJdirt, 9/14/08

Sea View, NJ.

Police have arrested a suspect in the Satin Strangler case. Responding to a tip from a front desk clerk at the Oceanview Motel, police broke down the door of room #7 where the suspect, Destiny Blande, was staying.

Police Chief Robert McHugh reported that Blande is the person in the Sea View Marina surveillance video the night of Edgar Stahl’s disappearance. Stahl is still missing and presumed dead, the latest in a string of as many as 40 Satin Strangler victims. Police are running forensics on DNA evidence potentially linking Blande to the scene of the crime on Stahl’s boat.

“It will be a relief to all of the victims’ families,” McHugh said. “At least they can find comfort in knowing that their loved ones’ killer is behind bars.”

Blande’s Facebook profile states that she was an administrative assistant at Neon Lights, a Princeton advertising agency owned by her father, Sinclair Blande, until the spring of this year. The 23 year old alleged serial killer was born on May 1st, 1985, in West Windsor, NJ. She grew up in nearby Mount Rose, NJ, and attended Mount Rose High School and later Rutgers University, where she earned a BA in Marketing. Friends listed on Facebook include only her father Sinclair and her sister Cheryl. Her marital status is listed as single.

Blande is an amateur photographer and an expert on Stagmomantis carolina, the Carolina praying mantis, the subject of her current Master of Science study at Rutgers University’s night school. Blande has recently been traveling the eastern seaboard studying the mating behavior of these tiny creatures. Police have placed her in the general vicinity of at least three Satin Strangler murders along the east coast.

The sleepy New Jersey beach town of Sea View is reeling from the news. Amy Beluga, a waitress at the nearby Bait and Bagel restaurant who witnessed the arrest stated, “She is not at all what I expected. She’s pretty enough, but she’s kind of quiet looking, more like an average person than a killer. There must be a lot of firepower hidden away in that little body. You can see it in her eyes. They’re green and sparkly like cat eyes.” She shuddered and then continued, “It’s scary that a killer like that was right here in our town. I had no idea, but I definitely feel safer now that she’s been arrested.”

Warren Grey, the judge assigned to the hearing on Tuesday, stated, “I need to review the details of the case before commenting. I can guarantee you, however, that she will be punished to the full extent of the law. If found guilty, of course.”

Our crew was one of the first to the scene, but reporters from across the country have been rushing to the jail in Sea View, NJ, where Blande is being held.

We will give you more dirt on this case as it unfolds over the ensuing hours and days.

Reprinted with permission: http://thenjdirt.blogspot.com/

StranglerNetwork

We were able to track down the Personal Profile Page of Destiny Blande, as of 9/14/08

Basic Information
Sex: Female
Birthday: 5/1/85
Hometown: Mount Rose, NJ
Relationship Status: Single

Likes and Interests
Stagmomantis carolina
Mating behavior
Photography

Contact Information
Email: (blank)
Website: (blank)

Education and Work
Employer: Neon Lights (2001-2008)
Position: Administrative Assistant
Location: Princeton, NJ
High School: (blank)
College: (blank)
BA in Marketing

Friends:
Sinclair Blande
Cheryl Blande

Reprinted with permission: http://stranglernetwork.blogspot.com/

Crazy4Crazies, 9/14/08

They arrested the Satin Strangler tonight.

The classic serial killer was once depicted as a social monster living alone and trolling the streets for victims. That story became overplayed, though, and in many cases was total BS. The media also learned that monsters don’t sell as much as mainstream killers. It’s a cinch for the public to dismiss a monster as a freak of nature, something unlike the rest of us. But what happens when the serial murderer actually resembles us in many ways? They are just as frightening, but far more disturbing.

Tonight’s media coverage has been about Destiny Blande being the quintessential girl next door. No surprise there. But who is she really? Is she America’s sweetheart, a psychopath, or something in between? Can a serial murderer really live among us at work, in a family, and as an interactive member of society, all while accumulating a pile of corpses?

Many serial murderers have lived and worked in normal settings, and some have supposedly had normal family situations. These are the most intriguing killers, after all. A shiver runs down our spine when a killer’s friends and family report how shocked they were to hear of the news. We stare at our televisions into the peaceful face concealing the monster within. These are the most successful serial killers, the ones we all overlook as the body count rises. These are also the ones who sell the most Crazy 4 Crazies memorabilia – Mug Shot Mugs, t-shirts, and victim calendars.

Robert Yates, killer of as many as 17 prostitutes in Washington state in the 1990’s, was married with 5 children and lived in a middle class neighborhood. He was even a decorated US Army National Guard helicopter pilot. Neighbors never suspected that a body was buried outside Yates’ bedroom window.

Another Washington state favorite, Gary Ridgeway, aka the Green River Killer, was a truck painter for over 32 years and was married at the time of his arrest. He was a church-going bible reader, professing religious beliefs while killing at least 48 women in his spare time over a 20-year period.

BTK killer Dennis Rader was married with two children in Wichita, Kansas. He was a Boy Scout leader, a government official, president of his church group, and a US Air Force veteran. His favorite hobby, however, was killing victims and sending taunting communications to the press.

We want to think of Destiny Blande, the Satin Strangler, as the girl next door. A raving lunatic would hardly be as interesting. Instead, she is in control enough to conceal her pathology, keeping it buried just far enough from the surface to lure in, not just her victims, but the public. Her fans. It is easy to see how she seduced and killed so many men.

The first news stories are breaking, and we are already falling for her because we’re Crazy 4 Crazies. Let’s face it; this luscious lady had us at “hello.”

Reprinted with permission: http://crazy4crazies.blogspot.com/

StranglerNetwork

Here is the Personal Profile Page of Horace P. Krouch, as of 9/14/08

Horace P. Krouch
Horace P. Krouch, Esq, LLC
Greater New York City Area
Legal Services

Current
• Owner, Horace P. Krouch, Esq, LLC
Education
• Yale Law School
• Yale University
• Phillips Exeter Academy
Connections: 2,270
Websites
• KrouchMurderDefense.wordpress.com
Twitter
• @HoraceKrouchEsq

Summary
Specialties
High profile murder cases

Experience
Owner
Horace P. Krouch, Esq, LLC
Privately Held; Legal Services
July 1991 – Present
Horace P. Krouch, Esq, is a Yale Law School graduate specializing in criminal defense.

Education
Yale Law School
JD
Yale University
BA
Phillips Exeter Academy

Additional Information
Interests
Defending high profile murder cases and achieving additional media attention.

Groups and Associations
NACDL
Honors and Awards
• Editor, Yale Legal Review

Interested In
• expertise requests
• business deals
• book contracts
• movie contracts

Reprinted with permission: http://stranglernetwork.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 9/14/08

My faithful followers, you will undoubtedly be delighted to learn that I anticipate defending another high profile case worthy of a position in the proverbial trophy case of my illustrious career.

I am dictating this blog entry from my BMW Z8 at 3AM, yet another testament to the tireless dedication I have to educate you concerning my life and career.

I was returning to the Upper East Side moments ago when a news flash blared out of my new RA:1K audio system. The authorities in Sea View, NJ, incarcerated a girl for the Satin Strangler murders. Pursuant to a rising tidal wave of media coverage, this case promises to be monumental. I imagine even illiterates are aware of the Satin Strangler.

The case would be tantalizing enough for me based on the killer’s 40-victim curriculum vitae, which dwarfs even that of my Gloria Watson case. Strangulation, however, is what makes the Satin Strangler case particularly intriguing.

Such homicidal technique is typically the modus operandi of male serial murders, whereas women have a propensity for killing at more ample distance with firearms or poison. Strangulation requires an amalgam of will, cunning, passion, and strength. Anything could go awry, particularly when a woman attacks a man.

Strangulation is the most intimate crime. Killer and victim unite as a single organism. Eyes lock. Breath intermingles. They exchange body heat as the sweat boils to the surface.

The intimacy of strangulation consumes my every thought as my BMW Z8 penetrates the Lincoln Tunnel toward New Jersey. What possesses a woman to terminate life by strangulation? What enables her to succeed? She must be driven by the addictive surge of adrenaline.

How much seductive power is necessary to entice so many victims? Those 40 men must have sensed her passion surge. How did it feel as that passion was interceded by impending demise? How would it feel to succumb to the Satin Strangler’s clutches?

The radio commentator announced that the suspect, Destiny Blande, is a former office assistant and an entomologist, eliciting an image more of a damsel in distress than of a rabid psychopath. A reporter from Sea View interviewed a group of inebriates just released from custody after a bar skirmish. They described Destiny Blande as petite but menacing, a “librarian with a secret.” Is she the Satin Strangler? The reporter seems convinced.

I must confess that I am enthralled more by the prospect of meeting the suspect than by the intellectual challenge of defending her case. I am compelled to know the woman behind the public’s Satin Strangler facade. Not since my studies at Yale Law School have I been so intrigued by a suspect.

The Manhattan skyline dims in the rearview mirror. An internal force lures me down the Garden State Parkway toward Sea View for an encounter with Destiny Blande, accused serial killer

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/

ReleaseBarabbas, 9/14/08

– All stations interrupt their regularly scheduled garbage to announce that the Satin Strangler has been arrested – The murderer of at least 40 victims – Maybe more than 50 – It depends on the station and the anchorman oration – The media tripled the body count in two weeks – 12 murders were not enough – Triple the body count triple the ratings – Triple the body count triple the viewer salivation – We want more – More victims and more stories – Gruesomes and gories – By tomorrow the count will be higher – Quadruple the ratings –

– The Sea View police station is buzzing on the live feed – News vans and noose fans – They are gathered here today to marry together legend and reality – The Satin Strangler and the girl behind the story –

– The population of this Lazarus town has exploded in an hour – 4AM and the rubbernecking media junkies are lining up as the ensemble cast of Act One – They pantomime behind reporters while pressing their cell phones against their fat friggin faces – Honey can you see me – I am mindless and worthless and nonetheless on TV –

– A line forms near the entrance – Lemming lawyers drag briefcases and flash business cards – Glory seekers lining up to read for the part of Defense Attorney – Who will get the career breaking case – Best lawyer in a supporting role – Fictionalized nonfiction – Will it be any of them – They twist and fidget like serpents in a terrarium at the reptile house –

– Police sirens mark the arrival of an impromptu patrol car parade – Maybe every blue uniform in the county – They march past the reporters – No comment – No comment – One might be the next Mark Furman but never mind if that means nothing to you today – Flickers of fame – Fifteen minutes – Furman is yesterday –

– A white haired man in a gray suit is next – Mayor Mayfield the reporters call out while tripping over each other to get to him – May May the crowd chants – MAY MAY – They seem to love this man that national viewers have yet to meet – Microphones engulf him – He pivots to show his best profile – Caked up television makeup cracks on his neck – He pulls squarer than square glasses from a crooked nose and practices his smile – Once – Twice – Now the reporters will get their friggin comment – Blah blah blah –

– But they are all the supporting cast – You are the star my dear – The diva in the making – The glorious object of our affections – The one to play the part of the Satin Strangler –

– We crave every last detail about Destiny Blande – We will want to know everything – Where did you grow up – Were you the wild one or the quiet one – Will they say how could the girl we know do such a thing – Neighbors should say quiet girl who kept to herself – Your friends and coworkers should say I never would have suspected – Blah blah blah –

– Did your parents love you or beat you – Will they cry on the air – Will they defend you until the end – Or will they apologize to the world for creating a monster – Where did you go to school – Who were your friends – Who did you date – Who did you love and hate – What did they do to you – Those awful boys – What did they do to make the girl want to kill them all – Friggin kill them all – You would kill every last one of them – And that is why we love you so –

– You have been anointed the chosen one Destiny Blande – Your life will never be the same – You are now the media extravaganza formerly known as Destiny Blande – Are you worthy to be the chosen one – The police think you are – Will the jury think so – But who cares – It only matters what the media thinks – Will your story be good enough – They will fuel the fire of our desire – Why do you strangle men – How could such a dainty girl be strong enough to kill a man – Let alone more than 50 men –

– Yesterday we knew nothing of you Destiny Blande – Today you are the Satin Strangler – Today you become front page news –

– Barabbas

Reprinted with permission: http://releasebarabbas.blogspot.com/

SalvationSermons, 9/14/08

Today’s bible passage is from the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. The great hero Samson was in love with a woman named Delilah. The Philistines, Samson’s enemies, approached Delilah and offered silver in exchange for the secret of her lover’s strength. Samson lied to her three times, and each time she informed the Philistines. Delilah repeatedly prepared Samson for the Philistines’ attack, but they were no match for the hero’s prevailing strength.

Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength.”

Samson finally conceded and told her, “If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.”

When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him.

– Judges 16

What motivated Delilah? Why did Samson agree to provide the information that would let his lover tie him up and dominate him? Today’s sermon takes us to their bedroom to find the answers.

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Delilah was helping the Philistines conquer Samson. She knew that her actions would lead to his demise. Was it really for the money? Is that what Delilah wanted?

NO!

My friends, I say it was not the money at all. Delilah wanted to dominate Samson. This muscle bound mountain of a man. She wanted to feel the surge of power, the rush of excitement, from dominating him. She was a naughty girl – a dirty girl who could only achieve her goal by enticing Samson with her body.

We hear this story and wonder how Samson could be so beguiled. Was he paying attention at all? He tests her the first time – and she betrays him. He tests her two more times – and she betrays him again. By now we know she cannot be trusted. Samson must also. But when Delilah lures him in again, he finally yields. She has his head shaved, ties him up, and leaves him defenseless.

This is not only a story of the past. We see it happening again in the news today. Numerous men have been killed by the Satin Strangler. We wonder if the victims saw the danger coming. Were they like Samson? Did they see the unmistakable danger but hope that they could somehow get the prize without paying the price?

I suspect that the Satin Strangler’s victims were blinded to the danger right in front of them. I suspect that they were lured in by their own lustful desires.

We want to hear about the girl they are accusing of the murders. What is it about Destiny Blande that made the victims expose their vulnerability? This dainty girl – dainty dirty girl. So harmless in appearance – but so deadly in the end. How alluring was the promise of her body? Filthy pleasure must have blinded them – weakened them and made them vulnerable. She is today’s Delilah, and her victims are today’s Samsons.

The bible story of Samson and Delilah still tells us its message today. Giving in to the temptation of filthy pleasures will lead to demise. It will extract the strength of good, the gifts of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and leave us vulnerable to the will of Satan.

Readers of this article may also be interested in purchasing the following items (membership not required):
t-shirt: “The Price of a Haircut – Judges 16” – $22
t-shirt: “No Salvation for Stranglers” – $22
Mouse pad: “Ask Me about Salvation Sermons” – $20
Mug: “This Cup Runneth Over” – $9

Reprinted with permission: http://salvationsermons.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 9/14/08

It is now 4AM, and I am dictating outside the police station in Sea View, NJ, about to meet Destiny Blande.

The typical serial murderer sequence is in motion. Before any such arrest, we are introduced to the media’s persona of the killer, delivered between spliced morsels of crime scene reports and police statements. Once a defendant appears, the press has to decide how to retro-fit this individual to their fabricated persona. The accused is invariably viewed via this warped media lens.

The Destiny Blande in my imagination is far from the typically vulgar serial murderer. She is indescribably unique.

Despite a profound bias accumulated from years of expertise defending accused murderers, I have succumbed to the media’s serial killer portrayal in this case. Hypothetically speaking, in order to be guilty as charged, Destiny Blande would have to be alluring but dangerous, a candle flame beckoning all to experience the warmth without getting burned.

A Yale Law School professor’s admonition echoes from the depths of my subconscious as I follow signs to Sea View. “Getting too close to your clients is career suicide, and sometimes simply suicide.”

Sea View poses a dismal countenance, even while shrouded behind a cloak of darkness. There is no evidence of a community; no semblance of the resort destination of yesteryear. Amusement ride remnants loom over the boardwalk’s weathered wooden planks and boarded-up storefronts.

I once sojourned to Sea View with Mother upon the occasion of my fifth birthday, shortly after Father’s untimely passing. In retrospect the rides were probably already demonstrating their rusty deterioration, and the boardwalk was in disarray. I never appreciated these flaws as a child, but now the images my memory conjures are worn and tattered.

News vans line the beach parking lots. Throngs of rubber-neckers and glory hounds gather at the police station, lining the sidewalks and congesting the streets. Groups of barbarians are even assembling picnics from their open automobile trunks.

Men in suits wait in linear formation adjacent to the police station. They carry folders and attaché cases and computer bags. Lawyers. Suitors attempting to woo Destiny Blande into selecting them as their defense attorney.

They are my would-be competition, but they are squandering their time and effort. I will soon be walking through the front door to claim my client.

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/

SeaViewStew, 9/14/08

Blogsters and blogettes. It rained all morning in Sea View. 2 wet 4 bottle rocket tag on the beach. Perfect for putting on your wetsuit and snorkeling gear and playing puddle chicken on the Ocean Boulevard median strip. Just a few puffs of fresh Jersey-Grown and we were set 4 the day.

Reg was running to the portajohn all day. Shes been trying to get into some medical study where they give u pot pills 2 treat irritating diarea syndrome. U have 2 have irritating diarea to get in though so shes been chewing ex-lax 4 a week. Im not sure its worth it 4 her but me and Suze r hoping she gets in cuz then she can score us some extra pot pills. We figure she owes us something 4 putting up with her irritating diarea, right?

At midnight me and Suze went 2 Starfish Cinemas 2 c Pineapple Express again. Reg showed up late after taking an on-line test 4 her music appreciation class.

U should definitely check out the new Pineapple Express flick if u havent already or even if u have. Ive seen it 17 times and its better each time. Tonight was in 3D. Actually is wasnt 3D but we were way gonzo and decided 2 bring our 3D glasses from home 2 experience this new epic in its fullest dimension. I highly recommend it. Lets just say that if u enjoy a puff of Jersey-Grown every now and then be4 a flick this is one 4 u.

Anyway. After the movie we walked along the abandoned boardwalk 4 a few more uninterrupted puffs of fresh Jersey-Grown. On the way back there was a big crowd hanging out in front of the police station so we checked it out. Cameras were all over the place. Sea View was majorly on the news.

Channel 2 was about to start filming live. That Priscilla Whats-Her-Face kept pushing her hair out of her eyes and then finally turned 2 let the ocean breeze blow her goldilocks back like in those Sports Illustrated swimsuit videos. U could even hear the wind whistling between her ears. Haha. Her camera bud started counting with his fingers and then she started her report. She said they arrested that Satin Strangler girl rite here in Sea View. Thats the one who has sex AND strangles on the first date. Unreal.

Having a serial murderer in our town would have been total BK (that’s short for buzz kill if your reading this straight), but I kept watching Suze behind the reporter. She was wearing the 3D glasses high on her head like a movie star gone wrong for the TV camera. Her face was beet red from laughing and coughing. She looked like a ginormous lady bug.

Wo I need 2 crash big time. Anyway. Hopefully youll c Suze on the news.

Thats all I got 4 now. Later.

Reprinted with permission: http://seaviewstew.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 9/14/08

I am reclining on a dune behind the hotel, watching two sea gulls battle over a crustacean. The day proceeded beyond my expectations. Henceforth I shall have possession of the Satin Strangler case. You will enjoy some excitement from my ensuing posts, my faithful followers.

The Sea View police station was miniscule, even more Mayberry USA than I had imagined. Upon entering the front door I could see Destiny in a cell along the far wall. There was no mistaking her from the radio reporter’s descriptions. The adjacent cells were vacant.

Destiny looked up as though sensing my gaze, and pivoted ever so slightly toward her cell door. Was she assuming a timid posture or planning her escape? Regardless of her innocence or guilt, she was playing the role of a caged bird. I have witnessed that facade countless times since my studies at Yale. Destiny had perfected this countenance. She knew I was there to meet with her. Our eyes locked momentarily, once again conjuring the reporter’s description of “a librarian with a secret.” As her defense attorney, I am obligated to write that I believe her to be innocent. Now, therefore, that is what I write herein. She is innocent, and I will win the case and prove her innocent, despite the mounting evidence to the contrary. I nobly take on this task regardless of whether I perceive her completely incapable of any harm or addicted to murder.

The clerk averted his gaze from People Magazine’s secret beach photos of starlets long enough to acknowledge my presence. He wondered Is this person different from the other attorneys lined up outside, or is he just more bold?

“Line’s out front,” he said.

I slid my business card across the desk. Without even glancing at it, he licked his fingers and turned the magazine page to reveal that lascivious hotel heiress wearing a fur coat and a yellow bikini. “Out front,” he repeated.

“I am here to speak with Ms. Blande. Please show her this.” I slid a portfolio with my most publicized cases across the desk, and then opened it, causing the cover to conceal the hotel heiress in his rubbish periodical.

He clenched both fists. The photograph of yours truly and Gloria Watson on the first page must have registered, however, because he suddenly sat up straight, removed his glasses, and perused my face for the first time. “Holy…”

We finally reached my favorite part of any introduction – when they realize that they are in the presence of me.

The clerk inhaled profoundly and composed himself. “One second, Mr. Krouch.” He stood and carried the portfolio and business card back to Destiny’s cell. A brief conversation ensued. Destiny looked at him, then at the portfolio, then at me. Of course her answer was inevitable. She consented with a nod.

An officer opened her cell for me to enter.

Destiny demonstrated no resemblance to the Satin Strangler police sketches, and the radio reports hardly did her justice. She had the lackluster and unassuming countenance of the quintessential librarian, but her eyes were entrancing. An occasional flutter of lashes released a flash of malachite that stopped the world around her. A wisp of auburn hair fell away from her chignon and dangled in front of her forehead as a betrayal to conformity. I fixed my eyes on her face, rather than tracking down her tone but feminine frame toward her legs. I imagined her garnished in black satin stockings.

This was the woman accused of strangling 50 men. She was alluring, but was she also dangerous? Regardless, I could quickly tell that she would never reveal her dark side while in captivity.

Within minutes we achieved bilateral consent that I would represent her. The ensuing conversation lasted for several hours, but remains confidential lawyer-client information at this time.

I am envisioning Destiny’s penetrating, feline eyes as I sit in my Adirondack chair along the beach, reviewing my notes. The jury will certainly be captivated by her; she will appeal to the primal urges characteristic of the masses.

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/

SeaViewStew, 9/15/08

Blogsters and blogettes. Hopefully u saw Suze on the 5 oclock news. If not your loss.

Everybody in Sea Views talking about the Satin Strangler. That Destiny Blande girl is still locked up in the police station. The scene there is unreal. Half of Jersey is hanging out trying 2 c the strangler or get on TV.

My cousins cousin on the other side used 2 date this guy Russ who was working in the Oceanview Motel the night Destiny was arrested. He was drinking alone with nobody else. Hey it was a Tuesday. One of the seven best party nights in Sea View. Anyway. Destiny checked in2 the motel. Her green cat eyes reminded him of Miss Hayward his old fourth grade teacher. Doomee eyes that lure u in. Kind of like Reg on X. Just kidding about Reg. Miss Hayward was the one who used 2 wear short skirts and no panties. The boys loved her but she was run out of town by the PTA after bending over 2 pick up an eraser.

Anyway. Russ new rite when he saw Destiny that she was the girl from the marina video. He said she looked like she wanted 2 lay him down and strangle him right there in the lobby of the Oceanview Motel. The boy is tough though. He was in the navy for 2 months and he got a green belt in karate from Tiger Schulmann in AC so there was no way he was backing down from some strangler girl.

Russ called the cops. They stormed the place like a SWAT team, broke down the door where she was staying, and then dragged her out of the room. She was kicking and screaming and wearing nothing but lacy black underwear. Thats not the way it looked on the news but Russ the perv swears thats what he saw. He said she was trying 2 strangle the police rite there in the street.

Russ thinks hell get some kind of award. Who nose if thats true but it makes sense I guess. Thanks 2 him they caught that serial killer. It makes u wonder who wouldve been next and how many more men wouldve been strangled if he didnt call the cops.

Dying 4 a Scooby Snack, so I gotta go.

Thats all I got 4 now. Later.

Reprinted with permission: http://seaviewstew.blogspot.com/

StranglerThenFiction, 9/15/08

Friends in Mount Rose, NJ, are shocked at the arrest of Destiny Blande, suspected Satin Strangler.

While authorities in Sea View, NJ, prepare for the arraignment of Destiny Blande, friends are reeling from the news back in her home town of Mount Rose [[Roses were the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love, leading to their use on Valentine’s Day.]] They spoke to us about the Destiny Blande that they know and love.

Blande’s family has yet to make a public statement about the arrest, but we interviewed Mitchell Carlson, her former boyfriend, at the Cone King Ice Cream Shop where he works. “They’ve got the wrong person,” he said. “There’s no way she would have been able to commit those murders. She’s a sweetheart. She wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

Blande and Carlson dated on and off for nearly a year until 3 months ago, the time of their final separation. [[Separation rates among marriages in Afton, Wyoming, are 78%, nearly three times the town’s divorce rate of 26%, among the highest and lowest numbers in the US, respectively.]] “We were each just headed down different paths with our lives,” he said. “It just didn’t work out.”

The police spent several hours at Carlson’s home the day after the arrest. The Grand Jury has not yet issued any witness subpoenas. [[“Subpoena” is a word derived from the Latin phrase, sub poena, meaning “under law,” and has no relation to the word “penis,” as is commonly thought.]] “There really wasn’t much to tell them,” Carlson said. “I haven’t seen Destiny in a few months. She’s been on the road doing research since her falling out with her father. She’s had enough hard times lately without this happening. I know she’s innocent and just want to help in any way possible to clear her name.”

“They were a great couple” stated a friend of Blande and Carlson, who wished to remain anonymous. “He asked her to marry him 3 separate times. I think she loved him but just wasn’t ready to get married. Too bad. They’re the sweetest. [[The sweetest fruit, per unit of weight, is the Jamaican tangelo.]] They would have made a great couple. Now who knows what’s going to happen?”

Reprinted with permission: http://stranglerthenfiction.blogspot.com/

theNJdirt, 9/18/08

Sea View, NJ.

Time magazine published its 100 Safest Towns in America yesterday, and Sea View, NJ, ranked number 72.
Until recently, Sea View was best known for the Ocean Park amusement pier, which once served as a top vacation destination. That golden age ended when the pier closing and boardwalk merchant exodus created severe economic hardship for the town.

Based on similar cases, one would have expected the character of a town to deteriorate. This is not been the case in Sea View, much to the credit of their mayor of 12 years, Winston Mayfield.

Mayfield originally ran for office on a platform of cleaning up the town and creating a safe haven for its residents. As mayor he delivered on his promise. During his first few years in office, Mayfield instituted extensive neighborhood cleanup programs. He developed some the most elaborate green initiatives in the country through his Green With Pride program. Under Mayfield’s leadership, Sea View helped inspire Rutgers University’s New Jersey Sustainable State Institute and the Mayor’s Committee for a Green Future.

Sea View remains among the nation’s leading municipalities in purchasing environmentally friendly products, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, recycled paper, and hybrid cars. Mayfield has also supported ordinances for mandatory recycling and anti-idling, and is well known for planting trees around city buildings with the local high school every Earth Day. His sparse critics point to the negative impact the new high energy standards may have on industry and housing development incentive, but even they commend the mayor’s motives.

Mayfield has taken the concept of “neighborhood watch” to previously unseen extremes. Three years ago, following his most recent reelection, he led a fund-raising campaign to purchase surveillance camera systems for installation throughout the town. These were stationed at each traffic light, in front of the most commonly used business establishments, and on certain neighborhood blocks. Crime is down 45% during the mayor’s tenure in office, and violent crime is essentially nonexistent in Sea View, despite rising crime rates in nearly every surrounding town during the same period.

When receiving word about the Time magazine honor, Mayor Mayfield commented, “This is a testament to efforts of our citizens. We’ve all been committed to making this a safer and cleaner place to live. We have had some difficult economic trials here, but with the unwavering confidence and support of our citizens, we will overcome that challenge as well. Everyone here certainly deserves as much.”

This award may come as a surprise in the wake of the Satin Strangler arrest in Sea View. Of course, Time made its selections prior to the arrest. Regarding the Satin Strangler case, Mayfield stated, “That was just more evidence that this is a safe place to live. She was an outsider who came through and placed our town in jeopardy. Luckily, we had a surveillance system in place to identify and apprehend her and keep our residents safe.”

Other safe towns on Time magazine’s list included State College, PA, Steubenville, OH, Wheeling, WV, Pittsfield, MA, Wausau, WI, Nashua, NH, Parkensburg, WV, Glens Falls, NY, and Williamsport, PA.

That’s the dirt from the 72nd safest town in America.

Reprinted with permission: http://thenjdirt.blogspot.com/

SoundOffNJ, 9/20/08

Sea View, NJ.

A source at the mayor’s office has confirmed that Sea View Mayor Winston Mayfield will be seeking reelection next year. We want to hear your thoughts. Sound off, New Jersey.

Comments:

1. Posted by FiestaGal

They say Mayfield is going to win in a landslide. We’re big time news in Sea View since the Satin Strangler was arrested. That’s cause of May May’s video cameras all over the place. I used to think the cameras were just a major BK for kids trying to party, but now I see how they can save lives. I don’t know much about politics or anything. I never voted before, but if I vote it will be for May May. No doubt about it. Plus he’s kinda sexy for a guy his age.

2. Posted by Anonymous

WINSTON MAYFIELD. Get 5 months of Sirius for just $20 until 12/20/08.

3. Posted by NickNack

Mayfield’s been the man for the last 12 years. The town’s broke, but in a state with a bunch of morons and crooks in office, who’s better than May May? C’mon. I just read that the Satin Strangler publicity’s already worth 10 million in tourism bucks in the town’s pockets, plus another 300 to 500 million expected over the next few years. Maybe somebody will throw some of that cash my way, right? I’m sticking with my boy on voting day.

4. Posted by TeenAngel

May May came to our school last year to talk to us about recycling. He signed my yearbook.

Reprinted with permission: http://soundoffnj.blogspot.com/

theNJdirt, 9/22/08

Sea View, NJ.

New Jersey once again owns the hottest news story in the country. A native resident of the state, Destiny Blande, remains behind bars, accused of the Satin Strangler murders. The latest breaking news on this story will turn it up another notch. Blande has selected high profile defense attorney Horace Krouch to represent her case.

Krouch touts himself as a self-made success story. He was 5 years old when his father, attorney Herbert Krouch, Esq., hung himself in their New York City apartment. His mother Victoria never recovered from the event. She was later hospitalized for undisclosed psychiatric conditions when Horace was 12, and passed away a few years later. Horace was sent to live with his cousins near Exeter, New Hampshire. He completed his undergraduate and law school studies at Yale, including a year as editor of the prestigious Yale Law Review. After graduation, he worked as a public defendant in New York City before leaving to establish one of the world’s premier criminal law practices. He has accumulated an extensive winning record in high profile cases, most often representing female defendants.

Krouch became a household name after the Gloria Watson case 5 years ago. Watson, a wife and mother of two from Syracuse, New York, was accused of shooting six men during a three week killing spree. Evidence against Watson was stacked, including DNA evidence at all crime scenes, motives, numerous eye witnesses, and the coup de grace – video of her fleeing the scene of the last murder. Krouch somehow threaded together enough evidence to have Watson acquitted, creating a public conundrum reminiscent of the aftermath of the O.J. Simpson case.

Krouch, who is physically bigger than life in both stature and girth, now bears a legend to match as the most highly touted criminal defense attorney in the country. Depicted in several biographies and all but deified in Watson’s best-selling autobiography, Acquitted, Krouch now hobnobs with the rich and famous. He blogs and tweets for his “faithful followers,” serves as guest editor for numerous magazines and law journals, and regularly makes television appearances.

Last year Krouch made three cameo appearances on Law and Order. Each episode revealed whiter teeth, a darker tan, and a little less gray in Krouch’s slicked back Gordon Gecko hair. His eyebrows were even a little higher above his ever present sun glasses and moved much less in the last episode, raising speculation that the lawyer caught the plastic surgery bug. The focus on appearance has not made it down to his body, which is still as well fed as ever.

Krouch now only takes on cases of “personal interest.” During the last 5 years, he has only represented six women, each with fairly straightforward approaches to their defense. At first glance the Satin Strangler case seems a perfect fit for Krouch, with Blande facing seemingly insurmountable odds for some of the most publicized murders of our time. There is, after all, no better opportunity to stay in the spotlight. But in this case, what does he have to gain?

The expectation is that he will win every time. With Destiny Blande, a loss seems inevitable. Why create a chink in the armor and tarnish a nearly perfect legal career.

Keep coming back so we can bring you the dirt on how Krouch does with this one.

Reprinted with permission: http://thenjdirt.blogspot.com/

ReleaseBarabbas, 10/4/08

– You are lurking through the darkness Horace P Krouch Esquire – For the third straight night – What is so important that it brings you back to New York City from your case in Sea View –

– You conceal your face but your large frame is easy to follow among the emaciated shadows lurking the night – Where are you going so late – Why are you moving so fast – What is in the bag – So many questions – You are an enigma –

– Families and tourists are long asleep in the Big Grapple – All but the 24 hour stores are closed – The tour vans and Hudson cruise ships are all tucked away – But I want to follow you – I need to know more about you – What outcome will you get in this case – Guilty locks the Satin Strangler and Destiny Blande together in a cell – Not guilty unfetters their bond – Lets the Satin Strangler loose again to thrive – Which will it be –

– New York City is littered with stragglers now – The homeless staking their claim for the night – Drunken students deciding between one more bar and a long subway ride home – Gypsy cabbies and hookers hoping for one last fare –

– You mixed in earlier – Lawyer with the briefcase – In a business suit you looked the part – Serious and meticulous – So important – How do you look now Horace P Krouch Esquire – In faded jeans and sweatshirt and baseball cap – Camouflage to fit in with the rabble of the wee hours – You are one of them now – The tired the poor the huddled masses lurking in the shroud of night –

– Where are you going – What could be so important at 4 in the morning – What could make you stray so far from your upper east side security to the untamed streets of the Village – You look over your shoulder – Again and again – What is it that you are looking for – What are you afraid of – Not me – I have followed you the whole way and you have not even noticed me – You break my heart sometimes – Are you afraid of the cameras – The paparazzi – Are you afraid of becoming breaking news –

– The streets are darker here – We must be getting closer to your destination – How right I am – You walk down a staircase from the street to a basement door – No lights – No signs – A door in the shadows – Three knocks – A pause – Three more knocks – You look back over each shoulder – Are they getting closer now – The voices you hear – The demons you fear – Do they know where you are and what you plan to do – The door opens – A face recognizes you – Looks in both directions then lets you in –

– I sit on a bench and wait – Other men follow you inside – One more every few minutes – They each look over their shoulders – Knock on the door the same way – Those leaving the dark doorway walk with their heads hanging a little lower – What are you all doing on the other side of that door as the rest of the world sleeps – What are you doing in there Horace P Krouch Esquire –

– Barabbas

Reprinted with permission: http://releasebarabbas.blogspot.com/

SalvationSermons, 10/4/08

Today’s sermon is about the ultimate commandment: Thou Shalt Not Kill. The one that we are supposed to accept without reservation. Thou Shalt Not Kill. Of course not. To kill is to destroy God’s creation. To kill is to break the extreme commandment.

But then the Satin Strangler comes along.

If you are a Salvation Sermons member, then select READ MORE. If you are not a member, please visit our REGISTRATION PAGE to learn how you can contribute to our cause and share in the message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

One of my first sermons as a young minister was about “coveting.” That is how far we had gotten as a God-fearing community. COVETING. But before I could catch up on coveting the wives of others, adultery was already rampant. Coveting became blasé. Why stop at coveting when you can go straight for the taking? Half of all marriages end in divorce – none of them because of coveting.

With our struggles over the nine other commandments, we rarely even turn to the big one. But today that is the topic – Thou Shalt Not Kill. The one that rears its ugly head with greater frequency and intensity everywhere we turn.

The news is now filled with tales of murder – even right here in our backyard. We see it on television – we read it in the newspapers – we absorb it through the internet and download it onto our iPhones.

The Satin Strangler is the ultimate example – a woman who strangles men for her amusement. Some say she is insane – possessed by Satan himself. Others protest that she is a victim of society seeking an outlet for her suffering. I read with horror as the first news reports came out. Men were killed by this disciple of the devil – strangled and strewn asunder. Sons, brothers, and fathers. Family members and friends. MURDERED.

And how does society react? Do we rise up as one to shame this disciple of the devil? Take a look at the media’s response for your answer. You do not have to search for very long. She is everywhere – on all of our televisions, on every news stand – but as a villain? NO. The Satin Strangler is held up before us as a modern day superheroine.

Perhaps today’s sermon is too late. What should we do? First we have to look inside ourselves. We are the media consumers. We are the targets for such stories. We consume murder in mass quantities. The supply has to keep up with the demand, after all. When we turn on our televisions and browsers and podcasts, we say “yes” to what they represent. We say “yes” to the Satin Strangler – “yes” to strangling – “yes” to murder. We say “no” to the Commandments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have we come so far that we now say “no” even to the commandment that was once accepted without reservation? Thou Shalt Not Kill.

We have to take action as a community and say “no” to murder. Say “yes” to the Commandments. Tell yourselves.

Then tell your family and friends. Then tell the world.

Readers of this article may also be interested in purchasing the following items (membership not required):
t-shirt: “Say ‘Yes’ to the Commandments” – $12
t-shirt: “Say ‘No’ to the Satin Strangler” – $22
t-shirt: “No Salvation for Stranglers” – $22
Mouse pad: “Ask Me about Salvation Sermons” – $20
Mug: “Just Don’t Do It – SalvationSermons.wordpress.com” – $9

Reprinted with permission: http://salvationsermons.blogspot.com/

DestinyIsInnocent, 1/21/09

We now have over 2,000 names on the e-petition to free Destiny Blande from custody. She is not a killer. She is just a young woman who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you haven’t yet signed our petition, please join Destiny’s Crusaders by clicking the button on the right of this page. Next week we will send the petition to Governor Kent Saunders, Sea View Mayor Winston Mayfield, and Sea View Chief of Police Robert McHugh. We will also continue our on-line support of Destiny Blande to help free her from custody.

We have written to Amnesty International, requesting support for our efforts to get financial compensation for Destiny Blande for the amount of time she is incarcerated. The so-called justice system is showing no justice in Sea View. An innocent, hard working woman has been kept from her job, family, and friends. She has already suffered unnecessarily for the crimes of another. We hope to hear back from Amnesty International soon.

Days in custody: ¬¬130

Free Destiny Blande.

Reprinted with permission: http://destinyisinnocent.blogspot.com/

DeathForDestiny, 1/24/09

How long must we wait to try and convict Destiny Blande? Each passing day only makes her victims’ families suffer, waiting for resolution.

According to Fox News last night, at least 44 murders are now attributed to the Satin Strangler. Men up and down the eastern seaboard have been victimized. And how do we react to this brutality? Well, of course, we host the killer comfortably in a country club prison on ocean front property.

The pathetic reality is that New Jersey repealed the death penalty in December, 2007, so why are we wasting time there anyway. We’re letting a serial murderer sit around in a state prison system where the annual cost per prisoner runs $40,000 per year. Several states are lined up to try this animal for her heinous crimes, but New Jersey’s incompetence is blocking the way. Let Virginia and Georgia get their chance at the Satin Strangler. They have the right idea on this one. Fry her and be done with it. Let’s save the taxpayers money.

Let’s get moving with the legal process, New Jersey. A murder conviction is inevitable, and already long overdue.

Reprinted with permission: http://deathfordestiny.blogspot.com/

StranglerFashion, 2/10/09

What will Destiny Blande, the alleged Satin Strangler, wear in court? Will she take cues from her famous predecessors, or will she make her own fashion statements? The judge, the jury, and (let’s face it) the rest of the world will be taking their cues from her fashion selections. Hopefully she’s been studying the fashion wonders and blunders of her infamous predecessors.

Sweetheart actress Winona Ryder set the bar in 2002 when accused of shop lifting over $5,000 of merchandise at Saks. She was unsuccessful at getting tags off a blue Marc Jacobs bag, according to CourtTV.com. Ryder appeared at Beverly Hills Municipal Court for her preliminary hearing sporting a yellow and navy combination of headband, dress, shoes and bag from Marc Jacobs. Her next several months of appearances were essentially unpaid advertisements for Marc Jacobs and Fendi. Marc Jacobs later rewarded Ryder for her shoplifting fashion sense by adding her to their advertising campaign. Go girl.

Martha Stewart faced charges in federal court showcasing a luxe coat and Hermes Birkin bag. The press criticized her for such a flagrant public display of wealth but later showed even less mercy when she appeared with an “everyday housewife” look.

Naomi Campbell spent much of 2006-2007 in New York City courtrooms after assaulting her housekeeper with a cell phone. Supermodel appearances in the Manhattan criminal court are few and far between, so paparazzi and fashionistas were on hand. Naomi kicked things off with a sexy black dress and black bracelets, and followed through with a charcoal Louis Vuitton jacket and black dress by Rachel Roy.

Campbell’s week-long community service at the New York City Sanitation Department Depot featured numerous designer looks. ‘What do they expect me to do? Walk in looking all drib and drab? I’ve never looked drib and drab in my life,” she was quoted as saying in W Magazine’s “The Naomi Diaries.” “I want to walk out of here with my head up. I want to go out in style, and fashion is what I’ve done for 21 years.” The sanitation fashion included fedora, fur jackets and coats, colorful ruffled blouses, and even a silver gown grand exit in a Bentley.

In 2007 hotel heiress Paris Hilton appeared at the Metropolitan Courthouse in Los Angeles makeup-free and in baggy sweats. For her sentencing she chose a mix of gray and white separates and a headband – a lesser version of the Winona Ryder look. Later that year her friend Nicole Richie, daughter of famous singer Lionel Richie, appeared in court on DUI charges in Glendale. Nicole earned raves from fashionistas for her courtroom look, which included oversized black shades, sophisticated low chignon and an elegant Moschino black dress.

Destiny Blande is next. What will it be? That subdued girl next door look that she has portrayed to this point? Or some unique style not yet seen in the courtroom? There are so many opportunities to play off her auburn hair and chartreuse eyes.

Please take a moment to take our survey, girlfriends:

What brand of shoes will Destiny Blande wear in court?
A. Jimmy Choo
B. Another brand (If so, which one?)

Stay tuned, star struck fashionistas.

Reprinted with permission: http://stranglerfashion.blogspot.com/

Crazy4Crazies, 2/14/09

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Many of our readers have been asking about strangulation. I suppose TV coverage isn’t providing enough for you. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s something to satisfy your appetites for gore – a few excerpts from one of my favorite pieces of bedtime reading, “Death by Strangulation,” by Dr. Dean Hawley.

Strangulation sometimes causes no external evidence. In other cases scratches and bruises occur on the neck. These are often from the fingers of the assailant, or the fingers of the victim from attempts to pry free. Ligatures, such as the satin stockings used by Destiny Blande, can cause distinct abrasion patterns as well.

“Ligature abrasions follow a predictable pattern of horizontal circumscription about the neck; distinguishable from the marks left by suicidal hanging, where a suspension point causes the ligature furrow to rise toward one ear.”

These marks can become more prominent after death as the skin dries . Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall as the coroner sits eating lunch while strangulation marks appear on the neck of the corpse?
But remember, not all the evidence lies in the neck.

“…strangulation produces evidence of asphyxiation, recognized as pinpoint hemorrhages (petechiae) in the skin, conjunctiva of the eyes, and deep internal organs. Petechiae are non-specific findings that can develop from any cause of asphyxia including strangulation, hanging, drowning, sudden infant death syndrome, aspiration of gastric contents, profound depressant drug intoxication, and some natural diseases. The presence of petechiae does not prove strangulation, and the absence of petechiae does not disprove strangulation. In addition to petechiae, one may also (rarely) find interstitial free air in the lung or mediastinum.”

The exact findings at autopsy vary, and may be related to the different ways that strangulation can cause death. We each probably have our favorite ways that this can happen. Pressure on the carotid arteries can cut off blood flow to the brain, and blocking the jugular veins can stop the blood returning from the brain, either of which leads to unconsciousness and eventually death. Pressure on the larynx can prevent air flow to the lungs, causing suffocation. Then, of course, there’s my favorite, the possibility of causing an abnormal rhythm from carotid artery reflex signals to the heart.

Okay you wild asphyxiaphilics – we know this information will take your breath away because you’re Crazy 4 Crazies.

Reprinted with permission: http://crazy4crazies.blogspot.com/

ReleaseBarabbas, 2/26/09

– A blog just for you Destiny Blande – Time for you to respond –

– You continue to live through her – The greatest creation of the last century – The Satin Strangler – Killer of men – Champion of women –

– She was to be perfect – Designed from a history of predecessors – Perfection of form and function – Held up on a pedestal for the rest of the world – No blood – Far too beautiful for blood – No guns or knives – She would want to squeeze the life from her victims – To feel the transfer of life – To strangle them – Only strangling would do –

– She would become the Satin Strangler –

– She would be elegant and seductive on the outside – But all venom on the inside – She would lure her victims in – Then lure the world in – The Siren singing – The hostess of Hades – So beautiful in my mind –

– Then you came along Destiny Blande – The hometown girl – An unexpected killer – The sweetheart accused of the horror the horror – Seemingly nonthreatening until the strike – Seductive and deadly – Like your praying mantis – Better than I could have hoped – You knew your role – Keep silent and let the story be told – Let the media weave you into the legend – PERFECT – Now your name and the Satin Strangler are forever one –

– The story has been written perfectly so far – But what is the next chapter – What will you do next as the Satin Strangler – There is no turning back – You must realize that –

– I am here for you – Imagine how I can help you now – We should combine forces – Should we elevate the online body count – Or is it time to collect the spoils – Either works for me – You can write the next chapter – I will follow your lead this time – Then the climax will be ours –

– Where shall we meet my dear – Where will the next chapter begin –

– Barabbas

Reprinted with permission: http://releasebarabbas.blogspot.com/

StranglerNetwork, 3/1/09

We have been hearing a lot about the praying mantis recently. That probably comes as no surprise, since this small creature is an obsession of accused Satin Strangler Destiny Blande. Well, here’s some information about the Satin Strangler’s second favorite hobby.

The word mantis is derived from the Greek and means “prophet.” The addition of the term “praying” has to do with the unassuming posture this tiny but ferocious carnivore takes while waiting for its prey. The mantis’ closest relative is the cockroach. There are more than 2000 mantis species around the world, but three are most common in the Eastern United States. The most prevalent, the Carolina mantis, Stagmomantis carolina, is the subject of Destiny Blande’s research. The European and Chinese species were also introduced in the region during the last century as predators to help eliminate native garden pests.

The praying mantis is a master of camouflage. With twig-like legs and a leaf-like body, the mantis blends in with its surroundings while rocking rhythmically and waiting for its prey. The mantis can capture insects far exceeding its own size, attacking with lightning-quick motions measurable in thousands of a second. The mantis, not always picky when it comes to feeding, has been documented to attack such varied victims as frogs, turtles, fish, lizards, snakes, and rodents. The predator has even been captured on film stabbing a hummingbird through the heart with its spiked leg, and then dangling the enormous meal in the air while gradually devouring it.

Most interesting, particularly as it pertains to the Satin Strangler, is the fact that the female mantis often kills and devours the male following intercourse. She will typically start with the head, leaving behind the intact abdominal ganglion that controls sexual movements. The female is thought to use the male as a nutritional source to meet the energy requirements of growing her eggs.

Some researchers believe that this behavior predominantly occurs in captivity. Others, including suspected serial killer Destiny Blande, suggest that sexual cannibalism occurs as a rule in nature, except when the female has already been well fed.

Is this sexual cannibalism of the praying mantis an interesting coincidence as it pertains to Destiny Blande, or insight into the mind of a killer?

Reprinted with permission: http://stranglernetwork.blogspot.com/

Crazy4Crazies, 3/5/09

Enjoy your own simulated “ME2” avatar character but have a fondness for killing the rest? Impressed by the Satin Strangler but think you can do better? Here it is. Exactly what you’ve been looking for. The Satin Strangler ME2 challenge.

This is an extension of the perfectly twisted and therefore popular Serial Killer Challenge. Refer to the ME2 website for details on getting started. You will need the Education, Business Accessories, After Hours, and Spare Time plug-ins.

Start by creating your Satin Strangler ME2. Will she be the stylish courtroom defendant, or the crazed serial killer from the original artist drawings? It’s up to you. Load up on satin stockings through a wardrobe and accessories site, and she’s ready for action.

In this case the modified torture chamber room and isolation chamber will have most of the same characteristics but will now be called the ME2 Satin Suite. You’ll need another room for your stockings and any other weapons of choice. Always keep all doors set to “Lock . . . Allow ME2 Owner Only.”

Lure neighbors and other men into the Satin Suite, and then lock the door. Until there is a better strangling option, your victims will die on their own in the Satin Suite. Leaving your stockings in the suite with them will constitute a kill for the final tally. Trapping multiple victims at once gets bonus points, but having victims escape will cost you. Big points come for a “nookie-kill” combo.

Avoid suspicious activity, and don’t leave any clues. Stay away from community lots, where the police are snooping around for clues to the murders and posting sketches of the suspect. Leaving any stockings around the house or outside will surely alert the police to the trail, so be careful.

Scoring:

+2 for each general character killed
+5 for each neighbor killed

Bonuses:
+2 for each new victim if multiple victims are trapped
+10 if the victim is a best friend
+15 if the victim was the killer’s crush
+25 if your ME2 “nookies” the victim before killing him

Deductions:
-2 for each neighbor who declines an invitation
-5 for each victim you fail to trap
-5 for each victim that escapes
-5 if a romance flops
-20 if your killer has a baby
-25 if stockings are left outside where they can be found
-50 and out if your killer dies of anything other than old age

Good luck, may the best strangler win, and may you all forever remain Crazy 4 Crazies.

Reprinted with permission: http://crazy4crazies.blogspot.com/

StranglerNetwork, 3/6/09

We spotted these items for sale on America’s top resale website today:

STOCKINGS WORN BY SATIN STRANGLER DESTINY BLANDE

Item Condition: Used
Time left: 2d 04h (3/8/09, 4PM PDT)
Quantity: 1 pair
Price: UA $46,750 Buy It Now
Watch this Item
Shipping: $5.99 Standard Flat Rate Shipping
Returns: No returns
Description: Black satin stockings confiscated during the arrest of Destiny Blande, suspected Satin Strangler, in the Oceanview Motel in Sea View, NJ. Could these be a murder weapon? You decide.

STOCKINGS WORN BY SATIN STRANGLER DESTINY BLANDE

Item Condition: Used
Time left: 5d 03h (3/11/09, 3PM PDT)
Quantity: 1 pair
Price: UA $46,750 Buy It Now
Watch this Item
Shipping: $5.99 Standard Flat Rate Shipping
Returns: No returns
Description: Black satin stockings found in the car owned by Destiny Blande on the night of her arrest. A rare find. They’ll take your breath away.

STOCKINGS WORN BY SATIN STRANGLER DESTINY BLANDE

Item Condition: Used
Time left: 6d 06h (3/12/09, 6PM PDT)
Quantity: 1 pair
Price: UA $46,750 Buy It Now
Watch this Item
Shipping: $5.99 Standard Flat Rate Shipping
Returns: No returns
Description: One-of-a-kind red satin stockings worn by the Satin Strangler herself, Destiny Blande. Thigh-high red stockings come complete with red satin and white lace garter belt. For the man who wants a souvenir of the media’s favorite girl, or for the woman on the go. Either way, you can make a killing at this price.

Reprinted with permission: http://stranglernetwork.blogspot.com

StranglerFashion, 3/15/09

We’ve been waiting for months. We’ve been digging through old photos for clues. We’ve analyzed her psychological profile. Today’s media phenomenon finally revealed what we were dying to know – what Destiny Blande would wear at her trial.

Well, fashionistas, the verdict is in.

Mossimo led the ensemble, with a conservative black dress and Winni black round toe wedge shoes. Her purse was the only splash of color, but represented a somewhat surprising red Coach knock off. The absence of jewelry completed the low profile look, but a small black satin bow used to pull her hair back intertwined hints of quiet librarian and Satin Strangler.

These were a far cry from the results of our reader survey with all of you predicting her brand of shoes:

Jimmy Choo – 22%
Christian Dior – 17%
Manolo Blahnik – 14%
Marc Jacobs – 12%
Prada – 10%
Michael Kors – 7%
Other – 10%

Results from our survey predicting her brand of purse were similarly off the mark:

Chanel – 16%
Gucci – 16%
Christian Dior – 14%
Fendi – 14%
Prada – 13%
Coach – 8%
Miu Miu – 8%
Marc Jacobs – 3%
Other – 8%
No Purse – 0%

Let’s face it, girlfriends. We would have dressed better – maybe a bit of jewelry to play off those chartreuse eyes. But that’s okay. Destiny’s the hottest thing going right now. Maybe she’ll bring economical back into vogue. You never know. Let’s see how she does during the rest of the trial. Stay tuned, star struck fashionistas.

Reprinted with permission: http://stranglerfashion.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 3/15/09 – 5/3/09

Horace Krouch posted the following tweets @HoraceKrouchEsq and on his website during the Satin Strangler trial:

3/15/09: Morning of the trial. Eager to win our case. Faithful follower emails have been abundant. Keep writing more.

3/15/09: 1st day in court. Smiles and profiles for the media. Strangler Network cameras rolling (Intimidating for the prosecution).

3/16/09: Prosecution seeking death penalty for 2 counts of 1st degree homicide. Only 1 body. We submitted our not guilty plea.

3/23/09: Medical examiners described Leighton autopsy findings in detail while projecting photographs on a screen for shock/awe.

3/25/09: You probably applauded my cross examination of the medical examiners. Shot Swiss cheese holes in DNA evidence.

4/3/09: Prosecution expounded on impact of the victims’ deaths on their families. Jurors sobbing. Nice touch, but no surprises.

4/17/09: The prosecution started bringing in their so-called witnesses. Trying to place Destiny in the vicinity of both NJ murders.

4/19/09: Prosecution showed murder weapon photos. Infamous eBay stockings. Laughter in court. Momentum may swing.

4/26/09: Everyone has been watching Strangler Network. I am recognized everywhere. Publicity frenzy far exceeds the Watson case.

4/28/09: The media is agitated by my decision to not present character witnesses. Did they go to Yale Law??? Wait and see.

4/30/09: Media and my faithful followers want Destiny on the stand. Sorry to disappoint. She will speak as a free woman after trial.

5/1/09: Prosecution presented weak summation. Major holes. Weak DNA evidence. Missing body and murder weapons. My turn next.

5/2/09: I almost forgot how exhilarating a strong summation can be. I just changed the trial outcome. I will win against all odds.

5/3/09: Jury deliberating. >95% say guilty in Gallup surveys. It will be my greatest triumph.

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/

StranglerNetwork, 5/3/09

For those of you following the Satin Strangler case, which means everyone, here are some interesting statistics regarding Destiny Blande’s popularity and approval ratings, according to US News.

Individual popularity ratings on the internet can be done in several ways. Most incorporate some combination of the number of searches registered for that person, the number of news items found for that person, and the volume of traffic to and from any websites featuring that person. It is a measure of interest, rather than one of approval or liking. Because of the particular system used by US News, the scale was re-set with 100 being the highest score obtained through the first 5 years of statistic gathering. As a result, scores above 100 are feasible for an individual if their popularity exceeds that of the people tracked during the first 5 years.

We have been tracking Destiny Blande since her arrest for the Satin Strangler murders; she came onto the scene with an impressive popularity score of 75. Throughout the criminal trial, her scores have consistently remained above 150, an occurrence that we sometimes see as a single day spike but that becomes more extraordinary in this case with every day that passes.

Our reader surveys have risen from 87% “guilty” to 94% “guilty” during the criminal trial. Most of the other respondents are undecided, with only a few people deeming her “not guilty.” Surveys elsewhere have shown similar results. Even a blog called DestinyIsInnocent revealed that 82% of their survey respondents believed Blande to be guilty.

Winning this criminal trial verdict would be a miracle for Blande, particularly given the anemic efforts of her defense attorney, Horace Krouch, who has been underwhelming, to say the least.

Reprinted with permission: http://stranglernetwork.blogspot.com/

SeaViewStew Blog Entry, 5/3/09

Blogsters and blogettes. Today it was mobbed outside the courthouse waiting 4 the jury’s decision in the Destiny Blande case. The usual BKs at the Bait and Bagel said a verdict might take days or weeks. But it was like all of New Jersey was there. It didnt matter how long it took anyway. It was all about being a part of history. Plus there was nothing else going on.

The front of the courthouse was already jammed by the time we got there. It was like the good old days be4 Ticket Master and Stub Hub went rogue on the concert industry. If u wanted 2 c Springsteen up close back in the day u hitch hiked 2 wherever tickets were going on sale and camped out. A little extra stash of Jersey-Grown bartering herb was all u needed 2 trade up 4 a better place in line. Hey Im just saying. But we got all the way up 2 the top of the courthouse stairs today.

Reg was hanging with us 4 the first time in weeks. Not sure what shes been up 2. Whatever it is, she needs 2 get her priorities straight. Anyway. She brought a backpack stuffed with Dorito family packs, the key to my heart. So whatevz. I scored the extra cheddar of course. Then Suze handed me a poster board sign on a stick that said “Every Girls Destiny.” We were ready and stoked.

The old Ocean Park legends were there in full force, hoping to make a few bucks. It would have been hard 2 miss Psycho Balloon Man, the Blind Caricaturist, and Cookie the Fortune Teller.

Psycho Balloon Man was mangier than ever. His helium tank was in high gear as he twisted balloons into Satin Strangler souvenirs. It was pretty gnarly stuff – nooses, black stockings, and something that must have been Destiny’s face but looked more like a Louies extra cheese with pepperoni. He was his usual ornery self.

Some freakazoid dressed in a huge baby diaper with satin stockings around his neck accidentally banged in2 Psycho with his “Destinys Child” sign. Using his not-so-catlike reflexes, Psycho shot him in the face with a jet of helium. The guy ran away screaming with his hands over his eyes.

Who would b the Psycho Balloon Mans next victim? The guy selling shirts that said “My parents went to the Satin Strangler trial and all I got was this lousy t-shirt?” No he was spared. Instead Psycho Balloon Man cursed out the parents of a four year old boy who asked 4 a giraffe balloon and told them 2 get their “animal on a leash.” Reg was Psychos only customer as always. She bought a stack of noose balloons to inhale and sing Bee Gees songs.

The Blind Caricaturist found a couple 2 pose 4 her. She turned them in2 alien monsters on the sketch pad 2 the sounds of Reg singing “More Than a Woman” in helium shrill.

A radio started blaring with the live broadcast of the trial. The jury already reached a verdict. So much 4 the week-long block party I guess. The crowd was riled. Most of them started chanting “Let her free” and a few answered “Make her fry.” Like everyone else, we all new she was guilty but we love rooting for underdogs, so we joined in with the “Let her free” group. The noise level rose until the announcement that the jury was back in the courtroom. Then u could hear a pin drop.

Every1 outside the courthouse held their breath. Reg tilted a bag of Doritos up in2 the air 2 pour cheddar dust in2 her mouth.

The lead juror read the verdict 2 the judge. “We the jury, find the defendant, Destiny Blande . . .”

Haha! Made u look. Youll have 2 wait. Hey I know u already know what happened anyway. Who doesnt? By the time u read this the Satin Strangler verdict will b old news.

Theres more 2 tell though. My story doesnt stop here. The next part is going 2 b one of those “change the names 2 protect the innocent” deals but first I need 2 catch some righteous Zs. Im toast.

Thats all I got 4 now. Later.

Reprinted with permission: http://seaviewstew.blogspot.com/

theNJdirt, 5/3/09

Sea View, NJ.

In the widely publicized Satin Strangler trial, the jury in the case against Destiny Blande reached a shocking verdict of “not guilty” today.

Prosecuting attorney Ned Danton summarized the evidence in the case two days ago. Numerous character witnesses described the sadomasochistic undercurrent hidden beneath the demure veneer of Blande. The graphic testimony of ex-boyfriend Mitch Carlson was titillating, painting a picture of a woman progressively scorned to the point of igniting an anti-male vendetta.

The key to the prosecution’s case resided in evidence linking Blande to the scenes of the two New Jersey murders attributed to the Satin Strangler. A now well publicized surveillance video showed Blande entering the Sea View Marina the night of Edgar Stahl’s disappearance. Footage at that site was sporadic, not just for that particular evening. As a result, Blande was never seen leaving the marina, and exactly what happened to Stahl will remain a mystery. The evidence in the Grant Leighton case was more tenuous and placed Blande within 20 miles of the victim’s home on the night of the murder.

As though the absence of victim Edgar Stahl’s body and fragmented video evidence were not enough, the Achilles heel in the case proved to be the missing alleged murder weapons confiscated at Destiny Blande’s room at the Oceanview Motel the night of the arrest. The descriptions of the evidence in the police reports perfectly match last week’s eBay sale items that raised a media storm.

Danton read the weapons report to the jury, describing each set of satin stockings, down to the detail of the lace garter belt. He waved his hands in the air in a vain attempt to demonstrate that the missing stockings would have made a strangulation weapon of choice in the small hands of the defendant. He ended his summation with the phantom stockings still invisible somewhere in front of him as the jury, perplexed and unconvinced, gazed into the void.

Defense attorney Horace Krouch took center stage for his summation yesterday. He flashed his white-out smile, wiped his entire face several times with a handkerchief, and ran a hand along his slick Gordon Gecko hair before approaching the jury. Krouch first focused on the missing victim and then on the infamous eBay stockings, contesting that there had been tampering of the evidence. He described Blande as a delicate woman, not hateful or powerful enough to commit the murders in question. From his perspective, the gruesome details of the Leighton autopsy were important, not as a reason to seek full retribution, but rather as proof that Blande was innocent.

The defendant, Destiny Blande, never took the stand. She remained ever calm during the final morning, like a woman unnerved by or oblivious to the implications of a guilty verdict. Her librarian smile never wavered. Her viridian eyes continued to mesmerize the jury and audience, even through the final moments as Judge Grey spoke before the deliberation.

In less than three hours, the jury reached a “not guilty” verdict. All eyes turned to Destiny Blande as the verdict was read. She still showed little emotion at the news, simply nodding while gathering her paperwork into a yellow leather purse.

The biggest surprise came when Blande was allowed to leave the courtroom a free woman. Legal experts expected her to be transported to Virginia and eventually Georgia to face the next of her series of murder charges. While watching the New Jersey trial, however, prosecutors in Virginia and Georgia got cold feet.

On his way out of the courtroom, defense attorney Horace Krouch stated, “We are thrilled about the decision. We are relieved that the jury was able to come to the right decision. It demonstrates that with a methodical approach, even a seemingly lopsided case replete with convicting evidence can still be won by a strong defense. This was my most difficult case since my days at Yale Law School. Justice has been served. Destiny can now return to her normal life.”

Whether Ms. Blande will be able to lead a normal life remains to be seen. The press collapsed around her as she exited the courthouse with Mr. Krouch. She smiled politely and silently evaded the microphones while shielded by Krouch.

That’s the dirt from the courthouse.

Reprinted with permission: http://thenjdirt.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 5/3/09

I reached my car at the courthouse just moments ago, and I must admit that I am overwhelmed by exhaustion, but my first loyalty is to dictate my sentiments at this very moment for you, my faithful followers.

The jury deliberated just a few hours before reaching a “not guilty” verdict. I obviously expected to win the case. I commanded the jury from my opening statement. I was nonetheless surprised at the expeditious nature of the deliberation. In my experience on the Yale Law Review, and in my subsequent consumption of the legal literature, I am unaware of such a decisive win in a serial murder case. In fact, a serial murderer acquittal is essentially unprecedented. This coup de grace eclipsed even the previous trajectory of my illustrious career.

Reporters swarmed the courtroom, thrusting toward us or retreating with their cameras and microphones toward the frenzy brewing outside.

Analogous to other paramount events in history, the number of self-proclaimed “eye-witnesses” already appears to exceed the modest courtroom capacity as the news reporters cling to any available story. Observers just reported that the victims’ families were crying out obscenities at me and Destiny. The brother of Satin Strangler victim Grant Leighton supposedly pushed through the crowd and threw himself across the guard rail lining the defense stand. He was presumably attacking us, but eventually succumbed to police Tasers. It should be stated for the record that I witnessed none of this. Instead, I was attending to the inundating paparazzi and well-wishers.

We anticipated Destiny’s extradition to Virginia to face the next set of murder charges, but were pleasantly surprised when authorities informed us during the courtroom adjournment that she was released from custody. I have since learned that charges in all other Satin Strangler states have been postponed.

Destiny and I embraced as the verdict was read. At first I sensed in her the massive relief that comes with an acquittal of a capital offense. But when I began to back away, she held me tighter. In other circumstances I might have reciprocated, but I had to adhere to my professional code of ethics and extricate myself from her embrace.

Destiny’s face quivered momentarily as we separated. Never during the months leading up to the case, never in the courtroom, never in the flashing lights of the cameras did she express the slightest fear. But her emotion at that moment was unmistakable.

The reason for her trepidation was readily apparent to me. Ever since the arrest, Destiny’s friends and family progressively abandoned her. Several sold their stories to newspapers, magazines and talk shows. I was the only one to remain by her side. I emerged as her knight in shining armor.

Destiny was leaving her former life behind in exchange for a world of bright lights and cameras. She would be living an endless reality show, with a blurred distinction between reality and fiction. Our relationship together, which was confined by our professional interaction boundaries, was impeded from proceeding to the next phase. This reality suddenly weighed heavily on her during our embrace.

“I know,” I said, brushing a wisp of auburn hair back from her face. “Don’t be afraid.”

Police wedged the crowd apart, allowing us through like a newlywed couple exiting a church. The cacophony outside was deafening, causing Destiny to retract closer to my side. Suddenly I spotted a projectile hurling toward; we braced for the impact. Striking me across my left cheek was a black satin stocking, the first of many to precipitate down upon us from all directions. Cameras flashed as Destiny reached over to remove the stocking from my face and neck.

Radio correspondents are already reporting that Destiny was pantomiming strangling me with the stocking. This “strangulation photograph” and our well-documented embrace are presumably igniting love affair speculations throughout the airwaves.

I will soon navigate my BMW Z8 through a stream of paparazzi, so please carry on without me until I return with more thoughts on the trial.

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/

DestinyIsInnocent, 5/3/09

The verdict is in. Not guilty! Can you believe it? We all knew she was innocent, but you know what I mean. Jury decision always seems up for grabs. In the movies when the jury is trying to reach a decision, there are some people who say “guilty” and others who say “not guilty,” and you never know who’s going to convince who. In this case it must have been as obvious to all the jurors as it was to us, I guess, because they made up their minds so quickly. I knew she was innocent. We all knew she was. She had no business being in jail. Now she’s free.

Justice triumphed! Breathe a huge sigh of relief, Destiny’s Crusaders.

Days in custody: 231 0

Free Destiny Blande is free!

Reprinted with permission: http://destinyisinnocent.blogspot.com/

DeathForDestiny, 5/3/09

The Satin Strangler jury had to be smoking crack to make the worst courtroom decisions in history. In case you somehow missed it, I am going to spoil tonight’s “instant classic” Strangler Network coverage. NOT GUILTY???!!! That’s right. Not guilty. She killed more than 60 men, but New Jersey couldn’t convict her.

My great grandparents remember the moment they heard that Pearl Harbor was attacked. My grandparents will never forget when JFK was shot. My parents were drunk in a bar in Manhattan watching a basketball game as O.J. Simpson’s white Bronco crawled down the highway in that slow-motion police “chase.”

We will always remember where we were when the Satin Strangler, Destiny Blande, was inexplicably acquitted. I was sitting on my living room couch in my “Take Hold of Destiny” t-shirt – the one with the satin stocking design around the collar. Just as I was about to pour milk on my Frosted Flakes lunch, “any day” became forever memorable.

I sense a blogging frenzy. Glad I have spare time during my employment “sabbatical.” You’ll be hearing more from me soon.

Does anyone know what the hell went wrong with the jury?

Reprinted with permission: http://deathfordestiny.blogspot.com/

StranglerFashion, 5/3/09

O.J. Simpson’s tan Armani suit, white shirt, and gold tie were seen by millions on his acquittal day. Years later they served as evidence following the attempted Las Vegas heist. If you missed them both times, you can now visit the Newseum in Washington, D.C., where they are part of the permanent collection.

They might have been the most recognizable clothes worn in the courtroom by a high profile defendant…until today.

All of that changed when Destiny Blande left the Rambling River, NJ, courtroom a free woman in a custom-made Cher Côulter navy dress, matching Jimmy Choo navy boots (donated by none other than StranglerFashion), and a bright yellow Miu Miu calf leather tote. The stunning ensemble was perfectly punctuated by her chartreuse eyes.

She’s come a long way since the arrest, baby, and even since the trial began. The fashion statement that started with a stutter ended with an exclamation point.

The Smithsonian declined O.J.’s outfit, but maybe they’ll go for Destiny Blande’s. Only time will tell.

In a related story, Cher Côulter confirmed their bid for exclusive sponsorship of Destiny Blande’s future wardrobe.

Reprinted with permission: http://stranglerfashion.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 5/5/09

Pursuant to earlier reports of my relationship with Destiny Blande, there has been incessant speculation about our evening together after the acquittal. The press has taken their liberties. My faithful followers, you have posted countless comments on this website asking for details. While I abhor sharing information on personal matters, I do feel a certain level of obligation to address the subject herein.

The evening of the acquittal promised to be a pivotal point in our relationship. We would finally be alone together for the first time. We originally met in the Sea View prison. We conversed daily for months, but only within the unnatural confines of prison. I had never experienced her company outside of captivity.

We separated in front of the courthouse to avoid attention, intending on reconvening at her home for a quiet evening. I followed her to Mount Rose, NJ, as planned. Within a mile of her home, however, the road was blocked by throngs of well-wishers and police barricades, akin to the scene we had left outside the courthouse. What was once a quiet country road was now a transient metropolis, replete with tents and makeshift shanties.

I snaked my BMW Z8 away from the turmoil and somehow stayed behind Destiny’s silver Accord. I contemplated my relationship with Destiny as I followed her toward New York City.

Destiny has been impressed by me since our initial encounter. Admiration inevitably evolved toward physical attraction. In my personal experience this affinity is essentially inevitable. Captivity would naturally superimpose an interesting component to Destiny’s desires. As long as she was in prison, I was her forbidden fruit. Up until the acquittal, our relationship was safely contained within predictable boundaries. What would happen once she was free to express her emotions? The serial killer psyche can tolerate emotional proximity in captivity, but not out in the world at large. This is not, of course, to suggest that Destiny is guilty of murder. She has been acquitted, so I must convey nothing other than her innocence.

You wonder if the attraction was completely unidirectional. All along I was certain that it was. I must admit that Destiny is an attractive woman. Even more alluring is the Satin Strangler thought by most to lurk somewhere within Destiny.

A few hours later we had reconvened at a restaurant table in Little Italy. During dinner I found myself searching for the Satin Strangler through Destiny’s eyes, trying to decide if I was willing to risk giving into her desires.

Destiny’s face has a girl-next-door sweetness, but her malachite eyes betray an unsettled core. I watched her hands tease apart a loaf of bread into smaller pieces and tuck them between her lips. Were those hands strong enough to tighten stockings around the necks of the Satin Strangler’s victims? I said “no” for months to the police, press, jury and judge. I strode through the courtroom, locked gazes with each juror, and declared, “No, there is insufficient evidence in the prosecutor’s case to convict this young woman of those heinous crimes. She is innocent. She could be your daughter. She could be your neighbor. Look at her. Look into her eyes. Is this a woman capable of killing?”

Was Destiny capable of killing? I continued to ask myself this question. As her lawyer, I had to say “no.” But sitting there at dinner, watching her every move, I was suddenly exhilarated by the possibility that she could in fact be the Satin Strangler. Could those hands strangle a man? Could this girl kill? I found myself wanting to think so. I imagined being wrapped in her satin web. I fantasized about the touch, not of the frightened young Destiny Blande, but of the fiery Satin Strangler seductress within.

We left our dinner half eaten. The rest of the evening must be left to your imagination.

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/

SeaViewStew, 5/6/09

Blogsters and blogettes. Heres the rest of what happened the night of the Satin Strangler verdict.

It was a crazy scene outside the courtroom. Half the place was cheering. Half the place was booing. Everyone started pushing 4ward 2 the entrance. The police were lined behind barricades yelling thru megaphones just like in the movies. They looked more scared than us 2 tell u the truth. Cookie the fortune teller was hacking and yelling something about tear gas. But there wasnt any tear gas as far as I could tell. She smokes two packs of Lucky Strikes a day so it was probably the Luckys.

Be4 I new it Destiny Blande and her lawyer dude were busting thru the crowd. I was on my tippy toes but all I could c was the back of everyones heads. Reminded me of when we snuck out 2 Teterboro Airport that night 2 pay homage to Bon Jovi when they returned from Europe. Great idea. Poor execution. I did get my cell phone up high enough 2 get a photo of part of my forehead with Destinys hip and lawyer dudes butt in the background. Pretty cool. Id post it in a blog but I am trying to sell it 2 People magazine.

Regs cousin Bobbie has a friend Jimmy whos trying 2 get in2 the Sea View police force. Out of nowhere Jimmy comes running up and saying hes going 2 follow Destiny in his car. I begged him to take us but he said no way. Then Suze promised 2 flash her boobies if he took us and in seconds we were riding in his Firebird.

Reg bailed on us after the courthouse. Suze says the rumor is that Reg is dating some guy. Not sure y she wont talk 2 us about it. Hey whatevz. Guys who keep u from prime party hours r not worth the trouble.

Somehow we ended up not just behind Destinys Accord but also her lawyer dudes B-mer. Major score. I guess that cop training stuff is paying off 4 Jimmy. At first it was slow going but then the pace picked up in our little 3 car parade.

The cars we were following eventually rolled to a stop near a sign that said Mount Rose, NJ. Never heard of it. The place was jammed with people carrying signs and camped out in tents along the roadside. It was like Woodstock or something but without the rain and Hendrix is dead so he wasnt southpaw jamming 2 the National Anthem on his electric guitar. The two cars made U-turns 2 bolt out of there so we followed.

Destiny headed north on the Turnpike followed by the lawyer dude and us. Be4 I new it, we rolled 2 a stop in Little Italy in NYC. Destiny and creepy lawyer dude ducked in2 La Cucina Matera restaurant, so we followed. Now what? Jimmy didnt seem 2 have a plan in mind so we just sat down a few empty tables away from the couple of the century.

I couldnt believe how close we were 2 Destiny Blande. I stared at her the whole time. Is she really innocent? Theres no way. Everybody has 2 know shes guilty. OJ guilty. No room 4 doubt. What was the jury thinking?

What were the two of them doing here together? He definitely had the hots 4 her, but she was all business. They signed a whole stack of papers, then lawyer dude put some back in his briefcase and Destiny put some in her yellow purse.

Was she sizing him up 4 the kill? She killed up to 70 men, then she fooled her lawyer, then the jury. Shell want to kill again. Lawyer dude would b 2 easy for her. 2 chubby 2 wimpy 2 slow. A good old fashioned strangler girl would want more of a challenge. Destiny sat there looking bored silly.

Lawyer dude was totally turned on by Destiny though. He kept licking his lips like a man in the desert standing in front of an ice cream mirage. Beads of sweat grew along his eyebrows, despite how cool it was in the restaurant. Every time he removed his glasses and wiped his forehead, his funky hairdo flopped around. He looked like an overinflated sweaty Gordon Gecko.

Finally lawyer dude made his move and held Destinys hand. She shook her head and folded her arms like she was guarding an armored car. Total shut down mode. Sorry dude.

Without any warning, Suze stumbled over 2 the other table. We had no idea what she was doing but she later told us she was trying 2 have us take her picture with them. But she slipped and fell in2 their table knocking glasses and silverware on the floor and blowing our cover. Suze became twisted up in the table cloth coated in layers of antipasto meats and cheeses. She was lying there on the floor looking like idiot Stromboli.

Destiny and her lawyer dude split.

Suze ended up with what she swears was Destinys garlic bread with a bite gone. She says shell get it bronzed or something.

Thats all I got 4 now. Later.

Reprinted with permission: http://seaviewstew.blogspot.com/

theNJdirt, 5/9/09

Trenton, NJ.

In the wake of the widely publicized Satin Strangler criminal trial acquittal, the family of murder victim Edgar Stahl has announced a civil suit against Destiny Blande.

“Despite the jury’s decision in the criminal case, we know Blande is guilty’” said Wynn Cravens, the family’s attorney.

“We want her to pay for her crimes and the damage they have done to this family.” He added that they are hoping to get the trial underway as soon as possible in an attempt to minimize the psychological toll on the family.

Blande is now thought to have strangled more than 80 men along the east coast. Her father, Sinclair Blande, owner of Neon Lights advertising agency, called the allegations “completely absurd and unfounded.” “Destiny is innocent,” he said. “Her trial in this state has already proven that. This is double jeopardy. They have no case against her.”

Destiny Blande’s criminal defense attorney, Horace Krouch, will not be at her side in this trial. She has instead chosen local defense attorney Barbara Randolph to assist her. “This is a witch hunt,” Randolph said. “She was proven innocent in the criminal trial, and we will prove her innocent of these allegations as well.”

In the civil case, the plaintiff’s attorney will be required to show only a “preponderance of the evidence” that Blande is guilty, allowing a jury to determine if there is at least a 50.1% chance of guilt. This differs greatly from a criminal case, in which the burden of proof is substantially higher, requiring evidence beyond a shadow of a doubt that the defendant is guilty. Only 9 of 12 jurors are needed for a decision, rather than the unanimous decisions required in criminal cases. Unlike the criminal case, Blande cannot plead the 5th amendment and refuse to take the stand. She may be required to testify in her defense if called to the stand.

There is much speculation over the anticipated outcome of the civil suit against Destiny Blande, who is already in dire financial straights, according to insiders. Blande, who has preferred to remain in obscurity behind a snowballing frenzy of media attention since her arrest for the Satin Strangler murders, was not available for comment.

That’s the dirt from Trenton.

Reprinted with permission: http://thenjdirt.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 5/10/09

Many of my faithful followers have asked about the difference between criminal and civil cases. Read on, and you shall learn.

Public misunderstanding of the concept of double jeopardy still persists in this regard. This protective clause in the Fifth Amendment prevents a defendant from undergoing two criminal trials for the same crime. Criminal cases are intended to deprive a defendant of life or liberty for an alleged offense. Civil trials exist to remedy some inequity by exchanging property or money.

An individual can be tried in both a criminal court and a civil court for the same crime. There is also the potential to be prosecuted in a federal criminal court after being tried for the same crime in a state criminal court, as happened to the police accused in the Rodney King case. For now we should ignore that exception, since it may confuse less educated readers.

There are precedents set for winning a criminal trial but losing a civil suit for the crime. New Yorker Bernard Goetz, the so-called “Subway Vigilante,” was acquitted of murder charges in the criminal case after shooting four young black men who accosted him in the subway. Years later, one of the gun-shot victims who was left paralyzed successfully sued Goetz for $43 million in civil court.

Socialite Claus von Bulow, with the help of the most media-worn defense attorney of our time, Alan Dershowitz, was convicted but then acquitted for allegedly murdering his wife with insulin injections in the 1980’s. He later settled a civil lawsuit filed by his stepchildren, agreeing to concede claims to hundreds of millions of dollars of his wife’s property and estate.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson spent three years in jail for the rape of a beauty pageant contestant, and later settled in a civil suit. He was also represented by the glory seeking Dershowitz.

Perhaps the most notable example, however, is the case of O.J. Simpson. The Hall of Fame NFL star was accused of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman, in front of her Brentwood condominium in 1994. Simpson was acquitted in the touted criminal case of the century with the help of his so-called defense attorney Dream Team, led by F. Lee Bailey and Johnnie Cochrane. Despite this acquittal, the Goldmans later successfully sued Simpson in a civil case, winning over $8.5 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages in 1997 for the wrongful death of Goldman and battery of Brown.

The decision led to the garnishing of Simpson’s income, with the exception of his NFL pension. Simpson publically denounced the decision, vowing not to pay the Goldmans any of the awarded money. Legal battles ensued, including the Goldmans’ winning the rights to Simpson’s notorious book If I Did It, presumably a fictitious account of the murders, in at attempt to regain some of the $33.5 million previously awarded by the courts.

Destiny has made a perilous mistake by changing her legal counsel between cases. There are so many nuances with serial murder cases, particularly in the civil arena. She is disregarding the Ivy League firepower that won her seemingly insurmountable criminal case by turning to a Rutgers Law School graduate for the civil case. Given the mountain of evidence used against her in the criminal case, it seems likely that she will lose this next battle without adequate counsel.

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/

ReleaseBarabbas, 5/20/09

– You have seen my blogs Destiny Blande – Each and every day – I write them for you and post them here – Are you too busy basking in the glory of the Satin Strangler – Do you not value the seed of your fame – The Lord of your future – Will you feign the blinding of your eyes – The deafening of your ears to me –

– We have seen enough of Destiny Blande – We have all been watching – All Destiny all the time – We can all recite your story – Blah blah blah –

– Who were you before stealing the title of the Satin Strangler – NOBODY – Just a girl – You were just any friggin girl – Sugar and spice and everything nice –

– Now you can build upon the story of the Satin Strangler – But you dare to throw it away –

– Like Peter the Rock you stood before the authorities – They said you were the Satin Strangler – That you killed Grant Leighton – But you denied the accusation – They again said you were the Satin Strangler – That you killed Edgar Stahl – But you denied the accusation – You said you knew not of the Satin Strangler – What will you say the third time they call you the Satin Strangler – Will you deny it – Will the cock crow a third time –

– Why would you deny the gift of the Satin Strangler –

– I gave you a chance – I gave you everything –

– How did it feel to kill your first victim – To lure him in with a whisper – To have your way with him – To wrap your stockings around his neck and tease him – Tighter – Tighter – Seeing the look on his face change – From ecstasy to dread – From living to dead – To feel the last wisps of air pass through his throat as you the surge of energy took hold of you –

– You have no idea how it felt – To kill the first or the 10th or the 80th victim – So you denied everything – All you had to do was passively receive the faith of the masses – They believe in you – They all believe that you are THE ONE

– You have been acquitted but the world still believes you are the Satin Strangler –

– It should all be perfect now – But you will throw it away – You will let the story of the Satin Strangler die in you – But there is far too much to gain – Too much invested to throw it all away –

– The next chapters in the story of the Satin Strangler are yet to be written – But you choose to ruin it all – You think the story is about you Destiny Blande – But this is not your story –

– We could have been so successful together – With my brilliance and your good fortune – My creative flare and your ability to be in the right place at the right time – But now our goals are in direct opposition – My desire to keep the Satin Strangler alive – Your yearning to bury her in the past – Will that be your first kill – The death of the Satin Strangler –

– My desired outcome and yours are incompatible – They will not coexist in this world –

– Barabbas

Reprinted with permission: http://releasebarabbas.blogspot.com/

SalvationSermons, 5/20/09

Today’s sermon is about denial. Let’s take a look at Peter denying knowing Jesus in the Gospel of Mark:

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

– Mark 14

Peter has a chance to do the right thing here. To support his Lord. To tell the truth. When Jesus tells Peter that he will disown Him three times, the disciple boasts that he would never do such a thing. The others may, but not Peter.

Jesus is then taken away to face the High Priests on charges that will eventually lead to His death. Peter follows behind, but he does not stay by His side. He does not come through in the moment of truth. He wants to do the right thing, but he is weak. When he has the opportunity to prove himself, he instead lets the Lord down by denying Him.

There are many examples of denial taking place in front of us today. Each of these is actually a denial of The Lord. Many of you watched the Satin Strangler trial. Here we see Destiny Blande denying the Satin Strangler.

If you are a Salvation Sermons member, then select READ MORE. If you are not a member, please visit our REGISTRATION PAGE to learn how you can contribute to our cause and share in the message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In court Destiny Blande denied being the Satin Strangler. The rooster crew in the courtroom, my friends. We heard it.

But how did she respond? With a deaf ear.

Destiny is enjoying all of the fanfare of the spotlight – but she wants none of the responsibility that comes with it. Is she a killer or is she not? Her desire is to have it both ways.

Peter wanted to be the number one disciple of Jesus – the Rock upon which the Lord would build his Church. He stood tall in the garden of Gethsemane, making promises and stealing the glory from the others. But then he could not stand up to the challenge.

Destiny Blande had a decision to make. She is standing at the divergence of two paths. A turn in either direction would prevent crossing back over – to confess to the murders or to deny them. Nothing in between.

So far Destiny Blande denies the Satin Strangler. She chooses to remain an anonymous nothing rather than satisfy her Lord by accepting her designated role. She denies her Lord when she denies the title. Denies her Lord.

Readers of this article may also be interested in purchasing the following items (membership not required):
t-shirt: “Say ‘No’ to the Satin Strangler” – $22
t-shirt: “No Salvation for Stranglers” – $20
Mouse pad: Destiny Blande face on the devil – $20
Mug: “Denounce Destiny’s Denial” – $9
Plaque: Destiny Blande face on the devil – $75

Reprinted with permission: http://salvationsermons.blogspot.com/

Crazy4Crazies, 6/1/09

Why did Destiny Blande kill all those men? I know I know. The jury said she didn’t do it. As though any of us believes that. In order to look at the motivations of the Satin Strangler, we have to start with some traditional but perhaps controversial types of serial killers. Grab a snack, sit down with your computer, and look for some of your favorites in the information that follows.

Visionaries: Psychotic killers that hear voices often fit this mold. David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam, said that a demon speaking through his neighbor’s dog told him to kill. Unfortunately David listened.

Missionaries: These killers are on a mission to change society in some way. The Unabomber Ted Kaczynski is a good example. In his Industrial Society and Its Future, later dubbed the Unabomber Manifesto, he declared that his bombs were to attract attention to the erosion of human freedoms caused by modern technology.

Lust Killers. They are motivated by sexual drive. Kenneth Bianchi, aka the Hillside Strangler, and Jeffrey Dahmer, had some issues with this one, to say the least.

Power Seekers: They play power games with their victims, providing a feeling of control. Ted Bundy, who confessed to more than 30 murders but is thought to have committed dozens more, might come to mind here.

Hedonistic/Thrill Killers. They just love what they do. How many of you can say you love your job that much? San Francisco’s Zodiac Killer and a long list of Hollywood characters found ways to make sport of it all.

Destiny Blande doesn’t fit any of these molds.

Dr. Steven Egger, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Houston at Clear Lake in Texas, and Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice at the University of Illinois at Springfield, defines serial murder as having the following 6 traits

1. minimum of two murders
2. the killer and victim are unrelated
3. murders occur at different times
4. murders occur at different locations
5. victims may share characteristics with the killer
6. murders are for fantasy gratification rather than financial gain.

In Serial Murderers and Their Victims (2nd edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1997), author Eric Hickey described the differences between male and female serial killers. Female serial killers are more likely to kill husbands, relatives, or people in hospitals or nursing homes where they work; murder in one specific place; and poison the victims. Most importantly, they have money as a motive, which means most female “serial killers” do not actually meet Dr. Egger’s criteria listed above. Dorothea Puente, who had a terrible habit of killing her tenants for their social security checks, is a classic example of Hickey’s female serial killer but wouldn’t make Eggar’s cut.

If anything, Destiny Blande appears to be part Lust Seeker, part Power Seeker, and part Thrill Seeker. Hey don’t knock the girl for having more than one source of inspiration. She also behaves more like a male serial killer by taking strangers as victims and being geographically mobile.

Maybe these oddities are what make the Satin Strangler so frightening. Maybe they’re why we’re so infatuated with her. In any case, we just can’t get enough of her because we’re simply Crazy 4 Crazies.

Reprinted with permission: http://crazy4crazies.blogspot.com/

SeaViewStew, 7/4/09

Blogsters and blogettes. Happy 4th of July.

This is going 2 b a most stellar summer. Suze and me got in2 a medical study 2 test the effects of pot on motion sickness. Not sure y their doing it. 2 help people on cruises feel better, I guess. Stand back when they bring out the midnight buffet on the stoner cruise. Haha.

In the study their taking people who never smoked pot, getting them stoned 2 the bejesus 4 a week, and putting them on roller coasters and spinning them around and stuff. Others ride the coasters without smoking. Thats called the control group. Then theres me and Suze in the out of control group. Were all regulars who get our Jersey-Grown free for a month and then get to ride. All this and $100 a week. Score! I love this country. Happy birthday America.

Things r still pretty crazy around here from the Satin Strangler. The beaches r crowded 4 just about the first time ever. Food carts r driving in from New York and Philly to the old boardwalk. Theres even talk about rebuilding the amusement pier. Cant imagine that ever happening. Funny. Less than a year ago they were tearing it all down.

The Strangler Network shows Sea View all the time. Mostly just the marina video footage and the trial. It seems like they cover everything u could imagine about Destiny Blande, except the girl herself. Nobodys heard anything from Destiny. Just her big mouth dad on the tube every day suing the chubby lawyer dude. Theres even a rumor that Destinys dead but that cant b true cuz her civil war suit that I like 2 call her ditto trial is going 2 start soon.

Reg has been here sipping wine while me and Suze lit up our first Jersey-Grown medical grade herb. She flipped on the radio and “Precious and Few” started playing. No idea what radio station Reg was listening 2 in order 4 that 2 happen, but whatevz.

Suze turned the volume up and said “Sappiest songs ever written” as smoke billowed from her mouth.

Reg voted 4 “Muskrat Love” by The Captain and Tennille as her choice for the sappiest song. She was so worked up that I thought she was going to punch me out over it. Something in the wine, I guess. Suze came up with a good one “Dont Cry Out Loud” by Melissa Manchester. I picked “Feelings” by Morris Albert. By the way, dont worry, until a couple of minutes ago I had no idea who sang those songs. We looked them up. The internet is unreal.

Then Reg came up with the hands down winner. “I Cant Live” originally sung by Air Supply (looked it up) and then by Mariah Carey who brought it back from the dead where it belonged. And 2 think I kind of liked Mariah.

Its going 2 b stuck in my head all day. Maybe theres a study 2 get song words out of your head. That would b worth something.

Thats all I got 4 now. Later.

Reprinted with permission: http://seaviewstew.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 7/7/09

In response to my faithful followers on this website and my fans around the world, I have acquiesced and written my first novel, titled If She Did It. With the most profound gratitude, I dedicate the book to my Yale Law School professors for providing me with the knowledge to represent the otherwise defenseless minions in our legal system.

After extensive bidding by several publishers, the book underwent an editorial massacre with the intent of reducing my sophisticated English prose to sixth grade banter, but the publishers reassure me that this will help make the story intellectually available to the masses. I am now permitted to post the first two chapters as blogs on this website as we prepare to release the full text print version worldwide.

If She Did It, by Horace P. Krouch
Chapter 1: Finding the First Victim

You never forget your first kill.

“Daphne Blain” would only be in town for one night.

She was too beautiful to raise any suspicion, and she was dressed to kill. Her business suit from a long day of meetings was folded and laid neatly in the back seat of her car. (She needed the spare trunk space for later.) Now she was in a black blouse and a red skirt that rode just high enough up her thighs to attract the interest of every man in the bar. She wore black satin stockings, unaware that they would become her trademark. The heels supporting her black shoes were just long enough to accentuate the tone in her legs and just short and flat enough to provide good mobility.

She walked through the bar, glancing from side to side as though looking to meet someone that she knew. The men in the room, and several of the women, gazed in her direction after she passed by and then locked their eyes on her figure. Those who were bolder or had less self-control were sure to get a good look at the front of her as well. Only one or two had the confidence to attract the attention of her mesmerizing malachite eyes.

She already knew what she wanted. She felt an unrelenting restlessness throughout the day. And urge that would not be denied. She needed to find a man that she could control. Someone who wanted to share the rapture. But that wasn’t enough. Tonight she would not be satisfied until she killed her newly acquainted lover. Only this would quiet the yearning.

Walking around the room, she could tell that this was going to be even easier than planned. Although she had always fantasized about killing a stranger that she picked up, and had on occasion even visualized the act to the brink of hallucinating, she had never acted on the impulse. Society would prevent her from acting on the impulse. But to hell with society. And to hell with anyone who wanted to come between her and her fantasy. As she looked around the room with all of the potential victims staring at her, yearning for her, she knew it would be easy. She could have anyone in the room. It was just a matter of choosing.

But which one would it be? It definitely had to be someone who was alone. There were enough to choose from. Could it be the one in his early 30s in a gray suit at the corner of the bar? She certainly had his attention. What about the muscular guy at the front table? He would probably put up a fight. More so than some of the others. Probably too much of a fight for her first victim. Maybe the one with a knapsack toward the center of the bar watching all the girls go by. He looked like someone whose absence might not be noticed for a while.

Any of these men would be fun to sleep with and even more fun to kill, but when she spotted the right one, the choice was obvious. It would be the waiter with the blond crew cut. He was looking at her now, smiling. Yes, the waiter was already wondering if he could have his way with her tonight. Perhaps up to a point, but then the tables would be turned against him. She smiled at the thought. He smiled back.

Daphne walked up to an empty table where the waiter was standing with a tray of glasses. She lightly tossed her head to raise a wisp of auburn hair dangling near her eyes and asked if the table was taken.

“Not yet,” he said. “Will anyone be joining you?”

“I’m not sure yet,” she said.

“Well let me know how that goes,” he said, smiling.

She moistened her lips with her tongue. “I’ll make sure to do that.”

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/

Crazy4Crazies, 7/13/09

By popular demand from all of you Blande-o-philes out there, here is the Crazy 4 Crazies version of strangulation biology 101. We happen to love this stuff too, so it’s from a whole library of articles and websites that we have set aside as bedside reading. One of our favorites is Strack and McClane’s famous strangulation forensics article from 1999, available at the following link: http://www.ncdsv.org/images/strangulation_article.pdf.

You don’t need an advanced science degree to enjoy this, so check it out. You should be well versed in strangulations, since they account for 10% of violent deaths each year.

You can kill someone by cutting off the blood going to their brain through their carotid arteries, the ones that squirt across the room in slash-happy horror flicks. All you need is 11 pounds of pressure for 10 seconds to make someone unconscious, so this is the best bang for your buck.

If you go for the jugular instead, you can cut off the blood returning to their heart from their head, making their face swell like a ripe plum.

The third way to kill someone by strangulation is to cut off the airway, which is a little more manly since it takes 33 pounds of pressure. All that pressure can do more than cut off the airflow though. Sometimes the assailant breaks the victim’s larynx (voice box) or a neck bone called the hyoid.

The victim experiences severe pain and then goes unconscious. They can regain consciousness in 10 seconds if the pressure is released, though, so ignore what you see in the movies and hold tight for 4-5 minutes so brain death can kick in. [Disclaimer: this website does not promote murder. This information is for educational purposes only.]

Now that you know how much time to set aside for a strangulation, here are 3 options for how to do it: hanging, ligature, and manual. Hanging is generally too difficult for a serial killer acting alone, so let’s move right to the other two.

Ligature strangulation means you use an object like a cord or clothing. The Boston Strangler did his dirty work with the victim’s silk stockings in most cases. The Hillside Strangler duo, Angelo Buono, Jr. and Kenneth Bianchi, used sheets as ligatures to kill their victims. Telephone cords also used to be popular, but times have changed. Women’s stockings are again the latest rage, including nearly a dozen copy-cat crimes across the U.S. since Destiny Blande was arrested.

Manual strangulation is done with your bare hands and is sometimes called “throttling.” This might be a little butch for a sexy lady like Destiny Blande but is otherwise extremely popular. BTK Killer Dennis Rader testified that his first attempt at manual strangulation was unsuccessful, and he was surprised at how much time and effort was required.

Of course he got better with practice.

This is a lead in to an upcoming blog about the forensics of strangulation. Please be patient. We know you’re Crazy 4 Crazies.

Reprinted with permission: http://crazy4crazies.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 7/17/09

If She Did It, by Horace P. Krouch
Chapter 2: The First Kill

The blonde waiter was sitting nude in the armchair and living room. “Daphne Blain’s” stockings bound his ankles to the chair legs. His hands were secured behind him to the back of the chair. Their clothing was strewn across the room.

They were both still perspiring. His energy was spent, but Daphne was getting even more energized by the thought of fulfilling her fantasy. All of the sex to this point was really foreplay for what was to follow She brushed aside a wisp of auburn hair and watched him quietly, wondering whether he would have the strength to fight back when she attacked. She studied his hands and feet, which were so tightly bound that the veins were bulging.

Daphne could barely control herself. She was trying to savor the moment. Her first kill. Her true passion. The feeling was indescribable. Her eyes were wide with excitement, filling the room with their malachite glow.

Daphne tip-toed behind his chair to grab her satin stockings. So delicate. So light. So seemingly harmless. So perfect for murder. She wrapped her hands at each end and applied a little tension. They would serve their purpose. A feeling of power surged within her. She sensed it flowing through every muscle in her body. She had suppressed the yearning for so long. This was what she needed. This was what she was meant to do. It would only take a few moments. She would be in complete control. She would take revenge for all of the insurrection of her entire life. The thought of being in complete power over another individual was exhilarating. She was ready.

With a rapid swipe of both hands she swung the stockings around the waiter’s neck and pulled so tightly that she nearly toppled the chair. His eyes shot open. Every muscle in his body contracted simultaneously as he attempted to free himself from the bondage. His head lurched from side to side in an attempt to free the stockings from his throat, but she had the position of power. He had no chance.

She was smiling fiercely and even let out a laugh as he gasped for air. The feeling was even better than she imagined.

The waiter’s face turned shades of purple as he struggled to suck air in. Eyes filled with horror implored her to stop, but nothing could stop her now.

She took a unique delight from every second of the struggle. If she waivered for a moment, he might escape. She wanted to enjoy the moment for longer, maybe even give him a gasp or two of air to prolong his fight, but that seemed too risky. His arms fell limp at his side. She continued to hold tension while lamenting the absence of his resistance

After a few more moments the deed was done. The waiter was dead.

Watching her own nude form in the mirror, she walked over to the kitchen and found some grapes for a snack. She was still hyperventilating, less from the physical effort than from the excitement. From this point forward, her heart would race whenever she remembered the feeling of having completely dominated the waiter.

She kissed his forehead, got dressed, and slipped out the door, unseen.

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/

Crazy4Crazies, 7/20/09

Our server has been ringing off the hook from Blande-o-phile emails since we wrote our blog on strangulation biology. Okay okay. Calm down out there. Here’s the blog we promised you on strangulation forensics. We hope it matches all the hype. We once again recommend that you read Strack and McClane’s famous strangulation forensics article from 1999. You may want to read it before taking our “Name That Strangulation” quiz below.

Imagine you’re a coroner for a potential homicide. I know – if you’re half as Crazy 4 Crazies as we are, it’s too exciting to imagine. But let’s just say you are. They wheel the corpse in on a stretcher and it’s all up to you to decide what happened. Luckily you will have taken our “Name That Strangulation” quiz. The first 10 people who email correct answers to this quiz plus our “Name That Weapon” quiz will win a Hillside Strangler Mug-Shot-Mug with their choice of cousins – Buono or Bianchi.

Name That Strangulation #1: The victim’s neck has a dark red circumferential mark shaped like a teardrop, darkest in the front. The mark is high up, has an extra wide bruise just behind the left ear, and is lined by a series of fingernail scratches along the upper border. The “whites” of the eyes have small red peppered appearance. There is no internal fracturing of the hyoid bone or thyroid cartilage. Is this a manual strangulation, a ligature strangulation, or a hanging?

Name That Strangulation #2: There are claw marks of different sizes and directions along the neck. Two round bruises a centimeter in width, lie over the area of the Adam’s apple. Pockets of air crackle under the skin when pressure is applied. There are blood patches filling the “whites” of the left eye, and numerous red dots along the neck and face. Internal examination reveals that the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are both fractured. Is this a manual strangulation, a ligature strangulation, or a hanging? Bonus question: was the assailant in front of or behind the victim?

Name That Strangulation #3: There is a dark horizontal mark around the neck just below the Adam’s apple. Numerous scratches and gouges are visible in the front of the neck and along the chin. There are many red dots along the “whites” of the eyes and just above the horizontal neck mark. On internal examination, the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are both broken. Is this a manual strangulation, a ligature strangulation, or a hanging?

Name That Strangulation #4: This victim had a known strangulation event three weeks before death. There were never any external markings, including during your postmortem examination. All of the neck anatomy appears normal on internal examination. The lungs are heavy with accumulated fluid, and there is pneumonia in a pattern suggesting eroding gastric acid as the cause. Can this death be due to strangulation?

Blood red eyes. Claw marks. Broken neck bones. Gastric acid eroding lungs. Don’t you just love a good bedtime story? Of course you do, because you’re Crazy 4 Crazies.

Reprinted with permission: http://crazy4crazies.blogspot.com/

theNJdirt, 7/24/09

Princeton, NJ.

Sinclair Blande, father of alleged Satin Strangler Destiny Blande, has filed a multimillion dollar lawsuit against Horace Krouch, accusing his daughter’s criminal defense attorney of libel with regard to the widely publicized book If She Did It.

“The book is a condemnation of my daughter and our family name,” Blande stated. “He was the one she chose to defend her, for chrissakes, but instead he is declaring her guilty and capitalizing on her demise. Krouch says the book is not about Destiny, but everyone knows it is meant to be her story, even if it appears on the fiction shelves at the bookstore.”

The book’s opening chapter, Finding the First Victim, begins with the line, “You never forget your first kill.” The lead character, Daphne Blain, shows an obvious, in fact indistinguishable, resemblance to Blande in both name and appearance. Daphne stalks potential male prey through a bar, licking her lips like a lupine nymphomaniac, and thinking, “Any of these men would be fun to sleep with and even more fun to kill.” The chapter ends as she selects a blonde crew cut waiter closely reminiscent of the Satin Strangler’s first victim, Phillip Stewart.

The timing of real life events is indeed bizarre. Blande’s acquittal in criminal court was quickly followed by the announcement of the civil suit filed against her by Satin Strangler victim Edgar Stahl’s family. Krouch then released the first two chapters of his book as blog entries on his website over the last few weeks. Krouch plans to follow these two on-line teaser chapters with a hard copy release worldwide.

Sinclair Blande’s lawsuit would only seem to complicate matters for his daughter. We can barely speculate what will happen next; so far we’ve been getting it all wrong with this one. How will all these distractions affect the wrongful death civil case against Blande’s infamous daughter Destiny? Will Krouch’s story ever make it to press? Your guess is a good as ours.

We’ll keep giving you the dirt on this one.

Reprinted with permission: http://thenjdirt.blogspot.com/

KrouchMurderDefense, 7/25/09

I apologize to my faithful followers who planned to get a glimpse of me during the upcoming pre-sale book tour. I have been distracted and delayed by a frivolous libel suit filed by Destiny Blande’s father. I have never even met him. I cannot even recollect his first name at this moment. In fact, he was in absentia when his daughter was being tried for serial murder. He was nowhere to be seen while I single handedly saved her from capital punishment.

Why is it that someone who never appeared in public while his daughter’s well being was in jeopardy is now so interested in protecting her “good name?” It is a fascinating sequence of events.

Destiny’s daddy contends that my book, If She Did It, misrepresents his daughter. The initial quandary here is that the book is not about his daughter. It is a fictionalized account the Satin Strangler, with a protagonist named Daphne Blain. If there are similarities in the book between Destiny and Daphne, then they are coincidental, per the legal disclaimer therein.

It would appear that nearly everyone still believes that Destiny Blande is guilty of the Satin Strangler crimes. Fortunately, the 12 citizens making up the jury did not agree with the populace at large. Perhaps Destiny’s daddy should drop to his self-righteous knees and thank me for that. No. Instead, he is pursuing me through the courts for this so-called libel.

If you believe that Destiny Blande is the Satin Strangler, then you will believe that my story is about her. That is for you to decide as the reader, but it is certainly not my intent. If you are more interested in the details of how the murders could have been committed, then my book will satisfy your craving. If you want to picture Destiny Blande walking in Daphne Blain’s place, using Daphne’s hands to tighten satin stockings around victims’ necks, then I cannot manipulate your imagination.

An esteemed lawyer of my stature need not tolerate an insufferable maggot like Destiny’s daddy. I apologize to all of my faithful followers for any inconvenience resulting from his behavior. As I say, he is a maggot. However, I cannot be accused herein of committing libel against him, because he cannot literally be misconstrued as a maggot as defined in the dictionary:

n – a soft-bodied legless grub that is the larva of a dipteran fly (as the housefly) and develops usually in decaying organic matter or as a parasite in plants or animals

In celebration of the libel suit, here is a preview of a later chapter from my book – a chapter I did not originally intend on releasing until the print version. I dedicate this to Destiny’s daddy.

If She Did It, by Horace P. Krouch
Chapter 20: In Bed with a Strangler

“Daphne Blain” and “Henry Crow” were living under incredible tension for months. Unless you have been a defendant or a lawyer in a murder trial, you have no way of imagining the emotional overload. Every hour in the courtroom is the culmination of hundreds of hours preparing. Every word can help to make your case, or destroy it. The stakes are high; a life waits in the balance. In this case the future of a young woman was at risk.

Daphne and Henry were on edge during all that time. The acquittal released the life and death tension that characterized their relationship, but it forced them into a new sea of emotion. Heretofore, they had been in a purely business relationship. Now they had to decide whether to carry that through to a personal relationship, or go their separate ways.

Henry was only a little beyond indifferent to this issue, though he enjoyed Daphne’s company. He had just escaped a pending relationship and had his next dates lined up in the queue.

Daphne was still feeling vulnerable and felt reassured by Henry’s presence. She saw him as her savior, a personality larger than life. She was experiencing the conversion from admiration to love. He was used to this scenario. These were emotions he had seen many times before in his defendants, particularly when the stakes of the case were highest. He had been careful not to give in to the temptation of falling in love with any of the other women he defended. Maintaining a professional relationship was crucial.

The difference between Daphne and his other clients was her aggression. She got what she wanted, and she wanted Henry.

Yesterday Daphne came over to his office to gather copies from her file. Henry worked alone, and had a habit of leaving his office door unlocked. Daphne made her way inside. She swung open the door of his office, smiled, and moistened her lips. She reached back to unfasten her chignon and shook her auburn hair free. Her eyes flashed a malachite glow.

“I have your files,” he said.

“You know that’s not why I’m here,” she said while closing the blinds.

“What do you want, then?” he asked, knowing the answer.

Daphne pinned him to the wall, grabbed his shirt collar, and kissed him. He simultaneously felt the warmth of her against his entire body, and could feel her heart beating against his chest. Within seconds their clothes were lying around his desk, and the files were spilled across the floor. She skillfully swung him up onto the desk so he was lying on his back, and then pounced on top of him like a lioness. The smooth motion was part instinct and part experience.

During their lustful interplay, she periodically ran her fingers along his neck, making him tremble. At first he grabbed her wrists, blocking her from getting a strong grip. But she seemed energized from the challenge, each time becoming more forceful.

He found himself letting her go progressively further toward cutting off his breathing, which made her excited and brought him more satisfaction than he ever would have anticipated. For a moment, he no longer cared whether she tightened her grip.

By the time his survival instincts re-engaged, he was defenseless. His face was red hot as he became light headed. His vision faded as his body experienced a soothing release.

Daphne had no intention of killing Henry. He provided her with a new emotion – one that she could never have with her victims. Was it love? Regardless, she wanted more from this relationship than killing could provide.

She released him. In the time it took for Henry to regain full consciousness, she was dressed and walking out the door.

Reprinted with permission: http://krouchmurderdefense.blogspot.com/