ATF, USMS increase reward to $25,000 in unsolved 2011 Canton Homicide

CANTON, OH — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service, has increased the reward to $25,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the 2011 murder of Dale A. Settle, Jr.

While attending a Bible study Sept. 22, 2011, in the 600 block of Hazlett Avenue NW in Canton, Ohio, 22-year-old Dale A. Settle, Jr. was approached by two unidentified suspects who attempted to rob him at gunpoint. During the attempted robbery, one of the suspects shot Settle. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

ATF is increasing its previously announced reward from $10,000 to $15,000, and USMS is contributing an additional $10,000, bringing the total reward to $25,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons responsible for this homicide.

"With this renewed reward offer, ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service believe this senseless act of violence can still be brought to a successful resolution,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge A. Rosendo. “We remain committed to seeking justice for Dale Settle and providing answers for his family. We encourage anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward."

“This horrific crime has impacted a family for far too long. The U.S. Marshals Service stands with our partners at ATF and the Canton Police Department and remains committed to using every available resource to bring those responsible to justice,” said Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fitzgibbon.

“I know I speak for the Canton community in expressing our appreciation to the ATF and the USMS for their support in the ongoing investigation of this homicide,” said Canton Police Chief John Gabbard. “Any loss of life is tragic, and the effect on families and communities is amplified when homicides are unresolved. We are still actively investigating this case and the reward increase is welcome news.”

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477). Individuals may also email ATFTips@atf.gov, or go to www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may also be submitted by using the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.

ATF, FBI, Imperial PD Seek Tips in 2017 Homicide

ATF Contributes $5K to Joint Reward Bringing Total Reward to $15K in Yunique Puckett Murder

IMPERIAL, CA — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Los Angeles Field Division is contributing $5,000 toward a joint reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of those who were involved in the homicide of Yunique Marie Puckett (nee Dorme). In the early morning of Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, an arson investigation uncovered that a residential fire was set to mask the homicide of Yunique Puckett and destroy evidence.

“ATF is unwavering in its resolve to confront and bring to justice the violent criminals who employ firearms and acts of arson to victimize our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper. “Through strong collaboration with our dedicated local and federal law enforcement partners, ATF will continue to thoroughly investigate, positively identify, and vigorously prosecute these dangerous individuals ensuring stronger, safer communities.”

ATF’s Los Angeles Field Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Diego Field Office, and Imperial Police Department are offering a $15,000 total reward. Please contact ATF, FBI, or Imperial Police Department to provide tips to investigators.

• ATF: www.reportit.comor call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477)
• FBI: www.fbi.gov/tips
• Imperial Police Department: Detective Reyes at 760-355-4327

ATF is the is the federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of the federal laws pertaining to destructive devices, explosives, and arson. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

FBI Top Stories: 30-Year-Old Murder Solved

Fingerprint Technology Played Key Role

A cold case is just that—an investigation of a crime, usually a violent one, where all leads have been exhausted and the trail has gone cold. But in recent years, the use of various technologies has begun heating up many of these cold cases, uncovering new leads for investigators and providing justice for victims.

One immediate technology example that comes to mind is automated fingerprint searching—more precisely, searches of latent prints of violent unknown perpetrators left at crime scenes. The FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), which houses known records for approximately 73 million criminal subjects, is used daily by local, state, tribal, and international law enforcement for current cases, but increasingly for help in solving cold cases as well. And once a year, the Bureau’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division recognizes an outstanding major case solved with help from IAFIS.

The 2012 Latent Hit of the Year Award was presented last month to two employees of the Omaha Police Department—Detective Douglas Herout and Senior Crime Laboratory Technician Laura Casey—for their efforts to identify the man responsible for a brutal murder more than 30 years ago.

The crime: In 1978, 61-year-old Carroll Bonnet was stabbed to death in his apartment. Police collected evidence, including latent fingerprints and palmprints from the victim’s bathroom (officers believed the killer was trying to wash off blood and other evidence before leaving the apartment). The victim’s car was then stolen.

The investigation: The car was found in Illinois, but after collecting additional latent prints, investigators couldn’t develop any new leads. The crime scene evidence was processed, and latent prints recovered from the scene and the car were searched against local and state fingerprint files. Investigators also sent fingerprint requests to agencies outside Nebraska, but no matches were returned and the case soon went cold.

The re-investigation: In late 2008, the Omaha Police Department received an inquiry on the case, prompting technician Laura Casey to search the prints against IAFIS (which didn’t exist in 1978). In less than five hours, IAFIS returned possible candidates for comparison purposes. Casey spent days carefully examining the prints and came up with a positive identification—Jerry Watson, who was serving time in an Illinois prison on burglary charges.

The case was officially re-opened and assigned to the cold case squad’s Doug Herout. Working with laboratory technicians and analysts, Herout reviewed the original evidence from the case, including a classified advertisement flyer with “Jerry W.” scribbled on one of the pages. Herout also discovered that Jerry Watson had lived only a few blocks from where the victim’s car was recovered.

And the discovery was made just in time—Watson was just days away from being released from prison.

Herout traveled to Illinois to question Watson and presented him with an order to obtain a DNA sample. Subsequent testing determined that Watson’s DNA matched DNA recovered at the crime scene, a finding that—combined with Watson’s identified prints—resulted in murder charges and a conviction. On October 17, 2011—33 years to the day that Bonnet’s body was discovered—his killer was sentenced to life in prison.

It’s yet another example of the vital role that technology plays in getting dangerous criminals off our streets.

The Latest on Latents

Latent prints are impressions—usually invisible to the naked eye—often left at crime scenes that are produced by the ridged skin on human fingers, palms, or soles of the feet. The FBI’s IAFIS receives an average of 700 latent search requests per day from authorized law enforcement agencies…with an average response time of one hour.

Our Next Generation Identification system, an incremental replacement of today’s IAFIS, will specifically focus on the latent user community next March when a National Palmprint System (NPPS) is scheduled to be established. The NPPS will create a centralized repository of known palmprints within the FBI’s database, allowing searches of unknown palmprints against the repository…as well as searches of known palmprints against the Unsolved Latent File. Both types of searches will enhance law enforcement’s ability to identify criminal and terrorist suspects.

Authorities Offer $50,000 Reward in Manassas Cold Case

Law Enforcement Seeks Assistance in Unsolved Murder of Virginia State Trooper Johnny Bowman

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, and Manassas City Police Department announced a $50,000 reward today for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the murder of Virginia State Trooper Johnny Rush Bowman in August 1984.

In the early morning of August 19, 1984, Trooper Bowman answered the front door of his residence in the Bristoe Station development of Manassas, Virginia, and was repeatedly stabbed by an unknown assailant(s). Trooper Bowman’s wife was home during the attack and placed the 911 call for assistance. The attacker(s) fled on foot from Bowman’s home, leaving behind eyeglasses, a wig, and a construction hard hat. Trooper Bowman died shortly thereafter at a local hospital. In addition to his wife, Trooper Bowman left behind a 2-year-old daughter.

Twenty-eight years after Trooper Bowman’s murder, advancements in forensic testing have identified new information regarding DNA found at the scene. Forensic evidence was originally submitted to the FBI Laboratory for testing in 1984. Additional tests were conducted in the late 1990s and again in 2010.

“While this brutal attack occurred more than 25 years ago, we believe that someone can still provide a piece of the puzzle that will help solve this case,” said James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “It is important for the public to know that no piece of information is too small to share. With the assistance of advanced forensic science, we are able to actively pursue new leads to identify whoever is responsible for this murder.”

“Solving this homicide has been a priority for the Virginia State Police since it occurred that fateful morning of August 19, 1984,” said Capt. David A. Russillo, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Fairfax Field Office. “Over the past 28 years, this case has taken investigators to as far away as California, Ohio, and other states in their pursuit of the necessary evidence to bring the murderer or murderers to justice.”

“I am confident that we are moving in the right direction with this investigation,” said Chief Douglas W. Keen, Manassas City Police Department. “It’s important for the public to understand that even after 28 years, we are committed to solving this murder and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Investigators from Virginia State Police, Manassas City Police Department, and the FBI have been involved in this case since 1984 and continue to diligently follow every lead. In 2005, Virginia State Police conducted a media campaign asking for the public’s assistance in recalling any details that could help to solve this case. The FBI has provided law enforcement assistance to Virginia State Police and Manassas City Police Department to include the processing of evidence at the FBI Laboratory.

Law enforcement agencies are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Virginia State Police tip line at 703-803-2637.

Additional Contacts:

Virginia State Police

Public Affairs Office: 804-263-5547

www.vsp.state.va.us

Manassas City Police

Public Affairs Office: 703-257-8038

www.manassascity.org

Cold Case Homicide Arrest

The Albuquerque Police Department released the following statement.

On August 4, 1987, the body of 37-year-old Diedre Brewington was located in her apartment on Coal Avenue SW. Investigation determined she had been shot to death. APD detectives learned Diedre was separated from her husband, 43-year-old Ronald A. Brewington, and she intended to divorce him. Investigators determined that there was probable cause to arrest Mr. Brewington for the murder of his wife and an arrest warrant was obtained. However, Mr. Brewington had already fled New Mexico and could not be located. In April, 1988, the Bernalillo County grand jury indicted Mr. Brewington for first-degree murder in the death of Diedre and a bench warrant was issued. Mr. Brewington has eluded capture on this charge and has been a fugitive for almost 25 years.

Last fall, the Albuquerque Police Department’s Cold Case Unit began a follow up investigation of this murder and began trying to locate Mr. Brewington. A collaborative multi-agency investigation took place. Detectives tracked Mr. Brewington and learned he has used many aliases and has resided in many locations across the U.S. during the past 25 years. Through investigation, the alias Mr. Brewington is currently using was learned.

With the assistance of the Albuquerque office of the FBI, the San Francisco Office of the FBI, Oakland Police Department, San Francisco Police Department and the U.S. Marshals, Mr. Brewington was tracked to the San Francisco Bay Area. Each agency was very involved and instrumental in this investigation. An Albuquerque Police Department Cold Case detective and other law enforcement officers travelled to the Bay Area to conduct additional investigation.

The Albuquerque Police Department officers who traveled to the Bay Area reported today that Mr. Brewington has been successfully taken into custody.

APD would like to thank the Albuquerque Office of the FBI, the San Francisco Office of the FBI, Oakland Police Department, San Francisco Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals for their assistance with this investigation. The cooperation between these agencies was nothing short of amazing and this shows the dedication of these law enforcement agencies and how they will never stop investigating cold cases and tracking down wanted fugitives.

Husband Named as a Person of Interest as FBI Joins Cold Case Investigation

SOMERVILLE, NJ—Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey D. Soriano and Michael B. Ward, Special Agent in Charge of Newark Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announce that the FBI has joined in the investigation of Margaret Haddican-McEnroe, D.O.B. 8/25/1977, of Warren Township, New Jersey, who was last seen by her husband, Tim McEnroe, on October 10, 2006.

Prosecutor Soriano stated that this morning, teams of FBI agents, assisted by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and the Warren Township Police Department, conducted a canvass of the neighborhood where Ms. Haddigan-McEnroe resided with her husband and her three young children. Agents and detectives spoke with neighbors and other potential witnesses. As a result of these interviews, Tim McEnroe, who reported his wife missing on October 12, 2006, has been named a “person of interest” in the investigation.

Prosecutor Soriano further states that the FBI’s expertise and resources are allowing detectives to expand their investigative capabilities in this cold case investigation. The FBI has called upon the expertise of its highly regarded Behavioral Analysis Unit to assess the facts in the case.

Other law enforcement agencies assisting this morning included the Watchung Police Department, New Jersey State Police Aviation and Missing Persons Units, and the Bergen County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit.

Prosecutor Soriano and SAC Ward request that anyone with information regarding this investigation contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Squad at 908-231-7100, the FBI at 973-792-3000, or the Warren Township Police Department at 908-753-1000. All calls are confidential.

Cold case methodology and criminal behavior

Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added two police officers who joined to co-author an outstanding set of books on cold case methodology and criminal profiling.

Gregory M. Cooper has served in a number of law enforcement roles. He has been the Assistant Federal Security Director for Law Enforcement in the Department of Homeland Security; Chief of Police in Provo, Utah; and, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation. While with the FBI he was the supervisor of the Investigative Support Unit (Criminal Profiling) in the Critical Incident Response Group and the National Program Manager of the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP) at the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. He has instructed at FBI National Academy Instructor on Criminal Psychology and Criminal Investigative Analysis. As an FBI profiler, he has consulted on over 1,000 crimes. As an educator, he has taught at the Utah Police Academy, Utah Valley State College, Salt Lake Community College and the University of Virginia.

Michael R. King retired from full-time law enforcement in 2004 with 25 years of service. At the time of his retirement, he was an Intelligence Supervisor for the Utah Criminal Intelligence Center and oversaw intelligence gathering and dissemination for northern Utah. Prior to working for DPS, Mike was the Director of the Utah criminal Tracking and Analysis Project and retired as a Lieutenant from the Utah Attorney General's Office. He continues to serve as a Reserve Police Officer and provides analytical support and consultation to the Ogden Police Department.

In 1979, Michael started his law enforcement career with the Pleasant View Police Department. Several months later, he moved to the Ogden Police Department where he served in Patrol, Motors and the Tactical Squad/SWAT Team. In 1987, he joined the Weber County Attorney's Office as an Investigator and Chief of Staff. In 1992, King joined the Utah Attorney General's Office, and was assigned to conduct a statewide study on Ritual Crime for the Utah State Legislature. He also served a 3 year assignment to the FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) National Advisory Board as the co-chair.

He teaches Criminal Investigative Analysis for the Utah Peace Officers Standards and Training academy and as an adjunct professor in Criminal Justice at Weber State University and the Salt Lake Community College. Mike has a Master of Criminal Justice degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Communications.

Their book, Cold Case Methodology is designed to provide students with an overview and practical understanding of the processes, theories and investigative techniques of Cold Case Investigations. They explain the operative and sequential procedures that lead to successful closure of Cold Cases. They cover areas such as, development of cold case units, solvability factors, review and evaluation of evidence, and the basic and advanced technological methods employed by Cold Case squads.

Their book, Analyzing Criminal Behavior, is a comprehensive overview of serial crime motivation and methodology. It walks the reader through the criminal profiling process, including an understanding of the criminal mind. The authors provide help in understanding the motivations behind recent and ancient crimes. This text compiles the concepts and provides forms, protocols and processes that the investigator can copy and use in investigations.

Police-Writers.com now hosts 311 police officers (representing 134 police departments) and their 732 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.