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(http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yLpmMr_S168ZWPZNROzN-A?feat=directlink)
Nikki LaDue was a beautiful young woman with a 5 year old son sleeping in his bedroom, early July 29 2002 Nikki was found dead on her balcony in Pass Christian, MS.

Please take time to go take a look at her URL http://www.NikkiLaDueJanuary.com (http://www.NikkiLaDueJanuary.com) Nikki has been featured on Rel Crimes, Crime Wire, Seeking Justice and a few more. You can find her story at her url complete with video, map, a blog, a Facebook Page and Facebook Fan Page.

Nichole LaDue January, 30, was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head on the balcony of her third floor condo in Pass Christian, Mississippi, shortly before 10 a.m. on July 29, 2002. Rigor and lividity indicated that she had been dead for hours.

Within two hours police closed the case as a suicide. The chief investigator, Pass Christian Police Officer Tom Putsay, told our family that no autopsy or investigation was deemed necessary. No fingerprints were taken and there was no gun powder residue test to determine whether Nikki had fired a gun. Strong physical evidence that somebody was on the balcony with Nikki at the time of the shooting was totally ignored, as was information from several individuals that Nikki’s death was very likely linked to an interstate drug operation involving people from the Grand Casino in Gulfport.

Nikki had been married for less than two years to Phil January, and both worked at the Grand Casino, as did Nikki’s former husband, Mike Williams. According to Nikki’s friends, Phil was a jealous and controlling husband. Her co-workers told us that our formerly fun-loving daughter had become a loner, afraid to socialize on breaks because Phil had spies watching her. However, she did have something wonderful in her life – a 5-year-old son, Zachary, from her previous marriage. She loved Zack with all her heart.

At the time of her death, Nikki was at a point of transition. Phil had suddenly decided they should relocate to Bossier City, Louisiana, where he had found a job with Boomtown Casino’s security department under Frank Brown, his former boss at the Grand. Nikki had stayed behind to orchestrate the move. The plan as presented was that, on July 29, Phil would drive to Mississippi, rent a U-Haul, then collect their household possessions and take them to Louisiana. Nikki and Zack, along with Nikki’s friend, Nancy Burge, who also worked at Grand Casino, would then drive to Fort Lauderdale in Nikki’s car to spend a week with our family before Nikki dropped Nancy off at her home in Gulfport and joined Phil in Bossier City.

But Nikki had a plan of her own, which she had confided to only a few people. She had told one of those friends, Keith Oliver, that her marriage to Phil was over and she had no intention of joining him in Louisiana. She and Zack were going to remain with us in Florida and start a new life there. That decision became quite evident after her death, when we discovered that she and Nancy were going to make the 12 hour road trip in separate vehicles and that Nancy’s SUV was loaded with Nikki’s and Zack’s possessions.

According to friends, Nikki seemed both exhilarated and nervous. She was excited about coming to us, but she also seemed scared. She and Zack slept at Nancy’s house, because Nikki was afraid to spend nights alone in the condo. She also asked a male friend to show her how to use a pistol, because she wanted to be able to protect herself. (She died before he had a chance to do so.) That was an unusual request, since Nikki was terrified of guns.

TipLine   1 769.218.9432

Website    http://www.nikkiladuejanuary.com (http://www.nikkiladuejanuary.com)

Email      nikkiladuejanuary@gmail.com

Facebook   http://facebook.com/nikkiladuejanuary (http://facebook.com/nikkiladuejanuary)

Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/WhoKilledNikkiLaDueJanuary (https://www.facebook.com/WhoKilledNikkiLaDueJanuary)

This week Nikki is FEATURED Cold Case on WebSleuths. Check it out http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134504 (http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134504)

YouTube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbfFjMNmWlI  ::justice2NJ::

The mysterious murder of Nikki LaDue January - Let justice be done though the heavens fall.

Friends please write The Attorney General of Mississippi Jim Hood and ask to have the Nikki LaDue January case reopened . We respectfully ask the Attorney General Hood to review ME findings and change the findings from suicide to undetermined as the only autopsy indicates.

Include her URL http://www.NikkiLaDueJanuary.com (http://www.NikkiLaDueJanuary.com)

Her latest Blog Post brings out many good points, including possible corruption and incompetence. CNN Anderson Cooper 360 investigates same Coroner. Lead Detective is convicted of multiple charges of child sex abuse.

9th Anniv of mysterious death of Nikki LaDue January
http://nikkiladuejanuary.blogspot.com/2011/07/today-is-9th-anniversary-of-mysterious.html (http://nikkiladuejanuary.blogspot.com/2011/07/today-is-9th-anniversary-of-mysterious.html)

This photo is of Nikki with her little son Zack. He was her whole life to her. She was going to be leaving with him the day she was found killed. Zack had been left for more than 8hours with her dead body. Nikki wouldn't have done that, why not leave him with sitter? Thankfully her prayers were answered and Zack was saved. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yLpmMr_S168ZWPZNROzN-A?feat=directlink (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yLpmMr_S168ZWPZNROzN-A?feat=directlink)

General Information

    MS Attorney General's Office
    P.O. Box 220
    Jackson, MS 39205
    MS Attorney General's Office
    Walter Sillers Building
    550 High Street, Suite 1200
    Jackson, MS 39201
    Telephone: 601-359-3680
    Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mississippi-Attorney-Generals-Office/113244602045300?sk=info (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mississippi-Attorney-Generals-Office/113244602045300?sk=info)
    - Mississippi Attorney Generals Office
    - Mississippi ICAC Task Force
    - Fear Stops Here
    or Twitter @MississippiAGO

Department Email: msag05@ago.state.ms.us

    Web Contact Form: http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/contact (http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/contact)

SlamDunk has spent almost a decade as the police and enjoy discussing law enforcement and crime. He is writing about Nikki's crime. Finally an Officer of the Law point of view. He has started a new series on Nikki. I won't post the whole thing you can click on link to read.

Slam Dunks: The Death of Nikki LaDue January Part I
http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/08/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-i.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/08/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-i.html)


Please share and comment.

Slam Dunks: The Death of Nikki LaDue January Part II
Posted by Slamdunk on Monday, August 8, 2011
Labels: crime, Nikki LaDue January, police
Continuing with this strange case...

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Case Summary

In July of 2002, the body of Nikki LaDue January was found seated on the balcony of her condominium in Pass Christian, Mississippi.  Officers stated that she had a single gun shot wound to her right temple area.

A Sterling .380 caliber pistol was partially under her left thigh on a chair, her right leg was propped up against the table in front of her, and a cordless phone on the table was covered in blood.

There were two different brands of cigarettes and two different lighters on the table in front of her.

A bullet was located in a chair on the next balcony, and a shell casing was later found by a maintenance man in the condo's pool.

Ms. January had apparently been deceased for several hours, and her five-year old son was found in the residence unharmed.

Authorities at the scene quickly classified the death as a suicide--so most of the items present were not processed, no autopsy was conducted, no blood was collected, and so on.
___________________________________________________

Click Link below to read the insightful post of ex-cop SlamDunk
http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/08/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-ii.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/08/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-ii.html)

Many Law Enforcement Professionals read this Blog regularly. Slam Dunks has been successful in reopening of cases, FBI envolvement. Please join in and feel free to comment and share with others.

Link to original post please share:http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/08/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-iii.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/08/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-iii.html) and go comment

Slam Dunks The Death of Nikki LaDue January Part III
Posted by Slamdunk on Monday, August 15, 2011


Case Summary

In July of 2002, the body of Nikki LaDue January was found seated on the balcony of her condominium in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Officers stated that she had a single gun shot wound to her right temple area.

A Sterling .380 caliber pistol was partially under her left thigh on a chair, her right leg was propped up against the table in front of her, and a cordless phone on the table was covered in blood.

There were two different brands of cigarettes and two different lighters on the table in front of her.

A bullet was located in a chair on the next balcony, and a shell casing was later found by a maintenance man in the condo's pool.

Ms. January had apparently been deceased for several hours, and her five-year old son was found in the residence unharmed.

Authorities at the scene quickly classified the death as a suicide. __________________________________________________ _

The Investigator

The lead detective for the Nikki LaDue January case was Pass Christian Police Department investigator Thomas Pustay.

At the time, Detective Pustay had over 20 years of law enforcement experience.

He was contacted by officers at the scene and arrived at Ms. LaDue January's condo the morning she was discovered deceased.

Pustay spoke with the initial medical and police responders.

He interviewed the Nikki's husband, Phil January, as well as her friend Nancy Burge who also had entered the condo.

He examined the death scene, collected some items, and took photos.

He coordinated with the county coroner in processing the incident.

And most importantly, Det. Pustay weighed the evidence for a short time and determined that Ms. LaDue January committed suicide.

Though police agency policies vary, generally there is less work for a suicide versus a homicide.

No intensive canvassing for witnesses.

Limited tests and forensic work.

No follow-up search warrants of cell phone records, computers, or other electronic equipment.

No thorough background check of the victim to identify persons of interest in her past or in the present.

In this alleged suicide, no diagrams were completed to record the precise location of items in relation to the body.

No initial autopsy was conducted.

So, little was done at the LaDue January death scene--as it was ruled just another incident involving someone taking their own life.

But what happens when the investigator's integrity is later shown to be lacking?

In 2005, the married Thomas Pustay was convicted of two counts of touching of a child for lustful purposes and three counts of sexual battery. Prosecutors stated that the former detective began abusing the victim (a family friend) at age 9, and it lasted for 7 years.

Pustay is now serving 40 years in a Mississippi prison.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8gEVeP9LdPM/Tkcs2v7qucI/AAAAAAAAArw/VGSbTAniJMA/s1600/tp1.jpg)
Former Detective Thomas Pustay (Source: MS Dept. of Corrections)

One item of note from the article on Pustay's conviction is his admission of lying to police investigators. http://picayuneitem.com/local/x2079270739/Ex-police-investigator-convicted-of-sexually-abusing-child (http://picayuneitem.com/local/x2079270739/Ex-police-investigator-convicted-of-sexually-abusing-child)

So, it is understandable for Ms. LaDue January's family and those examining the death case to question the credibility of this lead detective.

A detective who has shown a pattern of dishonesty and poor judgment.

And, a detective leading an investigation where the quality of the evidence saved was questionable--not to mention a least one item that was collected and then apparently misplaced.

The family's site includes detailed questions that seem to be unanswered in this case.

Next time, I'll take a look at some of those issues and offer my own observations.

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All posts on this topic can be viewed by clicking here: Nikki LaDue January. http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikki%20LaDue%20January (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikki%20LaDue%20January)

http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikki%20LaDue%20January (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikki%20LaDue%20January)

Slam Dunk's much awaited part IV of Who Killed Nikki LaDue January? This one covers probabilities and observations. Very interesting. Please share and comment.

Before I start the next post in this series: when writing on crime, I prefer to speak in probabilities.

I was not at Ms. LaDue January's condo the morning she was discovered.  I did not speak to anyone at the scene.  I do not have access to all the investigative reports and do not know everything that authorities and the family know.

Smarter and more experienced folks have examined this case.

As such, I'll describe my observations as more likely or less likely or something to that extent.
____________________________________________________

The Death of Nikki LaDue January: Part V
http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/08/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-v.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/08/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-v.html)

This blog post is clipped to read the entire post please go to the above or bottom URL's
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B) The Telephone

Near the end of Pass Christian Police Department detective Tom Pustay's investigative narrative, a report where he describes the death scene of Ms. LaDue January, he makes the following curious statement:

"...There is a cordless phone on a table that is covered with blood. It is unknown how it got there or how the blood got on it..."

As the report continues, a reader expects the detective, who has introduces a seemingly out of place bloody phone, to clarify that initial statement.

He does not.

Strangely, no additional information about the phone is included in Pustay's report, but he photographed it (shown below).

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8M1Omq-ssI/TlmzrW1X2wI/AAAAAAAAAsE/ClevHB0wQ6c/s1600/phone.jpg)

Blood Covered White Phone (Photo Credit)

The family allowed me to review a second police report on the case--that of one of the police first responders that morning: Sgt. Willie Davis.

Sgt. Davis' description of the scene does not mention the bloody phone on the table.

So, two detailed reports of a death scene thought to be a suicide, and an object that was evidently covered in blood and lying on a table about five feet from the body, is barely mentioned.

But, why is the phone important?

Remember, the pathologist hired by the family to examine Nikki's body stated that death occurred "immediately or very rapidly after immediate loss of consciousness."

So, a bloody phone on a table would have been either placed there by the woman immediately as she was dying or, and here we go again, moved there by someone else.

Now, the phone was evidently moved once by Nikki's husband, Phil January.

According to documents provided by Nikki's family, Phil stated that he initially saw the phone "in the middle of her lap."

Mr. January evidently added that the phone was covered in blood (as in the photo), not near Nikki's hand, and was in an area of her lap that had no blood stains.

In addition, the family states that Phil was also confused by the source of the blood on the phone, spoke with Detective Pustay about it, and was concerned over the investigator's dismissal of the detail.

When authorities arrived it was said that the phone's battery was dead.

In sum, a woman's death is declared a suicide. The gun believed to be used in the death is found in a chair partially under one of the victim's legs. A portable phone covered in blood, is seen on a table in front of the woman--but it is unknown how the blood got there.

It is reasonable to argue that the gun was moved and later placed between the victim's legs.

The telephone was moved at least once before the body was photographed--and it is likely that the item was relocated twice prior to police arriving.

That said, this renders more questions than anything:

--How did the phone get covered in blood?

--Was she holding the phone at the time of death?

--Who moved it (how many times) and why?

This "open-and-shut suicide" case appears to be anything but that.

I'll have more next Monday--including another strange item photographed on Ms. LaDue January's table, but not mentioned in police reports.
----------------------------------------

All posts on this topic can be viewed by clicking here: Nikki LaDue January. http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikki%20LaDue%20January  (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikki%20LaDue%20January)

The Scene - Slam Dunk Death of Nikki LaDue January Part VI
http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/09/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-vi.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/09/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-vi.html)

Posted by Slamdunk on Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Labels: crime, criminal justice, Nikki LaDue January, police
Last week, I wrote about a blood-covered phone found near Ms. LaDue January, and this time, I'll continue discussing the scene...
__________________________________________________ __

Case Summary

In July of 2002, the body of Nikki LaDue January was found seated on the balcony of her condominium in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Officers stated that she had a single gun shot wound to her right temple area.

A Sterling .380 caliber pistol was partially under her left thigh on a chair, her right leg was propped up against the table in front of her, and a cordless phone on the table was covered in blood.

There were two different brands of cigarettes and two different lighters on the table in front of her.

A bullet was located in a chair on the next balcony, and a shell casing was later found by a maintenance man in the condo's pool.

Ms. January had apparently been deceased for several hours, and her five-year old son was found in the residence unharmed.

Authorities at the scene quickly classified the death as a suicide.

--------------------------------------

B) Feet

Each of us has likes and dislikes.

Characteristics about us that may be odd, but denote our uniqueness.

As such, at a death and/or crime scene, it is important for investigators to be cognizant of a victim's preferences.

For instance, if I was found dead at my dinner table and a plate with a medium-rare steak was in front of me, the specific meal would not mean much to someone who does not know me.

But, detectives speaking to family members would quickly ascertain that the Mrs. and I prefer steaks as close to well-done as possible (yes, our motto is "burn it")--indicating that the food found in front of me was likely not mine.

I am also very routine-oriented. If I were to go missing, the Mrs. could match the time and date that I was last seen to wherever/whatever was on my schedule, and provide authorities with specifics about what I was doing just prior to disappearing.

Ok, enough about me.

The same approach would also apply to the death of Nikki LaDue January.

In correspondence written by Nikki's husband (Phil January) to authorities in which he is dissatisfied with the investigation and asks questions about the scene and circumstances surrounding his wife's death, he makes the following statement:

    "...Also out of character was the the fact that the new shoes that she had purchased that day were in our living room and she was barefoot. She never went barefoot for any reason."

Never?

What if other family members verified this observation?

One relative agreed and described Nikki's preference for shoes as an "idiosyncrasy" that she had developed later in life. The relative added that Nikki would only go barefoot when she had to--bedtime, shower, at the pool, etc.

Phil stated Nikki's new tennis shoes, that he referred to previously, were located in the living room.

None of the crime scene photos show shoes on the balcony, but the entire balcony was not included in the shots--nor was the area near the balcony door.

Yet, she was found dead wearing no shoes or socks on her balcony.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z95ToevyZGI/TmV3IAknSQI/AAAAAAAAAsY/NlRaUitX2HM/s1600/feet3.jpg)

Death Scene of Nikki LaDue January

Near a phone that was almost certainly moved more than once prior to police arriving.

With a handgun that was recovered in a highly unlikely place--under her leg.

Now, we can't eliminate every scenario that would send Nikki out on her balcony without shoes; or every situation in which that medium-rare steak would be in front of me.

But...

If an investigator is looking for only one reason to be suspicious of an apparent suicide, learning that a victim never went without shoes yet was found dead in his/her bare feet is certainly enough to question the stated premise.

In this case, the bare feet are just one of a litany of characteristics that scream: "Let's slow down, process this scene, and see what direction the evidence leads."

Unfortunately, the "scream" went unheard.

------------------

Oh, and last week I mentioned a strange object located on a table that was photographed at the scene by the investigator, but not listed in any of the police reports.

About that unidentified object?

It was later determined to be the detective's camera case that was placed on a table and inadvertently included in the series of scene photographs.

I'll cover another aspect of the case next week.
----------------------------------------

All posts on this topic can be viewed by clicking here: Nikki LaDue January.

The Death of Nikki LaDue January: Part VII
http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/09/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-vii.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/09/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-vii.html)


Last time, I wrote about the victim's feet and how they add to the litany of details that make this death case unusual.

Today, I want to discuss the 911 call.
____________________________________________________

Case Summary

In July of 2002, the body of Nikki LaDue January was found seated on the balcony of her condominium in Pass Christian, Mississippi.  Officers stated that she had a single gun shot wound to her right temple area.

A Sterling .380 caliber pistol was partially under her left thigh on a chair, her right leg was propped up against the table in front of her, and a cordless phone on the table was covered in blood.

There were two different brands of cigarettes and two different lighters on the table in front of her.

A bullet was located in a chair on the next balcony, and a shell casing was later found by a maintenance man in the condo's pool.

Ms. January had apparently been deceased for several hours, and her five-year old son was found in the residence unharmed.

Authorities at the scene quickly classified the death as a suicide.

--------------------------------------

C) The 911 Call--an Introduction (Part One of two on the 911 call)

Regular readers of my missing persons and crime posts know that I tend to bore with my repeated use of the disclaimer: "The public (me included) knows less than 1/2 of the details of an investigation."

As such, it is generally irresponsible for me to make strong judgments about witnesses, authorities, evidence, leads, etc.

Generally that is.

The death of Nikki LaDue January presents an exception to this rule.

Since authorities declared the case "Closed," they have released much more about the investigation.

The family obtained photos from the scene.

They have reports from the responding sergeant, the lead investigator, and the county's coroner.

In contrast to most cases, much is known about the investigation into the death of Nikki LaDue January.

Using these documents, the family learned what actions were taken as well as what was not done.   

Most importantly, the released information allowed the family to understand the rationale of authorities who had declared the death of Nikki LaDue January a suicide.

Not that knowing the basis for a determination has been comforting--as the documents leave many questions about Nikki's death unanswered.

One other case aspect obtained by the family was a recording of the 911 call made that resulted in the Pass Christian Police responding--the initial call reporting that Ms. January's body had been found.

As with many 911 calls, the audio is not the best quality.  The dialogue between Nikki's friend Nancy Burge and the police dispatcher is sometimes difficult to comprehend.

Rather than just post the original hard-to-decipher 911 call, what do the family and representatives working with them do?

They make/obtain a written transcript from the original call, and use it to create an audio recording of that 911 call--one that matches the conversation and the emotional/non-emotional responses of the participants.

The audio was then inserted into a video, and a simulated timeline was added.

The video is at http://vimeo.com/27021627 (http://vimeo.com/27021627).

Please visit to share post and comment at: http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/09/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-vii.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/09/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-vii.html)

---------------------------
This week, I wanted to let folks listen to the call (again this is a reproduction).

What things catch your attention?

--Nancy's (the caller) relatively calm presence?

--She stating that "he came in tonight"? (3:01)

--Nancy telling someone to "...just take him out to the car"--evidently referring to the dead woman's child? (2:30)

--The dispatcher obtaining the condo's phone number, and then stating that he will call there directly?

--Something else?


Simulated Timeline and 911 Call from Nikki LaDue January on Vimeo.

About this video: now that is innovation.

I'll talk more about the 911 call next week.

----------------------------------------

All posts on this topic can be viewed by clicking here: http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikki%20LaDue%20January (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikki%20LaDue%20January)

Slam Dunk writes about 911 Call Part Two - the death of Nikki LaDue January
http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/09/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-viii.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/09/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-viii.html)

Slam Dunk The DEath of Nikki LaDue January Part IX - The white plastic pieces on the floor and more...
http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/10/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-ix.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/10/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-ix.html)

Snipped for length:
The Death of Nikki LaDue January: Part X
Posted by Slamdunk on Monday, October 24, 2011
Labels: crime, criminal justice, Nikki LaDue January, police
Continuing with the LaDue January case.

Please click on link below to read, comment an share. Ex-cop SlamDunk does an excellent in depth look at the lack of investigation into this tragic death of young mother.

SD always summarizes the case and then speaks to new and more mysterious questions, never answered by the law enforcement in charge of case.

Click link to read more:
http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/10/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-x.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/10/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-x.html)

The Death of Nikki LaDue January: Part XI
Posted by Slamdunk on Tuesday, November 1, 2011
As the series continues, I transition from discussing the case's evidence to examining the related statements. http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/11/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-xi.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/11/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-xi.html)

Please read, share and repost oh and comment!

Writer, journalist, TV producer blogger Zerogossip wants to talk about Nikki LaDue January's case:

"Was Nikki LaDue January Murdered? Mississippi Police Don't Seem to Care."

Click link to read, share and comment: Cold No More | Getting to the bottom of Cold Cases (and musings)
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/tag/nikki-ladue-january/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/tag/nikki-ladue-january/)
Edit to change color from red to green.  MB
He is looking for those who knew Nikki or were involved in her investigation ...to talk to!

A new post by Cold No More: Three Men Who Let A Murderer Get Away http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/three-men-who-let-a-murderer-get-away/#more-39 (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/three-men-who-let-a-murderer-get-away/#more-39)

http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/11/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-xii.html (http://"http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/11/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-xii.html")
The Death of Nikki LaDue January: Part XII
Posted by Slamdunk on Monday, November 7, 2011
Labels: crime, criminal justice, Nikki LaDue January (http://"http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/search/label/Nikki%20LaDue%20January"), police

Continuing with the statements recorded by Pass Christian Police Sgt. W. Davis regarding the death of Nikki LaDue January.

For those who have been reading this series, some of the information is redundant, but I feel it is important to consider what led authorities to label the case a suicide. 

I have clipped for length
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Please read, share and comment on this post. We are very grateful for this ex-cop's expert opinion and of course greatly appreciate all of you who are supportive of finding Who Killed Nikki LaDue January.

Please "like" Who Killed Nikki LaDue Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhoKilledNikkiLaDueJanuary (https://www.facebook.com/WhoKilledNikkiLaDueJanuary)

Cold No More: My Opening Statements: How Did Nikki LaDue January Die; Murder or Suicide?
Cold No More | Getting to the bottom of Cold Cases (and musings)
Posted by holliston2012
Nov 10, 2011

http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/my-opening-statements-how-did-nikki-ladue-january-die-murder-or-suicide/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/my-opening-statements-how-did-nikki-ladue-january-die-murder-or-suicide/)

This is a series being done by Norm Holliston of ZeroGossip. He is taking the case to a whole new level by actually interviewing people and reviewing the evidence.

Norm calls it like he sees it and he's always a great read. He encourages participation and is thorough in the search for the truth.

Please read, comment and share - you will not be disappointed and be shocked at what he finds out and exposes.

From the Blog - Cold No More | Getting to the bottom of Cold Cases (and musings)
All American Girl Lived Life to its Fullest–Nikki LaDue January
NOV 12
Posted by holliston2012

Clipped for length - [COLOR="Navy"]please read, share and comment[/COLOR] - Click LINK (http://"http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/12/all-american-girl-lived-life-to-its-fullest-nikki-ladue-january/")

I think it’s very important, especially for those who did not know her personally, to have a complete picture of who exactly Nikki LaDue January was. There’s been a lot written about her focusing on her death and what can only be described as a Keystone Kop investigation. We will get to that. I believe Nikki was a victim. But I’d like you to meet Nikki as a person.

The Death of Nikki LaDue January: Part XIII
Posted by Slamdunk on Monday, November 14, 2011

This post will finish selected statements recorded by Pass Christian Police Sgt. W. Davis in his report on the death of Nikki LaDue January...
_______________________

Please read, share and comment:
http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/11/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-xiii.html

From Blog Cold Case No More

Clipped for length:

Near the end of 1999, Nikki LaDue found her knight in shining armor. Working on the floor of the Grand Casino in Gulfport, Mississippi, she would occasionally have to deal with an unruly gambler. When that happened, she’d call security. That’s how she met security manager Phil January. But at the same time, she also fighting demons no one could fight. Nikki was addicted to pain pills. She hid this well from her friends and family. Drugs were easy to come by at the Grand. In fact more than once, there were internal investigations that tried to break up an Oxy-ring. People lost their jobs but the drugs continued to flow.

Nikki LaDue Tries Anew–Marries Phil January
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/nikki-ladue-remarries/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/nikki-ladue-remarries/)

And...

Reader Comment promoted to post: Nikki's Death Staged?
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/reader-comment-promoted-to-post-nikkis-death-staged/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/reader-comment-promoted-to-post-nikkis-death-staged/)

Cold Case No More: Through the Eyes of a Friend, Meet Nikki LaDue
http://wp.me/p1Xm5Q-1N

Nov 18 by Holliston Cold Case No More:

http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/interviews-coming-up-how-could-so-many-things-have-gone-wrong-in-pass-christian/

clipped:
I’ve spoken to one of the first responders to the scene who had some very interesting things to say about the investigation, or rather, lack of investigation. I’ve spoken to Angelia Hursell who babysat Nick on July 28 and was one of the last people to see Nikki alive. She too was shocked when the policeman she spoke to on the scene didn’t seem interested in talking to her. And what she did say, was misheard and misinterpreted and played a role in the quick assumption of suicide. Finally, tomorrow, Saturday, I will speak to Phil January, Nikki’s husband when she died. A lot has been said and written about him and this will be his opportunity to give his side.

So bear with me…more to come hopefully by Saturday night.

Please take time to read, share and comment. Nom Holliston is actually interviewing many of the participants in Nikki's Case and life.

There are also REAL interesting posts by a guy who calls himself 'logical minded engineera'. It's a real good read and very informative

<a href="http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/tag/nikki-ladue-january/">click link to read</a>

The Investigation Into Nikki LaDue January’s Death-Botched From the Beginning
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/25/investigation-into-nikki-ladue-januarys-death/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/25/investigation-into-nikki-ladue-januarys-death/)

Why Would Nikki’s Best Friend Leave Her When She’s Need Most? http://nblo.gs/qAOrq (http://nblo.gs/qAOrq)

Another Friend of Nikki LaDue January’s Speaks Out
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/27/another-friend-of-nikki-ladue-januarys-speaks-out/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/27/another-friend-of-nikki-ladue-januarys-speaks-out/)

Why Are There So Many Conflicting Police Reports in Nikki LaDue January Case?
NOV 28 Posted by holliston2012


clipped for length please go to original post by Norm Holliston to read, share and comment:
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/why-are-there-so-many-conflicting-police-reports-in-nikki-ladue-january-case/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/why-are-there-so-many-conflicting-police-reports-in-nikki-ladue-january-case/)

Phil January on his Relationship with Nikki and What He’s Done Since her Death
Nov 28 Posted by holliston2012

We return now to my interview with Phil January, Nikki LaDue January’s husband. Throughout this blog you may have read some allegations and accusations against Phil. Some questioned his relationship with Nikki while other’s believe he knows more than he’s saying about her death. In his own words, the remaining part of our interview.

“I don’t want to get into a war of words,” Phil said. “I know the facts. I know Nikki’s and my relationship and I know the truth. A lot of things coming out came out really late when people weren’t getting answers and I understand that. I’ve got nothing to hide. I searched for answers myself. And when you get shut down, you get shut down.

Clipped for length...please read, share and comment:
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/phil-january-on-his-relationship-with-nikki-and-what-hes-done-since-her-death/  (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/phil-january-on-his-relationship-with-nikki-and-what-hes-done-since-her-death/)

Math = Murder!
by Logical Minded Engineer

clipped for length ....
The lack of a competent crime scene investigation, followed by a rush to judgment by investigators (i.e. suicide), bothers me immensely. I’m not associated with law enforcement in any way and have no credentials to assess a crime scene, but I have thoroughly investigated industrial failures and crunch a lot of numbers in my day job. Consequently, I wanted to see if an indirect numerical (spatial) analysis of the crime scene might shed some light on the night Nikki died. I will share my observations for discussion, but welcome rebuttals and criticism.

To perform a numerical (spatial) analysis of the crime scene, numbers are needed. Unfortunately, the police reports are devoid of measurement and the crime scene photos lack intentional references. This, however, does not mean the analysis is doomed. We have references in the photos of known height. We know, for example, that Nikki was approximately 5’-7” (67 inches) tall. We know her inseam was around 30-32”. We see a guardrail on the balcony, and know the building codes would mandate this be around 3.5 ft tall (42 inches) for a multi-family dwelling. We also know that a 4” spacing between the vertical bars in the metal guardrail is not atypical (and roughly coincides with the distance between Nikki’s ear and temple, as she is seen leaning against them). Once these reference measurements are established, we cross-check them against each other using simple scaling and redundancy (using multiple crime scene photographs taken at different angles). Have performed the above, the measurement provided above appear to be consistent and sensible.

Please read original post, share and comment:
http://nikkiladuejanuary.blogspot.com/2011/11/math-murder.html (http://nikkiladuejanuary.blogspot.com/2011/11/math-murder.html)

Includes photo of Balcony where Nikki was found, Phil sits in the same approximate place where he found her. Son is in foreground.

“The Table and Chairs”
by Logical Minded Engineer

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0y_qqTl0Y4g/TtVREfbzwGI/AAAAAAAAA3I/O64KXeir3tQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-29+at+3.38.28+PM.png)
Two chairs, cigarettes, lighters, bloody phone, ashtray, case and Nikki shot dead.

One of the photos taken of the crime scene shows the contents of a small table with 2 chairs situated at either side.  In one chair sits Nikki’s lifeless body.  The other chair is, of course, vacant.  However, the angle of that second chair is very interesting to me and started me thinking a bit more.  Both chairs are angled in such a way around the table that would suggest 2 people were sitting there the night Nikki died.  Why?  The table isn’t very big in diameter, and for both individuals to scoot up to it, they’d have to angle their chairs so that they didn’t knock knees or step on each other’s feet.

Now let’s look at the contents of the table – in particular the ashtray (i.e. spent cigarette butts), the Marlboro Red cigarette pack, and the lighter closest to the vacant chair.  The position of each of these is consistent with a person sitting in the vacant chair the night Nikki died.  The position and angle of the lighter is consistent with an individual sitting in the vacant chair that uses his right hand to activate the lighter when lighting cigarettes.  The position and angle of the Marlboro Red cigarette pack is consistent with an individual sitting in the vacant chair that holds a cigarette pack in his left hand when he withdraws a cigarette to light.  Looking at the spent cigarette butts in the ashtray, the position and angle of the most recently smoked (i.e. top layer) cigarette butts are consistent with being extinguished by somebody sitting in the vacant chair and using his left hand to snuff out the cigarettes. Looking at the ashtray, there’s only 1 cigarette butt in the top layer that Nikki appears to have extinguished (though the full contents of the ashtray is obscured from view).

Nikki was a smoker, but she didn’t smoke Marlboro reds.  The position of Nikki’s cigarette pack and lighter don’t make sense to me, given where she was sitting.  Why would a smoker place her cigarette pack and lighter on the opposite side of the table to which she was sitting (I believe the position of her cigarette pack was moved after Nikki died, without necessarily changing the orientation of the pack.

As a smoker, when I’m nervous, anxious, or wound up, I smoke more.  That’s just what smokers do.  Judging from the contents of the ashtray, was the individual sitting in the vacant chair particularly anxious on this night?

What are the implications here?  Two scenarios come to mind.  One possibility -- it appears Nikki knew her killer.  They may have sat at the table and had a discussion prior to her death.  Possibly the individual was trying to persuade Nikki to do (or not do) something (i.e. don’t  leave me).  When the killer realized Nikki could no longer be controlled, did he get up and end her life?  Or possibly, he jumped up after Nikki began feeling threatened and picked up the phone to call police?  The other possibility is that the killer surprised Nikki on the balcony, killed her, and then sat down at the table to contemplate what to do next (an amateur without a meticulous well-crafted and thought out plan who had acted on impulse and emotion).  Neither of the 2 possibilities described above would suggest Nikki’s murder was a mob hit left in the hands of a hired professional.   However, they do point to a very obvious suspect.  And the evidence strongly suggests Nikki was not alone the night of her death.

One other observation . . . investigators suggested the black case shown on the table is a camera case (put there while taking crime scene photos).  However, the photos they took at the crime scene were Polaroids.  Circa 2002, I was still using a Polaroid camera from time to time at my own job.  These cameras were rather large and bulky – and would not have fit into the case shown on the table.  In short, it’s just another explanation provided by the crime scene investigators that, although convenient, does not appear plausible.

http://nikkiladuejanuary.blogspot.com/2011/11/table-and-chairs.html (http://nikkiladuejanuary.blogspot.com/2011/11/table-and-chairs.html)

The Death of Nikki LaDue January: Part XIV
Edit to change red to green.  MB

http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/12/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-xiv.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/12/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-xiv.html)

Please go to above link and read, share and comment.

Phil January Interview with PI (Part 3 of many)

DEC 10

Posted by holliston2012
 
When we left off, Nikki LaDue January’s husband Phil explained to a Private Investigator the drug addiction he said Nikki had. In this installment, he goes further into the night of April 28, 2002 and the incident that made her come clean to him about her addiction. These are actual transcriptions of the taped interview.

PI: When she was when that that uh episode when uh uh when you uh caught her out w- w- by at Rascals, you were just uh – basically running the roads, and you and you found her?

Clipped for length please read, share and comment - click on original post:
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/phil-january-interview-with-pi-part-3-of-many/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/phil-january-interview-with-pi-part-3-of-many/)

 

A Catch Up Post for the Nikki LaDue January Case
Dec 11 Posts by holliston2012
clipped for length:

Please read, share and comment at the original post:
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/a-catch-up-post-for-the-nikki-ladue-january-case/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/a-catch-up-post-for-the-nikki-ladue-january-case/)

New post on Cold No More http://wp.me/p1Xm5Q-5H (http://wp.me/p1Xm5Q-5H)

Phil January Interview with PI (Part 4 of many)
by holliston2012


Back to the interview Phil January gave to a Private Investigator back in April 2003. His wife Nikki had been dead for 10 months, ruled a suicide by the Pass Christian, Mississippi police and Harrison County coroner. Keep in mind there was no investigation, no autopsy and all the circumstances surrounding her death, a single gunshot wound to the head, were suspect at best. In the minds of everyone except the authorities this was a murder. Her husband was in the process of driving back from Louisiana where he had just started a new job. Nikki was supposed to have been packing up in preparation for their move. However, several people have said Nikki had no intention of moving. Her plan was to let Phil think she was moving, take a planned trip to visit her family in Florida with her 5-year old son Zack and the person she thought was her best friend Nancy Burge. When Phil arrived to their condo on July 29, 2002 he found Nancy in the there telling him she couldn't find Nikki. Phil found her dead on the couple's balcony. For more details, refer to this posting that chronicles everything from Nikki's early life to her death. Nikki's mom hired a private investigator to look into Nikki's case. As part of that investigation, he interviewed Phil. Here is part 4 of that interview transcribed by a friend of Nikki's mother Bonnie. Read more of this post

holliston2012 | December 12, 2011 at 10:11 pm | URL: http://wp.me/p1Xm5Q-5H (http://wp.me/p1Xm5Q-5H)

http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/phil-january-interview-with-pi-part-5-of-many/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/phil-january-interview-with-pi-part-5-of-many/)

Please read, share and comment at original blog post by Norm Holliston of Zerogossip andCold No More - he sure can write!

Edit to change red to purple.  MB

http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/12/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-xv.html (http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2011/12/death-of-nikki-ladue-january-part-xv.html)

New post on Cold No More


by holliston2012

Onto Part 6 of the interview Phil January gave to a Private Investigator back in April 2003. His wife Nikki had been dead for 10 months, ruled a suicide by the Pass Christian, Mississippi police and Harrison County coroner.  For more details, refer to this posting that chronicles everything from Nikki’s early life to her death. Nikki’s mom [...]

Read more of this post
http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/phil-january-interview-with-pi-part-6-of-many/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/phil-january-interview-with-pi-part-6-of-many/)
Edit to change red color to blue.  MB

Cherry, please use a color other than red for emphasis in your posts.  I'm not certain if you're familiar with the forum rules, but I've edited three of your posts on this page alone for this.  Thank you.  MuffyBee ::bee::

http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=8844.0
TOP  10 13 SCARED MONKEYS FORUM RULES ::MonkeyCool::

12. Please don't use colors in your posts.  We like to leave the colors for the MODERATORS so their posts when posting as a MODERATOR can easily be seen.  If you must highlight you may use BOLD, ITALIC or if you really need a color use blue or green.  Stay away from RED and MAROON especially as those are normally used by Moderators and Admin. 

New post on Cold No More

Phil January Interview with PI (Part 8 of many)
by holliston2012

Now to Part 8 of the interview Phil January gave to a Private Investigator back in April 2003. His wife Nikki had been dead for 10 months, ruled a suicide by the Pass Christian, Mississippi police and Harrison County coroner.  For more details, refer to this posting  that chronicles everything from Nikki’s early life to her death. [...]

Read more of this post
http://wp.me/p1Xm5Q-b5 (http://wp.me/p1Xm5Q-b5)

New post on Cold No More

Shining a Light on Mississippi’s Dark Secret

by holliston2012
Nichole Lynne LaDue was born February 27, 1972 in Hornell, New York. She died July 29, 2002 in Pass Christian, Mississippi. She was 30. Those dates bookend the life of the woman everyone knows as Nikki. Much of what happened between those dates remains a mystery. We know she died of a gunshot wound to [...]

Read more of this post http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/shining-a-light-on-mississippis-dark-secret/ (http://coldnomore.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/shining-a-light-on-mississippis-dark-secret/)

holliston2012 | January 20, 2012 at 7:24 pm | Tags: Bonnie LaDue, Cold Cases, Gary Hargrove, Mississippi, Murder, Nancy Burge, Nikki LaDue January, Pass Christian, Phil January, Suicide, Thomas Pustay | Categories: Cold Cases, Crime, Mississippi, Murder, Nikki LaDue January | URL: http://wp.me/p1Xm5Q-bL (http://wp.me/p1Xm5Q-bL)