Fla. couple who adopted 12 children found slain

[islandmonkey]

 

Just got the laptop back


http://www.weartv.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wear_vid_3502.shtml


ESCAMBIA COUNTY - These 30 pages just released late this afternoon give us a second-by-second account of what happened in the home.

It's of course so detailed because the Billings family had an elaborate security system that captured much of the crime as it was happening.

There were 16 cameras on the property, but so far we've only seen video from a few mounted outside.

Inside the home there were 12 cameras.

According to this latest document, we know that they captured video of the suspects leaving this red van at 7:05.

15 seconds later two more suspects appear out of a wooded area on the north side of the residence.

41 seconds after that Byrd Billings appears to be shot in the leg.

At the same time, Melanie Billings is in the living room with one of the children and a perpetrator.

By 7:07 both Byrd and Melanie were taken into their bedroom where there are no cameras.

2 minutes and 10 seconds later, the perpetrators leave the home, some are seen getting back in the red van.

The entire crime took just 4 minutes and 10 seconds.

There's much more in the documents released this afternoon.

We're going through it all right now and we'll have more at 10 O'clock.

Members of the media will be allowed to view the surveillance video and crime scene photographs on Thursday.

The public will be able to see the items starting on Friday.

You must call the state attorney's office to arrange a time to see it.

[cece]

So glad you got your laptop back, IM!      And thank yo for the update.

Good morning everyone.

[cece]

http://www.northescambia.com/?p=10409

Cameras Detail Billings Murders Second By Second

August 25, 2009

Security cameras in an around the home of Byrd and Melanie Billings provide a second by second record of what happened the night the couple was murdered in their Beulah home. The entire incident took less than five minutes from start to finish.

Information released Monday by the the State Attorney’s Office provides details of what is in the video captured by several of the 16 cameras mounted inside and outside of the Billings’ home.

According to the information from the State Attorney’s Office, here is what happened the night of July 9:

    * 7:05:42  –Red van is visible entering driveway
    * 7:05:58 — Offenders exit van
    * 7:06:13 — Two offenders exit wooded area on north side of residence and approach house
    * 7:06:16 — Byrd Billings looks toward front door and raises his hands
    * 7:06:22 — Byrd Billings is shot in leg, escorted to bedroom; Melanie Billings remains in living room with child and offender
    * 7:07:34 — Byrd Billings visible back in living room
    * 7:07:42 — Both victims exit living room toward master bedroom area
    * 7:07:55 — Offender carrying a bag visible going from back of van toward house
    * 7:09:52 — Offenders return to van
    * 7:10:16 — Van departs yard
    * 7:10:27 — Last view leaving driveway
    * 7:26:36 — First deputies arrive on scene

There were no cameras located in the Billings’ bedroom, according to investigators.

For a detailed account of what was recorded by each camera at the Billings home, click here (pdf).

http://www.northescambia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/billingscameras.pdf

A judge has ruled that there will be no copies distributed of the video and crime scene photographs from the Billings home. But the media will have the chance to review the videos and about 2,000 crime scene photographs on Thursday. The public will be able to view the photos and evidence beginning Friday.

[cece]

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/crime/Surveillance_Video_Catches_Murder

Surveillance video
catches murder
Video to be viewed first by media on
Thursday

Updated: Monday, 24 Aug 2009, 6:52 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 24 Aug 2009, 5:37 PM CDT

   

PENSACOLA, Fla. - For the first time in almost two months, the media and public will get to see exactly what happened in the Billings' home the night they were murdered. Officials announced the viewing of the video will begin Thursday.

The Video reportedly show the moment the intruders entered the home, all the way to the actual gunshots. The video also shows the safe being taken out of the master bedroom.

To read the play-by-play on the surveillance video, click here .

http://media2.fox10tv.com/billings/PR4.pdf

(snipped)

[islandmonkey]

So glad you got your laptop back, IM!      And thank yo for the update.

Good morning everyone.

Good morning Cece and thanks.........I felt so lost without it

Thanks for all your updates too!!!

[Fanny Mae]

So glad you got your laptop back, IM!      And thank yo for the update.

Good morning everyone.

Good morning Cece and thanks.........I felt so lost without it

Thanks for all your updates too!!!

Good Morning Cece and Island,

I'm glad you got your laptop back again too, Island. 

[islandmonkey]

So glad you got your laptop back, IM!      And thank yo for the update.

Good morning everyone.

Good morning Cece and thanks.........I felt so lost without it

Thanks for all your updates too!!!

Good Morning Cece and Island,

I'm glad you got your laptop back again too, Island. 

Thanks Ms Fanny~glad to see you posting again!

[cece]

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/crime/Wiggins_Husband_To_File_For_Divorce

Wiggins' husband to file
for divorce
One of her two husbands asks for
divorce

Updated: Tuesday, 25 Aug 2009, 6:14 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 25 Aug 2009, 6:14 PM CDT

    * Hubert Tate
    * Photojournalist: Franz Barraza

PENSACOLA, Fla. - One of Pamela Long's two husbands plans to move forward with a divorce on Wednesday. Law enforcement officials call her bigamist, because she's married to two men at the same time.

There's a marriage license for Pamela Long, showing she's married to James Malden. There's also a marriage license, showing she's married to Hugh Wiggins.

The two men are connected through one woman, but no divorce ever took place in between them.

"We tried to work it out. I suggested going to our pastors and counselors. So we worked it out. And a week later, she called and told me she was having an affair," said Malden.

Ed Seitz is the attorney for James Malden. He says he and his client have been trying finalize the divorce for about a year and a half.

On Wednesday, a conference is scheduled with Long's listed attorney, James Weber, and a judge.

"Basically, that is a time for parties to meet with the judge, update the judge on the status of the case," said Seitz.

Seitz says he had some suspicion about whether Long remarried before finalizing her divorce. Once authorities found out that she did not, all suspicion was put to rest.

"Nothing surprises me with her. She has been fairly dishonest is what I felt, especially after deposition. And she really has a nonchalant attitude."

Long's attorney, James Weber, refused to comment.

FOX10 also tried to contact Hugh Wiggins, but he did not return our calls.

Pamela Wiggins has been charged with being an accessory after the fact, first degree, in connection to the murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings. Her alleged involvement in this case led authorities to investigate her further. That's when they unearthed the fact she was married to both men.

Pamela Wiggins remains in the Escambia County Jail, under $500,000 bond.

She's also being investigated on food stamp fraud allegations.

Hugh Wiggins has been a person of interest in the Billings case since the very beginning.

[SuzieQ]

I can not believe that Hugh Wiggins is not in jail. I wonder if he is still in the area?

[cece]

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/crime/Graphic_Video_To_Be_Viewed_Thursday

Graphic video to be
viewed Thursday

Updated: Wednesday, 26 Aug 2009, 6:44 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 26 Aug 2009, 6:44 PM CDT

    * Christina Leavenworth
    * Photojournalist: Eric Lowe

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Thursday morning, graphic images and video of the murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings will become available for public viewing. The video shows Byrd Billings being shot in the leg, and the suspects interacting with the children.

That surveillance video has played a big role in the Billings murder case from day one. FOX10 saw the van leaving the home and the suspects going inside, but the most graphic images were locked away.

You can read a play-by-play of the surveillance video by clicking here .

"I think people are following this case a lot more closely then we might follow other cases. I think the public does want to see what's available," legal expert Kimberly Tatum said.

Tatum is a legal studies professor at University of West Florida. She says Florida's public records law has made evidence like this available for years, but now more and more people actually want to see it.

"Certainly the type of evidence we have here, we don't have in all murder cases. We have surveillance, the autopsy photos, which are going to be quite graphic in nature," she added.

A judge ruled that the video and photos can't be reproduced, but some people still worry about the affects the release will have on the children involved.

"I think that can always be hard for a victim. Some people will say it re-victimizes the victim, but I think our system realizes it's for the public's good, that they will be able prosecute people effectively. Sometimes we have to use graphic evidence," said Tatum.

Tatum also says one thing she would worry about is if too many local residents see it, it could taint the jury pool.

"The more people who come to view the evidence, the more difficult it will be to find a jury who in this local area who doesn't know a lot about the case already. A big part of jury selection process is finding how much people know about case, who they've talked to about case, whether they've read any articles, or whether they viewed any evidence in particular," she said.

The State Attorney's office says only five people outside the media have requested to see the material, but they expect many more requests in the future. It will be available early next week. If you want to see the material, call the State Attorney's office and schedule a time.

The suspects are Leonard Gonzalez, Sr., Leonard Gonzalez, Jr., Wayne Coldiron, Donnie Stallworth, Gary Sumner, Frederick Thornton, and Rakeem Florence. They all plead not guilty to two counts each of first degree murder, and one count each of home invasion robbery. The six men may face the death penalty, while Florence, 16, may face life behind bars.

Another person of interest, Henry "Cab" Tice, has been questioned in connection to the case. Tice was a former business partner of Byrd Billings, and allegedly stole thousands from him.

Sheriff David Morgan said Tice was into the Mexican Mafia, and allegedly owed tens of thousands of dollars to them. The sheriff went on to say they don't believe Billings had any ties to the Mexican Mafia. Tice is charged with theft.

Pamela Long Wiggins is charged with being an accessory after the fact, first degree. She's being held in the Escambia County Jail under $500,000 bond. Her husband, Hugh Wiggins, has been a person of interest since day one.


   

[islandmonkey]

http://ricksblog.biz/?p=7299

What I saw…
August 27 200925 Commented
Categorized Under: Escambia County, May 11 2009

The videos from the surveillance cameras from the Billings’ residence are haunting. The 16 cameras captured both the inside and outside of the home while the seven intruders drove onto the property and five masked men stormed into the house.

The cameras caught on tape everything but the actual murders. The reporters that viewed the videos today saw the five intruders break into house, shoot Bud Billings in the leg and terrorize him and Melanie Billings. We also saw the children sleeping and playing in their rooms, as well as the now infamous red van drive on and off the property.

The intruders were deliberate and well organized. There was no hesitation or any sense that the men didn’t know what they were doing.

Bud and Melanie Billings both approached the front door when three men kicked it in. Both had their hands up in the air, when a masked man, who the suspects have identified as Patrick Gonzalez, shot Bud Billings in the calf, causing to him fall to the floor.

Gonzalez shot him from the hallway by the kitchen, within in seconds of coming in view of the camera. One intruder with a rifle stayed in the hallway. Gonzalez and another stood over Billings. Gonzalez pressed his pistol to back of Billing’s head. The fifth intruder guarded Melanie Billings.

A few steps away, Jacob “Jake” Billing, their 10-year-old Down Syndrome son, sat stunned on a coffee table, completely ignored by the intruders. Bud and Melanie are dragged out of the view of the camera into the nearby master bedroom. Jake, who is fully dressed in t-shirt, shorts and shoes, remains frozen on the coffee table.

At one point, Melanie comes back into the living room and hugs Jake. Bud also appears and both are taken back to the bedroom. We don’t see them again.

Jake panics and starts wandering back and forth from the coffee table, the door of the master bedroom and the kitchen. The video is grainy and it’s difficult to see any facial expressions, but he appears to be in shock. The intruders thankfully continue to ignore him.

The other cameras in the house capture the other eight children sleeping or playing in their bedrooms. There is one particularly haunting video captured on Camera 15. It’s a scene that could have been part of a horror or suspense movie.

A young girl is sleeping in her upstairs bedroom. You can see the red van drive up and park outside her window. As the young girl hears gunshots, she runs to her door and back to her bed. She sits up clearly frightened and uncertain what to do. For the next couple minutes, she runs back forth from bed to the door. Each time she reaches her bed, she crawls under the covers. When the van drives off, she watches from her window. Then she crawls back into her bed, pulls up the covers and doesn’t move again until the deputies enter the house.

The videos of the children ripped my heart. No child should ever have to experience such horror. The home and their bedrooms should be sanctuaries. The video from the living room that showed Bud Billings being shot and the couple being terrorized made me angry. This couple did not have to be shot for the intruders to complete the robbery.

Someone wanted these people dead.











http://ricksblog.biz/?p=7307



REDACTED 911 CALLS on this link:


billings redacted 911 call 1

Second call: Listen







http://ricksblog.biz/?p=7312


And the crime scene photos
August 27 2009No Commented
Categorized Under: Escambia County, May 11 2009

The reporters today also viewed 2076 crime scene photos that were not only of the murder scene, but also of the home of Leonard “Lenny” Gonzalez, the vehicles used and the Wiggins’ backyard where the safe was buried under debris. The photos filled two volumes. Many were repetitive.

The photos of Bud and Melanie Billings were particularly gruesome, leaving me queasy after I set the volumes aside. In college, I worked one summer as an orderly in a hospital emergency room. I learned to turn part of myself off and not react to the gore, but the emotions still creep in.

Bud was lying face down in a pool of his blood at the foot of the bed, near the doorway into the master bedroom. There were two bullet holes in the back of his head. A picture of Melanie’s second daughter, Nicole, was face down under one of his legs.

In an interior hallway that led away from the bedroom was Melanie lying face up. She had bled from his mouth, nose, ears and eyes. Her Elton John t-shirt was soaked with blood just below her neck. One sandal was missing from her feet.

After seeing those photos I can agree with the judge’s decision not allow these to be published before the trial.

The photographs were also of mundane things, things that also made an impression on me.

Above the headboard of Bud and Melanie’s bed was painted the phrase: “Just one lifetime won’t be enough for us.”

There was a TV in the bedroom that was inset in the wall that displayed views from the surveillance system so the intruders would have known the cameras were working when they took Bud and Melanie into the master bedroom.

In a closet (which I assume was Bud’s) was a black briefcase – could that be the briefcase that Cab Tice told the investigators that Bud always carried around with $20K inside it? There is a photo of another briefcase that was found elsewhere that looks like it contained folders – I will have to check the investigator’s reports to better understand those photos.

The second safe was huge one inset into the wall. It contained a strand of pearls and lockbox with money among other things.

The stairway that led upstairs had a gate. There were red plastic cartons on the stairs, probably to put the kids’ things from them to take upstairs later.

Near the bedroom was a wooden cabinet with a glass door that displayed four shelves of Hummel figurines.

In the kitchen was a slice of freshly cut watermelon near the sink.

Both doors used to gain access to the house showed signs of forced entry, like that they had been kicked at or near the dead bolts.

While the downstairs appeared cluttered and very lived in, the cameras in the bedrooms of the children showed rooms that were quite barren. One bedroom had a mirror on the floor. Another had child playing on a mattress that had been pulled off its frame.

[Fanny Mae]

Thanks ISLAND, For the recap from ricksblog. It seemed to have a visceral reaction on most all of the reporters that have talked about seeing them. I watched Ed Lavendera on Fox relating to what he had seen.  Although he is a seasoned reporter, it seemed it was all he could do to get the words out about how awful they really were. And how touching the pictures were of the little girl in her bedroom, who watched the van leave and then covered her head after first running back and forth to the door to her bed.

Creeps that can do cruel things to other people are beyond my understanding. I wonder if they once looked into the terrified face of the little boy sitting on the coffee table watching all this go on? 

[cece]

Thanks IM for the link & post.

I agree, Fanny Mae.

 

[Fanny Mae]

Good to see you too, IM, and CECE.

So what now? Does Hugh Wiggins get to go on his merry way, across several states to his off-shore job? Does he get the use of the "Sassy Lady" on his off-time, or has it been siezed?  Is Cab still wheeling and dealing, exporting and importing, and making trips to South America? Are the sales up at Markam Auto Sales, and the cash flowing at the Worldco Finance Company? Has Josh been able to get a brand new pick up truck to style around in? Are Ashley and Blue sleeping in the same bedroom where her parents were murdered? Who was really driving that silver BMW convertible that day at the gas station? Has Lonnie Smith run for his life?  So many question, and no answers. 

[cece]

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/crime/Melanie_Billings_Will_Not_Valid

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The one thing that is on everyone's minds concerning the Billings murder case, is who will take care of the children permanently? Melanie Billings appears to have covered her tracks with a will. But attorneys say it's not valid.

The last will and testament of Melanie Billings was placed on file this week, at the Escambia County Probate Office. Attorneys for the family said Byrd didn't even leave behind a will.

Melanie's will shows she wished her jewelry to be given to her children on their 25th birthday.

She also wrote she didn't want the special needs children placed in a child-care facility, if something happens to their appointed guardian. Instead, she hopes that person will hire someone to care for the children at the Billings' home on Mobile Highway.

But the family's attorney, Kramer Litvak, says the court doesn't have the power to honor Melanie's requests.

"In Florida, you have to execute it (the will) in front of two witnesses, and there were no witnesses to this will. So it is not a valid will," said Litvak.

So by Florida Law, all assets of both Byrd and Melanie go to their daughter, Ashley Markham.

"She is charged with handling the estate," Litvak added.

Markham will be responsible for the couple's nine children and her parents home, worth over $800,000.

"Ashley Markham has been appointed by the court to be the personal representative of the estate of Melanie Billings, and also Byrd Billings," according to Litvak.

The state attorney's office says more people from the public are signing up to look at the crime scene photos. Since Thursday, the number has doubled to 14. Those people will watch the videos on Tuesday.

[islandmonkey]

Thanks ISLAND, For the recap from ricksblog. It seemed to have a visceral reaction on most all of the reporters that have talked about seeing them. I watched Ed Lavendera on Fox relating to what he had seen.  Although he is a seasoned reporter, it seemed it was all he could do to get the words out about how awful they really were. And how touching the pictures were of the little girl in her bedroom, who watched the van leave and then covered her head after first running back and forth to the door to her bed.

Creeps that can do cruel things to other people are beyond my understanding. I wonder if they once looked into the terrified face of the little boy sitting on the coffee table watching all this go on? 

Hi Cece and Fanny~seems we are always missing each other

I agree about the reporters reactions to the crime scene photos and video, I guess that was why the sheriff almost immeadiately knew this was more than a simple robbery. I feel so bad for those kids who witnessed a living hell IMO. I pray they are getting counseling to help them thru this. I am pretty sure the ECSO is keeping a good eye on ole Hugh and Cab right now alone with a few others that have crossed the radar her. I know one thing for sure, I'll never buy a used car here Also, anyone can go see the photos and videos if you just make an appt Honestly it has crossed my mind if only very briefly

[Magnolia]

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/crime/Melanie_Billings_Will_Not_Valid

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The one thing that is on everyone's minds concerning the Billings murder case, is who will take care of the children permanently? Melanie Billings appears to have covered her tracks with a will. But attorneys say it's not valid.

The last will and testament of Melanie Billings was placed on file this week, at the Escambia County Probate Office. Attorneys for the family said Byrd didn't even leave behind a will.

Melanie's will shows she wished her jewelry to be given to her children on their 25th birthday.

She also wrote she didn't want the special needs children placed in a child-care facility, if something happens to their appointed guardian. Instead, she hopes that person will hire someone to care for the children at the Billings' home on Mobile Highway.

But the family's attorney, Kramer Litvak, says the court doesn't have the power to honor Melanie's requests.

"In Florida, you have to execute it (the will) in front of two witnesses, and there were no witnesses to this will. So it is not a valid will," said Litvak.

So by Florida Law, all assets of both Byrd and Melanie go to their daughter, Ashley Markham.

"She is charged with handling the estate," Litvak added.

Markham will be responsible for the couple's nine children and her parents home, worth over $800,000.

"Ashley Markham has been appointed by the court to be the personal representative of the estate of Melanie Billings, and also Byrd Billings," according to Litvak.

The state attorney's office says more people from the public are signing up to look at the crime scene photos. Since Thursday, the number has doubled to 14. Those people will watch the videos on Tuesday.

Byrd's children should protest that judge's decision. IMO

[Fanny Mae]

And so, who has the most to gain by both Byrd AND Melanie being murdered? 

[Magnolia]

And so, who has the most to gain by both Byrd AND Melanie being murdered? 

That looks to be Ashlee and Blue to me.

[kc1234]

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/crime/Melanie_Billings_Will_Not_Valid

"She is charged with handling the estate," Litvak added.

Markham will be responsible for the couple's nine children and her parents home, worth over $800,000.

"Ashley Markham has been appointed by the court to be the personal representative of the estate of Melanie Billings, and also Byrd Billings," according to Litvak.

Since the Billings died intestate (no will), the state will be the executor and Ashley is only the court-appointed personal representative.    Being a court-appointed personal representative does not mean that she is the sole inheritor of the estate.  The court will oversee all aspects of probate.  It is up to the court and Ashley on whether they choose to honor Melanie’s wishes.  I am sure that the Child and Welfare folks will also be involved to make sure that the special needs children are cared for in an appropriate manner.  This can be a long drawn out probate or simple, depending on how well the probate court, Ashley, the other children of Byrd and Melanie, and the child welfare folks can agree on all aspects of the estate.  Many complicated factors, but don’t think Ashley is going to get everything because she isn’t entitled to 100% inheritance under Florida law.  Just another example on why it is important to have a will.  I am sure the probate case will take longer than the criminal trial.