Mass murderer Pickton wrongly convicted, appeal lawyers say

Hmmm not even sure where to start regarding my thoughts on this article...however I have noted repeated comments that Pickton didn't act alone, questions as to why no one else was charged and that it appeared that the prosecution took the easy way out.  He had been charged with 27 counts of first degree murder, although 1 charge has since been dropped-the charge was later dropped as it didn't meet the criteria of Section 581 of the Criminal Code, this deals with trial procedure.  He has since bee connected but not charged with 5 other deaths.

This has been a lengthy and drawn out process both for the families of the victims as well as friends. I am urging that an investigation/inquiry be done regrading what happened.  As I know, first hand, what this creep is capable of.  We knew long before the Vancouver Sun first broke the story about the farm and that often people didn't come back if they went out there.  It was because society and the police often considered the women who lived and worked the Downtown Eastside as less than or throw away. Again I saw this first hand. He was charged February 2002 with first degree murder and the charges kept coming until May 2005, for a total of 27 charges. Please read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Pickton. He was even put on the bad trick list that was put out.

Cora

Mass murderer Pickton wrongly convicted, appeal lawyers say

Artist's sketch shows accused serial killer Robert Pickton taking notes as Judge James Williams instructs the jury at Pickton's murder trial in New Westminster, B.C., Nov. 30, 2007. (Reuters) REUTERS

Murderer of six women argues trial judge erred in a response to jurors' question

Robert Matas

Vancouver — From Thursday's Globe and Mail Published on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 9:16PM EST Last updated on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 2:33AM EST

 

Serial killer Robert Pickton may have been found guilty for activities that are not even criminal, his lawyers say in an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

In a bid to overturn his conviction of the second-degree murder of six women, his lawyers also say Mr. Pickton's Charter rights to a fair trial and to respond fully to the charges against him were infringed.
“There was a real risk that the jury convicted [Mr. Pickton] for indirect acts upon which they were not properly instructed, which the defence did not have an opportunity to address, and which might even fall outside the ambit of criminal activity,” Mr. Pickton's lawyers Gil McKinnon and Patrick McGowan state in a 63-page submission to the court.

“Trial fairness is at the heart of this appeal,” they say. “No matter how heinous the crime, an accused has a constitutional right to a fair trial.”

The Supreme Court of Canada is to hear Mr. Pickton's closely watched appeal on March 25. He is asking the court to overturn his conviction and order a new trial. Mr. Pickton was found guilty in a jury trial in December, 2007. The Court of Appeal, in a 2-to-1 decision, upheld the conviction.

Mr. Pickton has also been charged with the murder of 20 additional women. All were dependent on drugs and worked as prostitutes in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood, Canada's poorest postal code.
Mr. Pickton's lawyers say Crown prosecutors maintained throughout the trial that Mr. Pickton was the person who killed the six women and that he acted alone.

The trial judge instructed the jurors that they must return a verdict of not guilty if they had a reasonable doubt about whether Mr. Pickton shot the women.

But after six days of deliberating, the jury sent a note to the judge asking if it could find Mr. Pickton was the killer if it inferred he “acted indirectly.”

The trial judge acknowledged he did not know what the jury meant by “acted indirectly,” but did not ask for clarification. He called the jurors back into the courtroom and revised his instructions, saying they could convict Mr. Pickton if they found he shot the victim or was otherwise “an active participant” in the killing.
The trial judge amended the charges against Mr. Pickton “to include an ill-defined, alternative basis for finding [Mr.] Pickton guilty,” the lawyers say.

Two days later, the jury convicted Mr. Pickton of second-degree murder.

Mr. Pickton's lawyers say the issue in the appeal is whether the trial judge's response to the jury, in the context of his previous instructions and the entire trial, compromised the fairness of the trial.

“Put simply, the jury's critical question was incorrectly answered, the ‘goal posts' were changed by the amendment at a very late and impermissible stage of the trial and the Crown gained a significant unjustified advantage,” the lawyers say.

“If [Mr.] Pickton was not the shooter, there was nothing to support a finding that he was present when [someone else] shot the women and that he did some culpable act that significantly contributed toward the cause of death,” they say.

The lawyers say the trial judge erred procedurally when he answered the jurors' question without having a clear understanding of the problem that was troubling them and erred substantively in failing to give a proper response.

Gil McKinnon, Mr. Pickton's lead lawyer, declined yesterday to comment on his written submissions to court. The Crown lawyers have not yet made any submissions.

Mr. Pickton was convicted of murdering Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Marnie Frey, Brenda Wolfe and Georgina Papin.

Some Quick Knitting Projects from Craftzine.com

Quick Knitting Projects

If you're like me, sometimes you just want to knit something for yourself and quick! I've rounded up some of our best knitting projects that you can finish by the end of the week like Kristin Roach's Stash Socks pattern where you can use up all your leftover bits of yarn.
Here are more quick knitting projects:

• Bunny Hop Slippers
• Katalin Mobius Wrap & Wristlet Set
• Knit Your Own Team Logo Scarf
• Knit Caution Tape Scarf
• Short-Rows Wavy Hat
• Cabled Balaclava
• Alice Wrist Warmers
• Fingerless Mittens
• Sarah Mitts Pattern (Long cabled fingerless gloves)

Trevor...I still can't believe you are gone. A song for you...

 

Why lyrics

You must have been in a place so dark
You couldn't feel the light
Reaching for you through that stormy cloud
Now here we are gathered in our little home town
This can't be the way you meant to draw a crowd

Oh why, that's what I asking
Was there anything I could have said or done
Oh I had no clue you were masking a troubled soul
God only knows what went wrong and why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song
mmmmm

Now in my mind I'll keep you frozen as a 17 year old
Rounding third to score the winning run
You always played with passion no matter what the game
When you took the stage you shined just like the sun

Oh why that's what I keep asking
Was there anything I could have said or done
Oh I had no clue you were masking a troubled soul
Oh God only knows what went wrong and why you would leave the stage in the middle of a song
Yeahhhhh

Now the oak trees a swaying in the early autumn breeze
The golden sun is shining on my face
Tangled thoughts i hear the mocking bird sing this old world really aint that bad a place

Oh I there's no comprehending and who am I to try judge or explain
But I do have one burning question
Who told you life wasn't worth the fight
They were wrong
They lied
Now your gone and we cry
Its just not like you to walk away in the middle of a song
Your beautiful song
Your absolutely beautiful song

Faceboo Phishing Scam that was out in October is running again. Here is the email.

Be careful - there's a Facebook phishing scam going around. Here's what the e-mail looks like.

In memory of Trevor....You were and still are loved.

Wynonna Judd - You Were Loved

Wynonna Judd Lyrics

We all want to make our place in this world;
We all want our voices to be heard.
Everyone wants a chance to be someone;
We all have dreams we need to dream,
But sweeter than any star you can reach
Is when you reach and find you've found someone.
You'll hold this world's most priceless thing,
The greatest gift this life can bring,
If you can look back and know
You were loved.


chours
You were loved by someone,
Touched by someone,
Held by someone,
Meant something to someone,
Loved somebody,
Touched somebody's heart along the way.
You can look back and say,
You were loved.


You can have diamonds in your hand,
Have all the riches in the land,
Without love do you really have a thing.
When someone cares that you're alive,
When someone finds their world in your eyes,
Then you'll know you've found all you need.
You'll hold this world's most priceless prize,
The sweetest treasure in this life,
If you can look back and know
You were loved.


chours


So many roads that you can take,
Whatever way you go,
Don't take that road alone.
Better you know....


You were loved by someone,
Touched by someone,
Held by someone,
Meant something to someone,
Loved somebody,
Touched somebody's heart along the way.
You can look back and say,
You did OK
You were loved.


So remember to tell that one,
You are loved.

Happy New Year from Lola

Crochet Essential Jacket Knit Emma Hat and Cardigan Knit Northshore Cardigan

Too funny...Ads from the 1930's...

A friend sent me these:

ADS FROM THE '30S

These Are A Riot. Make Sure You Check Out Lysol Ad And The Dieting Remedy!

Okay everyone, let's all go on the tapeworm diet!


Have A Great Day

(edited to fix the pictures)

Some cute baskets and other ideas from Hooked on Crochet...

Good Morning Crocheters,    Buying a house is a great time in one's life and to give a housewarming gift is a special gesture. This is something to make them feel at home and to get them started. Here we have some great housewarming gifts as well as easy crochet placemat patterns. These crochet stash baskets are really nice to make as a housewarming gift. They can easily hold little nic nacs around the house. You can even use it as a fruit basket to display. Click here for the pattern and additional crochet tips. Happy Crocheting, Editor of FaveCrochet.com   P.S. Learn some crochet tips your mother never told you, including going to the library and getting some ideas, not being afraid to try new things and many more.

			Daisy Place Setting Crochet a matching place mat, napkin holder and coaster to lay out for your company. These are nice for the spring season.
			Easy Checkboard Placemat Using contrasting colors you can add a little style and flavor to your dining room or kitchen. These placemats can be neatly gift-wrapped and given.

Trevor-...passed away this afternoon.

I am stunned as I let the news of young man's death sink in. I knew Trevor in the rooms and I know he was struggling. I am going to miss this beautiful young man who should have had his whole life ahead of him. He was in his early 20's. I know you are in a better place with your Creator. Rest in Peace, my friend, Rest in Peace.

You will be missed my friend.

Cora

Some tragic news on a young man that I know...please read on.

This is Trevor

I am requesting for good thoughts and prayers to go out to the family of a friend of mine. A young man who is in 20's, is on life support; not sure of the circumstances. I have heard some conflicting stories on Facebook, however Trevor's family is in great deal of pain right now. What the family needs is prayers to face whatever comes along. This young man has had many, many struggles in his young life. I am asking for prayers to the Creator, God, Goddess or whatever you believe in to help this family and his friends to deal with the tragic situation.

Cora

Angels are the order of the day for Hooked on Crochet

Good Morning Crocheters,  The Christmas season is still among us and soon we will ring in the New Year. One of my favorite symbols of this winter season are angels. You can crochet such lovely angels to watch over you or give to a friend. This crochet angel ornament can really be used all year round. You can hang it from a light or a door handle. The glitter halo makes it shine. This is easy to crochet and it'll make you feel good. Click here for the pattern and additional crochet tips. Have Fun, Editor of FaveCrochet.com   P.S. Crochet yourself some home decor. See what free patterns you can crochet.

			Angel Ornament Pattern Ring in the new year with this angel pattern. You can attach it to a sweater and make a great embellishment out of it.
			Crochet Angel Topper Not only does she look great on trees, but you can put her in plants or organize her in a great centerpiece.

Soem neat card ideas!

Happy New Year Crafters!

Hopefully you got through the Christmas mayhem unscathed. And now of course, it's time to shop the sales! I love to stock up on the after-Christmas sales, so I can be better prepared for next year.

 

Head to the craft store for discounted Christmas card supplies. Tis the season for excellent sales.

Here's a few of our fave Christmas card projects:
1. Bleach Technique Card - A beautiful technique that helps highlight colorful stamps and embellishments.
2. Geo Snowman Card - A cute snowman scene in geometric shapes.
3. Christmas Heart and Home - A heartfelt card for those you love.
4. Christmas Joy Card - Jazz this card up with glitter. Make it with the kids, they'll love it.
5. Scrapbook Cover Story - A nostalgic card that tells a Christmas story for your family.

For more card-making projects, check out the Cards section at FaveCrafts.com. Happy New Year!


Happy Crafting,


FaveCrafts.com Editor

More fun craft ideas from Favecrafts.com

Hello Crafter,

In this issue, you will find the five most popular craft projects from each of last week's newsletters, as voted on by your clicks. This issue is a great way to review your favorite craft projects and never miss a great craft idea!
 
Sunday: Decorative Winter Wreaths

1. Mitten Wreath (shown)
2. Tissue Paper Wreaths
   
3. Peppermint Wreath
4. Pinecone Decorative Wreath
5. Easy Paper Wreath

Tuesday: Cozy Knitting Patterns

1. Ribbed Beanie (shown)
2. Loom Pattern Hooded Scarf
3. Pullover Yoke Sweater
   
4. Fingerless Cable Gloves
5. 26 More Free Scarf Knitting Patterns
   

Thursday: Gifts in a Jar

1. Edible Chocolate Body Scrub (shown)
   
2. Potpourri and Lights Jar
   
3. Snowballs for the Bath
   
4. Groovy Personalized Jars
   
5. Dog Treat Glass Jar
   

Friday: Entertaining Crafts

1. Glitter Tree Vase (shown)
2. Joy Crochet Sign
3. Splendid Tree Trimmings
   
4. Snowman Wall Hanging
   
5. Silver and Gold Trees

Happy Crafting,

FaveCrafts.com Editor
P.S. Be smart and shop the after Christmas craft sales with our continuing Christmas newsletter during January. In addition, check out our green and frugal tips for Recycling Christmas Materials. 

Lost & Found-The Forgetten...

This is what it is all about! I understand Pamela's "obsession" so clearly. Read the article...she is right that these women were long forgotten before some turned up as parts and DNA on a farm in Port Coquitlam.

People can say what they want about me being dark or negative about this...however some were my friends and I still have friends that are missing.  I have been told that I am a very dark and negative person. I don't believe I am, just that I want for the missing to be never forgotten as they were in life. After my run ins with both Pickton and Svekla (Edmonton) I had often wondered if I would be missed as well.  I have felt often like these women...lost and forgotten in a cruel world. Most people don't know what it is like to be shunted from one place to another to never really feel as if you belong anywhere.  I do.  I want to know that these women mattered in life.  I want to know that I mattered...and that what all of us really want to know...THAT WE MATTERED!

When are we as a society, a community and as women going to stop the atrocities committed by these men? Women? Couples? These were women! People loved them! They were mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.

So no I will, cannot, let this go!

Cora

Lost & Found

By Michael Harris published Jan 1, 2010

Pamela Masik’s quest to honour the missing women of the Downtown Eastside

Image Credit: Chris Haylett

 Pamela Masik is flanked by two of the enormous

portraits she’s made of women who went missing from

the Downtown Eastside: Cara (with flowers) and Sherry.

Pamela Masik’s quest to honour the missing women of the Downtown Eastside

The undertaking was hellish. Paint each of the “missing women” who disappeared from the Downtown Eastside. Paint 69 murdered faces three metres tall. Paint their scarred and battered expressions in uncompromising detail when even police had scant evidence of their features. In essence, bear witness to lives that ended because of their very anonymity. Undo 69 oblivions.

Pamela Masik has spent four years completing The Forgotten, a body of work that will garner her more attention than the 10 years of painting that preceded it. Eight portraits will be suspended in the Library Square concourse from January 16 to 26. During the Olympics, much of her magnum opus will be available for viewing on select days at a mammoth, 14,000 square-foot studio space on Second Avenue, behind the Olympic Village. (Masik is negotiating for all 69 works to be shown at a February 2011 exhibit at the Museum of Anthropology; for exhibition details, visit Theforgotten.ca.)

It’s the sort of art that consumes the artist (and, writ so large in violent strokes, shakes the viewer). “I was not able to let it go,” she said recently in her crowded South Main studio, where the faces are stacked against each other on every inch of wall. “I shut my friends out; I’d go to a party and only think of a beheaded woman with her hands stuffed in her skull.” In the fourth year of the project, Masik, who is left-handed, tore her rotator cuff; she started painting with her right hand instead. She lost weight. At one point, she passed out on her studio floor, vomited, woke up trembling.

This summer, Masik wondered whether she could ever put the work behind her. Now, she wrote, “My eyes see differently. My scrambled eggs this morning reminded me of things I dare not write.”
She’s working on a surprise 70th portrait: herself. Why? “When one woman is violated, all women are. It could have been me.” Did she consider painting Robert Pickton, the serial killer charged with 20 of their deaths? She smiled wearily: “He’s already a kind of celebrity. A lot of people want to point the finger at Pickton and say he was the reason this happened. But these women were forgotten before they went missing.”
Visitors often break down at Masik’s studio, perhaps because the work, displayed in a city overrun by Olympic boosterism, is unblinkingly insistent: this, too, happened here. One meaning of “to remember” is to reconstitute that which has been dismembered. Many of Masik’s subjects had limbs severed from their bodies. The attempt to put them back together with paint, to make them whole again, is both wrenching and heroic.
And maybe attitudes are changing. When sex-trade worker Lisa Francis went missing recently, the police didn’t ignore it; they put up a billboard that shows the woman’s face, three metres tall.