A Search for the Truth (part4)
Note: Please see note about posting to this article at the bottom.
Reader participation has not been what I expected. We are getting readers from all over the world following this article, but few posting comments.
Please post your comments, questions and thoughts. Be a part of the solution and make a difference in lives of the families that have to live without their sons.
This week we will get away from my words a little and get to know what Daniel’s mother thinks and feels.
In an effort to keep things in a reasonably sized article and bring you as much information as we could, put together an interview containing a list of 20 questions for Daniel’s mother.
The answers created a little more of an article then I expected, but I felt the information in the answers was worth sharing and would help our readers to understand the case as well as the reason that we need their support on it.
In this interview you will get the mother’s views, her last words to her son (if she could say them now) and her cry for your help.
Please take the time to open your mind and your heart while reading this interview. I think you’ll be surprised at the results. Be sure to read the foot notes at the bottom as well.
___________________________________
Here are the results of the interview:
Question 1: Prior to the date of the homicides, how many times have the boys been 4-wheeling on this same property?
Answer: Jason and Russell had been on the property previously. As far as I know, Daniel and Scooter....had not. _______________________ Question 2: Giving a general description, can you tell us to the best of your knowledge how the boys were viewed (thought of) within the community?
Answer: I think this can be answered by all of the boys wakes, and funerals. There were hundreds of people in attendance. Everyone I spoke to during the process of burying the 3 boys stated to me “the boys were great young men”. Who could have possibly thought different? ______________________ Question 3: On the day of the homicides, was there any thing that took place (that you know of) that might have caused the boys to act out in anger towards anyone?
Answer: No! As far as I know, all 4 of the boys were in a great mood. They had recently got off work early, they were going to ride their 4-wheelers, and all were going to the BEACH, (which all of them loved), for the wedding! ______________________ Question 4: Prior to the homicides, is there anyone that you can think of that would have wanted to see harm brought to the boys?
Answer: NO! I do not know anyone who would of wanted to harm any of the 4 boys. Like I've said, they all worked, they all had done really well in school, all of them were very popular, in school, and after graduation. The boys were ALL growing up....to be fine young men of the community, and to become family men. Jason was already married, and had a daughter, and Daniel and Scooter, were engaged. _______________________ Question 5: There seems to be question as to who actually shot the boys. Do you feel that Mr. Vaughn was the guilty party? If not, why?
Answer: # 1, No, I do not. First, Mr. Vaughn was older. He was 70, and did not have good health. # 2. From the very beginning of the investigation, the Officials started changing the "facts" of the case. # 3. How could one man, at close range, get all 3 of these young men, in the prime of their lives? #4. I feel if Mr. Vaughn was there, there was also an additional shooter. I also feel, Mr. Vaughn was going to allow the public to know the truth....that is why he died, or to better explain, was murdered, also. _________________________ Question 6: Given your experience dealing with the other parents, in your opinion do they feel that Mr. Vaughn was the guilty party?
Answer: The other parents are not sure what happened. The other parents, trusted Officials, at their word. When their word started blaming, "our children", for their own murders, ALL PARENTS started questioning, the Officials statements! I had felt from the first day, something was very wrong. I was suspicious and asked many questions, from the beginning. Officials did not care for my inquiries. _____________________________ Question 7: How would you describe the way Mr. Vaughn was viewed by the people that you know?
Answer: I have talked with several people who knew Mr. Vaughn at a personnel level. Some were neighbors, some he went to church with. NO ONE thought Mr. Vaughn capable of this crime! He was an outstanding citizen, who was very active in his church and the politics, of the area he lived. He was very involved with different groups among the community. Mr. Vaughn also suspected the "suicide" of his own son, to be a murder. He had stated this to a man who owned a gun shop in town. How could a man having all of these qualities, take the lives of 3 more....children.!!!!!!!! ______________________________ Question 8: A question has arisen about Mr. Hall. How would you describe the way he was viewed by others prior to the homicides?
Answer: To the people of the Beauregard Community, Mr. Hall seemed arrogant, and "self imagining." By this I mean, Mr. Hall wanted to have people think he was more important, and then he was. He did this by drawing attention to himself. Also, I talked with a parent that worked with Mr. Hall. His impression was, Mr. Hall did not work well with others, and he did not do his job. Also, I'd like you to make note: I did not know Mr. Hall previously to March 26, 2004. ___________________________________________________________ Question 9: What changes would you note about the way Mr. Hall was viewed by others after the homicides?
Answer: After the homicides, Mr. Hall was very unpopular. It was by his own self that caused this. Mr. Hall was interviewed "live", in his yard, being quoted in saying, "I would have shot the boys, too." This, along with a "Letter To The Editor," in the local paper, made Mr. Hall's views known to parents, and the community. The views he was expressing were NOT.........THE VIEWS OF ANYONE ELSE!!!! ____________________________________________________ Question 10: Through our contact it seems that there were a lot of questions that the parents had, that were not heard. Would you give us a few examples of the questions asked by the parents as a group that were ignored?
Answer: Some of the questions asked by parents, in family meetings held by the Lee County Sheriff Department, starting on March 28, 2004, THAT WE, THE PARENTS, NEVER received suitable, or accurate answers to, are as follows:
1.Why was Mr. Vaughn not interrogated, on the day of the crime, if he is the "only suspect"? Mr. Vaughn was actually helping Officials with the case, right up until his death. Officials never formally interrogated him, before his death, and Officials never gave an reason for Mr. Vaughn to be a suspect, until AFTER HIS DEATH!!!!!!
2.Did Officials take tire impressions, of the truck, that went to the "dried lake bed?" Parents were first told the "shooter" drove to the dried lakebed, and then committed the murders. Later, after this question was asked to Officials, Parents were told, the "shooter" walked to the scene, he did not drive. Officials stated, this is why there was NO NEED TO TAKE, tire impressions
3.Why has the weapon changed types, so many times? The weapon used in the homicides of the 3 boys, changed at least 5 times, in the course of the investigation. Ballistic Reports, STILL DO NOT IDENTIFY, what type of gun was specifically used, to murder the 3 young men! Investigator Jordan even named a gun-type, that doesn't exist! I know in murder investigations, the "gun type", CANNOT ALWAYS be identified. But, in this investigation, the "gun type" changed, every time Officials stated what happened!
4.Why was the number of times our children, were shot, changed? Even in the last talk with Officials, my son Daniel's number was still inaccurate. The number of times the boys were shot varied from meeting to meeting, as the story of what happened, was changing by Officials. Because the weapon changed so many times, the number of shots fired into "the boys", changed, as well. This is the only way Officials could make their case, sound accurate. The number of bullets held by the named weapon, HAD TO match, the number of shells that the weapon could hold!
5.Why was Mr. Hall permitted to be the first, "official", on the murder scene? Officials will still not admit Mr. Hall was the 1st to see the boys' dead, and first on the homicide scene. A parent accompanied Mr. Hall, to the scene, of the boys' homicides. Yet Officials state, SWAT was the first to investigate the boy’s condition, and also add, it was only 1 SWAT member, that was allowed to do this. Yet, Mr. Hall WAS SEEN BY witnesses, at both crime scenes, before any Official arrived!!!!!!!!!
6.Why would Officials not admit Mr. Vaughn, had multiple gunshots, from his "suicide"? Officials still will barely admit Mr. Vaughn had 2 gunshots to the head. Parents knew this was fact, as some knew the paramedics, that responded to the Vaughn's home, the night Mr. Vaughn died. Until parents gained Mr. Vaughn's autopsy report, Officials held fast to, 1 shot to the head, was the cause, of Mr. Vaughn's death. Once parents received the autopsy report on Mr. Vaughn, Officials finally admitted to 2 shots to the head, but felt the 2ND shot was fired when the weapon discharged, after Mr. Vaughn, dropped it! The gun by Alabama Ballistics, CAN NOT BE MATCHED, to the shell fragments found in Mr. Vaughn!!!!!!!!! Experts agree, that the wounds Mr. Vaughn had at his death, could NOT HAVE BOTH, been done by Mr. Vaughn....on purpose, or by the firearm discharging after it was dropped!
7.Why did Mr. Vaughn only become the” only suspect", when a "gun dealer", who was interviewed, stated Mr. Vaughn felt his own son was murdered. He stated who he felt murdered his son, and that the local Sheriff was "on the take", from drug busts, in the area! Officials will still not admit to this statement. It is in the interview, filed in D.A.Abbott's office, between Officials and Mr. Helms, who was a gun dealer, in the town of Opelika, Alabama. Mr. Vaughn had dealings with Mr. Helms, and purchased weapons from him, in the past.
8.Why were parents told, Mr. Vaughn's suicide note was unsigned, and written on a variety of different medias? Only to have the newspaper print the note, and it was signed. Parents were also lead to believe, Mr. Vaughn had admitted guilt. Officials, after Mr. Vaughn's death, told parents the note was typed, but unsigned by anyone. The note then changed to a computer, but not printed out, then it was on a floppy disc, and retrieved, but still was not signed. After the local newspaper published the "suicide letter", Mr. Vaughn supposedly wrote, it was signed, and apparently had been previously printed, and found by Captain Van Jackson. When I asked Captain Van Jackson, about the note, I was told, "The newspaper always lies! The note was unsigned, and we do not know where the paper obtained, "this note." According to the Opelika/Auburn News, the Alabama Attorney Generals' Office was in possession of the suicide note. Yet, Officials, and Captain Van Jackson, still deny this fact. The suicide note does not admit guilt by Mr. Vaughn. The note also does not have a matching signature, that is on file, of Mr. Bernard Vaughn, concerning legal paperwork, filed for purchase of additional guns.!!!!!!
9.Why did the Lee County Sheriff Office, not allow other agencies, to help with the investigation, that were sent out to assist them? Parents were told by witnesses that other agencies, Opelika Police Department, and the Auburn Police Department, were sent to the scene, by 911 operators. According to these witnesses, one being a member of one of the local agencies, the other agencies were told to leave the premises, and the Lee County Sheriff Department, DID NOT WANT, any other agencies help. This kind of murder is not common in Alabama, go on a small community....like Beauregard! Why would Officials refuse all the help, they could possibly be offered, when a case like this.....is not the norm? Also NOTE: the Alabama Medical Examiner, who autopsied the boys, in Montgomery Alabama, requested to go to the homicide scene, to be able to give parents, a more realistic opinion, of what happened to their children. The Alabama Medical Examiner was refused access, to the crime scene, by Sheriff Jay Jones!!!!!
10.What happened to over 300 weapons that were found in a storage unit, leased by Mr. Vaughn, in Columbus, Georgia? I was told, by Captain James Majors, that over 300 weapons were found, by their department, that were associated with Mr. Vaughn. When I and other parents asked Investigator Jordan and Sheriff Jay Jones, about these weapons, we were told, they NEVER EXISTED, and neither did the additional storage units. What happened to these units, in 2 days time? Why did Captain Majors deny telling me, about the weapons and additional storage units, AFTER I came in on Thursday, April 2, 2004? This is the day Captain Majors, HAD REQUESTED MYSELF, to return to his office, and gain the rest of the knowledge, he had obtained by this search!!!!!!!
11.Why did the original description, not match Mr. Vaughn's description? I was told, by Investigator Jordan, that the description of the shooter was: A tall man, with long blond hair, in his late 20's, wearing a blue and white shirt and blue jeans. This description DOES NOT MATCH, Mr. Vaughn, at all. This description does match an "informant", named John Sprigs, who works with the Lee County Sheriff Department! Also, NO clothes of this description were found in the Vaughn’s’ home!
12.What happened to the weapon, used in the homicides of Daniel, Scooter, and Jason? I was told by Investigator Jordan, the weapon was disposed of, in the Tallapoosa River, which Mr. Vaughn crossed going to the storage units in Columbus, Georgia. Then, Parents were later told, in a family meeting, (after I asked Officials to scuba dive and retrieve the gun) that the weapon was disassembled and thrown out the window, along the highway, that Mr. Vaughn traveled, to go to Columbus, Georgia! The problem with both of these disposal methods, is: the weapon has never been found, or even looked for, in the Tallapoosa River, or along ANY OF THE highway easements! There were NEVER ANY weapon parts found along the route; Mr. Vaughn took to the storage units! Officials have never admitted to even LOOKING for the weapon, used in the boys' homicides!
13.Why was Mrs. Vaughn, not questioned by Officials, more thoroughly? Mrs. Vaughn holds a lot of the information relating to this case. Yet, in her questioning by Officials, Mrs. Vaughn is barely asked ANY QUESTIONS. The questions asked by Officials, and answered by her, are extremely vague, and non-specific! Mrs. Vaughn, if asked the correct questions, could answer so many of the parent’s questions, about their son's homicides! Yet, when parents approached Sheriff Jay Jones, on the matter of meeting with Mrs. Vaughn, in a meeting held by himself, and including parents, we (all parents) were threatened to be arrested, if we had any contact with her! We also were threatened if any parent trespassed onto the property where the homicides, took place!
There are many more questions parents asked at meetings held by Officials.
This is what I have been trying to get answered, why are there so many different accounts of what happened, during the SAME INVESTIGATION? ____________________________________________ Question 11: You have been fighting for answers for about 2 years now. What would you say was the most help you received from local officials, during your fight?
Answer: My greatest help was by Captain James Majors. I went to talk to him on 3 occasions, the week after the murders, were committed. I took with me, my father-in-law, Renee Murphy, and Daniels', then fiance', Jennifer Ryan. During these 2 meetings, Captain Majors explained the department had found additional information on Mr. Vaughn. The Investigators had uncovered several other storage units, located in Columbus, Georgia, that were leased to Mr. Vaughn. The 3rd meeting we had with Captain James Majors, he denied stating any of the information previously given, to myself, Mr. Murphy, and Miss Ryan. At a family meeting the Sheriff of Lee County told all parents, 'WE WOULD BE SHOCKED AT MR. VAUGHN'S APPARENT ACTIVITIES." Later, when other parents questioned the weapons found in Columbus Georgia, pertaining to Mr. Vaughn and other, , and questioned what Mr. Vaughn had done, that parents, and the community, would be in shock, we were told by Sheriff Jones, that Mr. Vaughn had a stolen boat, and truck, 8 years previously. This is what was found in Columbus, Georgia storage units, and nothing more, according to Sheriff Jay Jones. During a separate family meeting, parents were told by Investigator Jordan, the lead investigator in our children's' case, Mr. Vaughn did not have several weapons found in Georgia, nor did he have any other storage units. We were again told about the stolen truck and boat. When Daniels step-Mother, Pam Foster, who worked at the local paper, helped write an article the next day, on these matters, Sheriff Jay Jones requested the Opelika/Auburn News, RETRACT THIS STATEMENT! When I went back and spoke to Captain Majors about this discrepancy, I was told by him," HE never told myself and others with me, that Lee County Officials had found any weapons, nor did Officials find any additional storage units, as previously stated." This conversation took place ONLY 2 days after, Captain Majors had explain the findings to myself, and my father-in-law, and Daniels' fiance'. Other then this information, all of my other dealings with any OFFICIAL, has been confusing, and very deceptive, on their part. Or, non-existent, when I approached them. ______________________________________ Question 12: A situation like yours would be a stress on any household. Can you tell us some of the impact that it has had on your home during the last two years?
Answer: It has had a great impact on my home. I have to explain to my husband, Daniels' father, and other parents, why I won't allow this case to be closed. They do not understand why I have been trying to get the boys investigation re-opened. All of them say the same thing, "It is not going to bring the boys back!" Then, I am dealing with Daniels' only biological brother Ricky, who feels so guilty, because he did not go with the other boys, and his brother. Ricky could not get off work, to go on the 4-wheeling excursion. Ricky feels if he had been there, he could of stopped what happened. Also, Ricky cannot even look at his, and his brother many photographs. I have displayed, in my home, since all of my boys were young, many photographs that I have taken of the children. Ricky feels it hurts too much, to see what the past, "Use To Be." I have Daniel's little brothers, Jordan and Brandon. They bonded with Daniel, in the trips he made out to Seattle, to visit us. Brandon and Jordan do not understand how God, could let this happen, nor, do they know how......to prevent it from happening to their Dad and I. They fear being left alone, because someone may kill us, too. I live nightly with my husband not understanding why, I am on the computer, or not sleeping more then a few hours a night, and why I am so determined to find out what happened on March 26, 2004! All I can answer my family, which I love with all my heart is, "I carried and protected Daniel all the time he was living at home. I am his Mother, and if I do not stand up to be his voice now, when I know Officials are NOT TELLING THE TRUTH, then I feel......I am not much of a Mother to any of my children, or a wife, either." My Mother, who is 80 years old, is in fear of Officials retaliating against me, as well. I can only pray, her being my own Mother, she understands why....I have to complete this journey. ____________________________________ Question 13: Can you give us a brief insight as to what impact it had on you directly as a person, as a mother and as a wife?
Answer: As in relation to myself, it has done good and bad. For the good, it has made me stand up to people, I never thought I would have the courage to. It has made me feel like Daniel is behind me, in all of my efforts, to find out the truth about him, and his friends, homicides. I think he'd be proud of me today. I certainly hope he would be! But then on the other hand, the bad. To the bad, it has made me not divide all of my time, to my living children, and to my husband. I am on the computer, or talking with other parents, a lot. I know this is annoying to my family. I, who also thought the "police authorities", were good, and never would NOT investigate a case fully, have learned a great lesson. I have learned that Authorities CAN BE, just as corrupt, as the outside world. That my teaching my children, the Officials are always bound....to help their citizens, is far from the truth!!!! I feel Authorities are protecting someone, or something, and this is the reason Officials have continued to lie, deceive, and counter, previous statements, made by themselves. I feel in some ways....Daniel is gone, and I can't ever bring him back, and yet.......I feel so strongly that my son Daniel, and these 2 other boys, and Mr. Vaughn, deserve an investigation that one of these Officials' children, would have received. Why did my child and his friends NOT RECEIVE, an investigation like one of the Authorities would have conducted, if the situation was reversed, and concerned THEIR CHILD?????? I also know, the 3 young men have not received a all of the State's resources, , nor even the truth about what has happened to them, be revealed .............to their parents, and the public. I feel this is wrong, and until it is corrected, or I feel I have done my VERY BEST, I can not abandon them, nor look the other way, on the wrongs Officials......... have done to them. __________________________________ Question 14: There were two boys other then your son that was murdered that day. What support have you received from the other parents over the last two years and why?
Answer: I received support from all parents and step-parents, when the investigation first started, and I flew into Alabama, from Seattle. Even after I flew back to Seattle, other Parents continued to call me, and update me on the case, or get my opinion. After, Investigator Jordan blamed Daniel and Jason, for their and Scooters’ own death, things among family members changed. When Investigator Jordan stated Daniel and Jason broke into the Vaughn's home, assaulted Mr. Vaughn, and stole part of his gun collection, and their deaths were retaliation for this......parents were not near as close. Even after I went to the sheriff and D.A.Abbott on this issue, asking for ANY TYPE of documentation, and finding out, there was NONE........BECAUSE IT NEVER HAPPENED, Parents have not communicated, as they had previously. When ALL PARENTS went to Officials, and asked why this LIE.........was even told, parents were informed by Sheriff Jones, and D.A.Abbott, this statement was never made. But, by then....it had already done the damage the Officials wanted it to do......parents questioning each other. I would also like to note: I have this statement, about Daniel and Jason assaulting Mr. Vaughn, tape recorded. This recording took place in a family meeting held by Investigator Jordan! _____________________________________ Question 15: Do you feel that there is some holding back from local people when it comes to speaking up for fear of precautions from the local officials?
Answer: Yes, I do. I feel other people fear retaliation from Officials, and those involved. This includes other parents, and witnesses. No one knows to what degree Officials want to keep this case closed! No one knows WHY OFFICIALS, are hiding evidence from the case. I also know, there are witnesses that tried to enter arguments, and statements to Officials, that are not written in the public record, because Officials REFUSED to take their statements. I also watched Russell, the only eye-witness, argue with Investigator Jordan, and Captain Van Jackson, about the location of the 3 boys bodies, the 4-wheeler location, the generalized crime scene description, and the location of the"shooter", as seen by himself, on March 26, 2004. Russell stated several times to Authorities mentioned above, that the records reflected UNTRUE, AND MIS INFORMATION, regarding the homicide scene, he witnessed, of his brother and 2 friends. Authorities only continued to argue with Russell, and re- state, THE INCORRECT INFORMATION!!!!!! ______________________________________ Question 16: If you had the ability to get one person to listen to your side of the story, be it the mayor, governor, or even the president, who would it be?
Answer: I guess, first would be President Bush. But I fear, him being the same political party as the Sheriff Jones, D.A.Abbott of Lee County, the Alabama Attorney General, Troy King, and Alabama Governor, Bob Riley, I would end up in the same place I was, before knowing Mr. Wallace. So, next, I would choose the Attorney General of the United States. This man has the United States Supreme Court following his involvements, and I feel between all of them, the case would receive the attention, and expertise, it deserves! ________________________________________ Question 17: If you had to point out one fact regarding the investigation, what would it be?
Answer: I'll have to answer that after I think on it. There are so many facts, I'm not sure what one is most important. Maybe, your readers....can help me answer this question. I need all of your readers, after reading this interview, to state which of these points I have brought up.....is the most important. ________________________________________ Question 18: If you could say one last thing to your son right now, what you tell him?
Answer: Daniel, I KNOW YOU ARE A HERO!!!!! I KNOW THAT you, nor any of the other boys involved in this, wanted to die. I know your personality, and with that said, I KNOW, YOU tried to get the weapon from the killer! I know you, nor Jason, EVER ASSAULTED, OR BROKE INTO, the Vaughn's home! I have known all of you, since you were knee-high, and I can verify all 3 of you, are fine young men. Daniel, I know this about you..... The most! You have always been the one to stay out of trouble, by observing other actions! I also know you would want Mom to find out the truth, regarding this investigation. I promised you on the day I buried you, that I would, and until I can go no further, or I die, I will NEVER break this promise, to you! I LOVE YOU, son......and even the veil of death, will never.....allow me to not love you, or remember what a terrific son, you are. I am so very proud of you, and you will always be my HERO! You will live forever in my heart, and the hearts of your family and friends. You will remain, Daniel S. Foster...#13, to everyone, forever! __________________________________ Question 19: The Weekly News is helping to get your side of the story out. What do you hope to accomplish by telling your side of the story?
Answer: I hope to accomplish JUSTICE, for these 3 boys! In what ever form that takes. If it is Officials answering my questions, then that will be fine. Although, I know in my heart, without the help of you and your readers, this WILL NEVER. HAPPEN! Through ALL OF YOU, I am no longer a single voice, but many voices, and have many more questions, demanding answers, for the Officials to answer. I am no longer "termed" as a crazed grieving Mother, but I have others who agree with my questioning this case. I truly hope that, TOGETHER.......WE can accomplish this case to be re-opened, to answer all the many individual questions,and I truly appreciate, and am thankful for, those individuals who have chose to involve themselves, in these 3 young men's' lives! I will hold all of you in my heart. _____________________________________________ Question 20: This is your chance to reach out to our readers. If you could ask one thing of our readers, what would you ask, and why?
Answer: I would ask your readers, to participate in the following articles of this case. By this, I mean to continue to ask questions, and to create doubt, where Officials, are involved. To demand to the Authority of Alabama, to re-open these homicide cases, to establish the true events, and causes. This is the only way these 3 young men, and Mr. Vaughn, will achieve the investigation, and JUSTICE.................that they truly deserve! __________________________________________________________________ I would like to thank Daniel’s mother Debbi for sharing her inner most thoughts and feelings with us.
As a result of these questions, (attention to questions 16), we will be starting our first attempt to contact officials within the next week. Our first attempt will be the Public Relations office for President Bush, D.A.Abbott of Lee County, Alabama Attorney General, and Governor of Alabama, Public affairs office for the Attorney General of the United States. This is only our first attempt to get some results. There will be more attempts as the article continues.
Your comments, questions and thoughts will be included in these attempts (your names will be withheld to respect your privacy). So please start posting your comments and be heard.
Interview by A. Wallace
_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Note: It was brought to my attention that someone had a problem posting a comment to this article. To sovle the problem we have set up a special e-mail account to help with comments.
Please post your comments directly if you can. If you have trouble, e-mail you comments to TheTruth@AKpcsales.net and Debbi or I will post them for you.
This e-mail account was set up to assist our readers with this story. It is not for privet messages or for use with other articles, all comments sent to this e-mail address will be posted under the article for the week that it was sent. Comments will be posted within 24 to 48 hours in most cases.
Thank you, A. Wallace
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