Wed Nov 11 15:18:30 PST 1998

hi,
im from alabama. i know no tip that would help you solve the case but do think more should be done to solve this case. i think you should go to a private invsetigator. make this story more public . force them to come clean. good luck

I sugggest you take a look at a man named Quoc, has a jewelry business in SE Albq., is a CI for APD and a friend of your daughter's boyfriend.

Response:Please, send us his full name, the name of his business, and any other information you may have, especially about his relationship with APD. Don't post those here, mail them to us at the PO Box given on the web page.

Thank you.

Hello. My name is Amanda, and I am 25-years-old. I have lived in Albuquerque, NM since my family moved here from Washington, D.C. in 1986. Unfortunately, I don't have anything significant to add to the case, but I do distincly remember hearing about Kaitlyn's untimely death on the news. Random shooting? Really, that doesn't seem to happen a lot in Albuquerque, even though it is a violent city. I remember hearing the explanation that she was killed because she was blonde! I think that's insane. Also, there is certainly a Vietnamese gang presense in this town. I believe, and this certainly could be considered heresay, that the gangs are centered around the Kirtland Air Force Base neighborhoods. I have seen what I believe to be gang members (they all wear similar tatoos, and hang out at Vietnamese restrauants) in this part of town. I know I'm really going out on a limb here, but has anyone considered highering a private detective to infiltrate one of these gangs? To this day, I think of Kaitlyn when I am driving in the general vicinity of where she was killed. I think about how beautiful she was, and how completely stupid her death was. By the way, the memory of her killing resulted in me naming my daughter Caitlin.

Thanks.

Response:Thank you for honoring Kait in such a lovely way.

You both are wonderful parents and Kaitlyn would not want you to let the police or anyone else forget her.Keep up the fight it will pay off in the long run. Sign, Angela

Thanks for keeping the fight for justice alive. It is obvious that the spirit of Kaitlyn lives in you.

[Rosalie Flores]

I have nieces, five of them, ready to experinece and live while residing in the cloud of crime that lingers in Albuquerque. I fear for them, not wanting them to go through the pain my friends and I did after losing Nathan Romero. I want to join your fight for freedom- the freedom to walk outside and drive in a car and the freedom to speak of the injustices that let the guilty walk and their victims left to live in the invisible bars of our sorrow. What can I do? I have already planned to talk to the assailants in Nathan's case, just for my own personal closure; to see if they are really human and hurt just as I do, but these efforts do nothing for my nieces. I want to make a better Albuquerque for them, but how? I'll help you. I'll speak to classrooms, I'll picket for freedom, I'll stay awake until it stops. It is only people like us, who have lived in this reality of pain who can turn it around and make it right. I want to make it right.
424 Erbbe NE
Albuquerque, NM
(505)298-3894

Response:The best way for people to help us is to do everything in their power to publicize this internet page. There must be people out there, especially in Albuquerque, who have vital information that they don't realize is important. When they read the questions we've posted on Kait's home page, they may suddenly snap to the fact that they hold a meaningful piece of the puzzle. Like Kait's hairdresser, who didn't realize it was important that Kait's boyfriend phoned her before midnight to tell her, "They shot Kait!" until she found out that police didn't inform the boyfriend of the shooting until 3 a.m.

About Nathan Romero -- I hope all of you will go to the update section titled "Is Vietnamese Crime Protected In Albuquerque?" and read about Nathan's mother's personal investigation of her son's homicide and how she literally FORCED the police to arrest his killers. And while you're at it, read the "Ninja Bandit" section about the Klunck family's valiant struggle to expose the truth behind the death of their son, Peter. (Both those cases appear to link to Kait's.)

The mysterious deaths of young people in Albuquerque keep multiplying. The most recent parent to contact us was the mother of Josh Vihel, 16, who died under suspicious circumstances at a party in Albuquerque on January 10 of this year. People were seen carrying Josh's limp body out of the party house, and his death was not reported for 24 hours. The APD homicide detective in charge of the case has told Josh's mother that former District Attorney, Bob Schwartz, has forbidden police to investigate the people who gave the party. If anybody out there knows anything about this situation, please, contact us and we will put you in touch with Josh's parents, who are desperate to understand what happened to their boy. The police won't even tell them where the party was held.

Thanks for keeping the fight for justice alive. It is obvious that the spirit of Kaitlyn lives in you.

[Rosalie Flores]

I think that what happened to your daughter is a shame. If there is anything I can do for you let me know. My name is Sharon Zurenko at Adams City High school

I am so sorry for the pain and loss you have suffered. Please don't give up on your quest. Although I knew nothing of this horrific crime before today, I strongly feel you will eventually get all the answers you've been searching for. Then comes justice. I'll be praying for you.

Lois, when may we be able to expect any more upadates on Kaits bulletin? Do you know if Dung or Sharon or anyone involved has knowledge of this web site? Has ANYONE from that era EVERY broken down and given any hidden info?

Response:On Oct. 22 our private investigator presented Kait's case to the Vidoc Society -- (you'll find a description of this unique crime solving organization at www.vidocq.org/). The members offered insights into the complexities of the case and suggested new avenues to explore and ways to revitalize and refocus the investigation. Many members then volunteered their personal services, pro bono, on a continuing basis. When we receive their official report, we will place it on the web site. The credo of the Vidocq Society, "Veritas Veritatum," is Latin for "The Truth of Truths."

We have no way of knowing who visits this web site and/or message board, other than for their reactions. We do know that some of the cops who protected the drug operation at the Roadrunner Lounge are keeping an eye on the page, because they have started harrassing the bartender who is in a position to reveal their identities. We hear nothing from Sharon or Dung.

Lois, has there ever been any interest shown by 60 minutes or 20/20 to do a segment on this case? I think you might benefit more from one of those shows than the others. Also how about a good investigative reporter from a high profile mag or paper? What about a true crime writer with a journalistic style? You are a TERRIFIC writer, but you're involved personally in this, how about getting a Joel McGinnis or Ann Rule to write a book about this? In the course of writing the story they might turn over rocks no one else might think of. No, of course the handwriting in the note is NOT your daughter's. Even a dimwit could see that. I wonder if anyone will fully understand what is ging on with the APd. I noticed you have moved, that was wise.

Response:We have not been able to interest either "60 Minutes" or "20/20." "NBC Dateline" was interested for a time and then decided the case is too complex and they couldn't afford all the time it would take to do an investigative segment. If any of you who are reading this board have contacts with investigative reporters, we would be grateful if you could attempt to interest them in this case. We haven't been able to accomplish that, as they've all been too worried about law suits.

Ann Rule is a good friend of mine and has been very supportive to our cause, but she only writes about cases AFTER they're solved. Nobody wants a story that doesn't have an ending.

Did any of Kaits close friends have anything to offer??? What happened to the girl that waas going to move in with her???? Didnt Kait confide in anyone about what type of person DUNG was???

Response:Kait told several of her girlfriends that she was very upset about activities that Dung and his friends were involved in. She used the term "dirty money," but did not elaborate. The two activities she told them about were the carwreck insurance scam and smuggling stolen computer chips. She was in love with Dung and didn't want to get him deported by turning him in; instead, she wanted him to break with that group of bad friends. On the night she was shot, she apparently had reached the end of her rope; she told her parents she was breaking up with Dung for good and wanted nothing more to do with him. She said that if he phoned trying to find her, not to say where she was.

I think it is great that you are still looking for your daughter's killer. Don't give up. The man that is masked is always unmasked. You are in our prayers and our class wishes you a lot of success and comfort in your tragedy. Sincerely, Damon Failing/ Ridley Alternative School , Ridley Park, Pa.

I am just wondering....there is all sorts of tips, evidence and unanswered questions...why not try to persue the help of the FBI?
[[email protected]]

Response:The FBI has tried to enter the investigation, but APD will not let them. Since homicide is not a federal crime, the FBI can investigate Kait's murder only if APD asks them to.

I read "who killed my daughter" when it first was published and have re read it many times since then. I'm sorry about her murder and the
whole debacle of the investigation conducted by the police. And I'm sad to say that a cover up or just plain ineptitude by the cops doesnt surprise me. I am glad to see that you are continuing this investigation on the internet, and that you are still getting new information here. Its amazing how many twists and turns this story had taken. Never give up trying to find the truth!
Peace (to you and Kait)

Maria

There is no way that your child could have wrote this note, because the hand writtens are not the same. Some one fourged the note and killed your daughter. I hope when you find them that get the punishment they deserve. I hope they suffer in jail until they get a chance to fry in the chair.I symothy with you because i lost my brother and they never found out who did it so i will be praying for you.
secerly
shaketta burdette

Response:And I for you. I am so terribly sorry about your brother.

there is no way that youor child could have wrote this note because the hand writtens are not the same. somoe one fourged the note and killed your daughter and i hope when you find them that get the punishment they deserve. i hope they suffer in jail until they get a chance to fry in the chair. i symothy with you because i lost my brother and they never found out who did it so i will be praying for you.
secerly
shaketta burdette

I can not add any specifics to your daughters case, but I do know that
government involvement in drugs goes back at least to 1964 in Viet Nam. I was sent to Viet Nam in September 1964. As a low rank sailor, I was assigned to the Arned Forces Post Office during the Christmas rush of 1964. My job was to pick-up and deliver mail to the airport. Each trip to the airport my truck was full of medal boxes - all the same size and weight and each box had a lock on it. I put the boxes on Air Americia aircraft heading to the United States. There were hundreds of boxes. I asked the Sargent in charge of the Post Office what were in the boxes and he told me that I must be stupid not to know. He
informed me that in the boxes were pods of opium that were being sold to pay for CIA operations in Southeast Asia. I told an Army Warrant Officer, who I worked for. and within hours of informing I was in a coma in the Naval Hospital in Siagon. No one ever investigated my claims.

Response:Although the sender's name is not posted on this message board, he sent us a private e-mail identifying himself and gave us permission to "do anything you want" with this information.

This is for the person who has read this website and is keeping up on Kait's website!

Yes I am THE BARTENDER! Instead of calling my house and making comments AND this morning's early morning phone call with your STUPID LAUGH I highly suggest that you be a MAN and say what you really mean!!! You are a low life and only have the courage to come out of the woodwork by using a calling card! I dare you!

THE BARTENDER

Like the rest of the online community, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to you and your family. The blatant mishandling and cover-up involved with this case is appalling. Even to a novice mystery lover, I can see quite clearly the gross lack of investigation in this case. Whoever heard of bullets not being recovered from a victim???

Anyway, have you tried to deal with the Air Force or Dept. of Defense? If you can figure out that the one suspect has multiple SS#'s why didn't they figure that out when that person enlisted. That's fraudulent and grounds for discharge. Having worked for the DoD myself, I find it scandalous that the military in any way, would allow drug trafficking/car scams to go on by active duty personnel without investigations of their own. Maybe you should clue them in and let them investigate from another angle which may lead in the direction of your daughter's murder. Just a thought.

Response:Yes, we have sent this information by certified letter to every level of the Air Force, from local (Kirtland AFB, Albq.) all the way up to the Secretary of the Air Force, as well as to the the FBI, to INS, and to the NSA (National Security Agency). No one has ever responded.

I read "Who Killed My Daughter" when it was first published. It kind of did the rounds at my elementary and high schools. I remember that people were kind of shocked that the author of the books we were all addicted to had a life of her own, and that there were such tragic elements to it.

It's kind of weird, I just stumbled across this page unintentionally tonight. And I really don't have any insights. I think they've all been made, to tell you the truth.

But I just wanted to leave a message, because I think it might be important to you to know that people have heard of Kait, and that they sympathize. And even though they can't understand, or really help in any way, except in silent, faraway support. I'm from Eastern Canada, and up here people all over have heard of Kait. Even if we can't solve the crime, and fix the problems you have with the police, we do know a little bit about who she was. I think that counts for something.

I just thought it might just help to know that.

Michelle, from Canada.

Response:Because of redundancy, we have not been routinely responding to posts on this board unless they contain questions that require specific answers, but we don't want any of you to think that we don't appreciate all the posts like this lovely message that offer us emotional support. We are very grateful for this tremendous outpouring of caring.

After reading WHO KILLED MY DAUGHTER?, and reading through your website, I feel that concentration should be focused in one area in particular. Your familiy has been through years of doing it's own investigation and has come up with a tremendous number of leads that have never been investigated by "the system".

I was told once that in regard to "the system", when you keep trying to force yourself in through the frontdoor, sometimes you defeat your purpose and keep running into brick walls. It is better sometimes to stand back, then go through the back door .....in which you may accomplish much more. It is evident that no matter how much evidence you are able to come up with, APD has already botched up the case and will do nothing to help you. In the book, you kept trying to get federal assistance. What became of this? Also, is there a statue of limitations in regard to the drug running issue and the insurance fraud?

I would like to pass on some information that may be of some help in regard to working with "the system". I was involved in a case where an attorney by the name of Jay Howell was used as a consultant. Jay has written a number of books but is most well known because he was the founder of the Missing and Exploited Children Foundation. My last contact with him, he was in private practice in Jacksonville, FL representing child victims. He is an extremely intelligent man and knows the system inside out. In the case I was involved in, he gave many ideas of different ways of getting help from "the system" using different doors. We have a very faulty system but the bottom line is you have to work through it to get the help you need.

The last information I have for contacting Jay Howell is:
2029 North Third St.
Jacksonville, FL 32250
(904) 247-1972

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.....

T. Teaford
([email protected])

Response:Thank you for this information.

Mr and Mrs. Arquette. I am deeply sorry for your loss and wish
that there were more that I could do to help. But all I can give
is a speculation that I am sure you have already thought of
or someone else may have already pointed out.
My husband used to be a member of a Chicago based gang call
Black Gangster Disciples or the BGD's and he was also a drug
and gun dealer along with his brother. His father was also
a major narcotics dealer in our area. But thankfully they are
all seving God and do not do that anymore. But anyway back to
what I was saying. My husband and I were talking about your
daughter's case just a little while ago when he called me on his
lunch break and I filled him in on some of the key issues of the
case. Our feeling is to some how dig a little deeper into
Khanh Pham. When I decribed the diagram of the enterance of
the bullet wounds, with out giving a full list of people involved
the first thing he said was, "That is an assasination technique."
He said it is what the military calls "an eye for an eye." And
only a skilled marksmen or a military trained gun man would be
able to shoot with such acuracy. Our gut feeling is that Khanh
Pham is the killer and since the Air Force was involved with
the drug ring and so was he; that's why he is being so well
protected.
He feels it was definatley an inside job and that Kati knew
too much and that is why she lost her life. It happens in the
neiborhood we live in all the time. In fact both of just
witnessed two separate drug deals in front of our home last
week. If any one knew I think we would be dead to.
Sorry I can only give you my login name. But with my in laws
enemy's still out there its not safe to give any real names.
I hope this ends for you soon so you and Kati can finally
rest in peace. We will be praying for you continually.
(Millie)

Response:The person who posted this message has been in personal touch with us via e-mail. Her husband's reaction to the gunshot wounds is identical to that of a private accident and crime scene reconstruction service, (often used by APD), that we hired to do an analysis of the crime scene, based upon APD reports, medical reports, APD photos and TV footage, etc. Their conclusion was that this was NOT A RANDOM SHOOTING, IT WAS A DELIBERATE HIT.

I am an acquaintance of homicide Detective Damon Fay, who worked on your daughter's case. In late July or early August, 1989, Detective Fay specifically told me that the location of one of the bullets in your daughter's car indicated that the shooting was not random, that the shot had to be aimed at a target. I also recall that this bullet was found later, not during the initial investigation.

Response:Detective Fay's statement is VERY interesting to us, since people in the neighborhood at the time of the shooting told police they heard FOUR shots. However, according to police reports, only three shots were ever accounted for -- two in Kait's head and one in the door frame of the car.

If anybody else out there has information about this very important "extra bullet," please, either post it here or send us a private e-mail.

Please accept my condolences on the tragic loss of your daughter. I admire your tenacity in pursuing the case for nine years. I do, however, have some questions for you. In one of your replies to a posted comment, you state that, to the best of your knowledge, Kait knew Sharon Smith for a couple of months. However, Ms. Smith drew a detailed map to her residence for Kait to use. My questions:
do you recall the first time Kait mentioned Ms. Smith and what their connection was? Did Kait meet her through work, school, etc. ?
Have you hired a private detective to track this woman down? If she truly knows anything substantial about your daughter's killing, she could be the weak link you are looking for. Also, exactly what type of gun killed your daughter? Are most of the police who "investigated" the murder still on the force? Since there were allegations of drugrunning involved in this case, could the DEA or some other agency be brought into the case? I realize other people may have asked these same questions, but I haven't been able to read all the posts on your site yet.
Please continue to investigate the police corruption angle. This seems to be more than just gross incompetence on the part of ADP.
Please continue to fight this appalling case of injustice.

Sincerely,

Terry Wilde

Response:Sharon Smith had a snow cone cart in Fair Plaza Shopping Center, right outside Pier One Imports, where Kait worked as clothing manager. They met during one of Kait's work breaks. Although they reportedly had attended movies together and gone to an alternative night club called Beyond Ordinary, (owned by Sharon's relatives), Kait had not been to Sharon's home until the night of the shooting.

We do know where Sharon is, but have promised not to reveal her location, as she says she is afraid for her life, and we suspect she has reason to be. Sharon missed Kait's funeral, because she was in the emergency room with a badly injured arm. She maintains she was bitten by her dog, but the scar does not look like a dog bite, and she will not allow us to inspect the ER report. That was the same date on which Kait's boyfriend got a knife in his stomach (an alleged suicide attempt). Although both deny this, we suspect that both he and Sharon may have been knifed as a threat to keep them from talking.

We have recently been told by a member of APD that when the media exposed the invalidity of the investigation of the Hispanics, Violent Crimes Lt. Patrick Dunworth, who orchestrated that investigation, was told "you're out of here" and bumped off his command. This fits with previous information that Homicide Det. Steve Gallegos, the detective in charge of Kait's case who answered to Dunworth, left the homicide department, and Det. Ronald Merriman, the first officer at the scene (whose statements dramatically conflict with the crime scene evidence and with the statements of Rescue), was demoted to "officer" and then bumped off the Force. All this would seem to indicate that something serious was going on behind the scenes at APD in regard to the handling of this case. Yet, the official APD statement continues to be that the murder was a random drive-by shooting by drunken Hispanics.

Lois and Family

Several years ago I read your book, "Who Killed My Daughter?" I often found it unbelievable in the lack on professionalism from the police department. I always wonder about the use of psychic people in criminal cases (mostly because of ignorance on my part of the topic). However after listening to you speak at a conference last week, I an now a firm believer. I found you and your talk very warm and heartfelt. Often it takes an actual face to make things seem more realistic. I admire your stamina in not giving up. Over the years, I have learned how important my family is to me. I pray that youfind resolution in the near future. As I have discussed with my students, we really wonder how young people are suppose to trust anyone when those who are given the responsibilty of trust, let them down. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Michael
[email protected]

This is a little premature, I have not,yet, read through all the comments, both past or present, so do not know if my questions have been asked or not. I first have to sat that I got this page through Crime scenes and it sort of got lost in the VERY wide world of the net. I thought about it again today for some reason, I am not quite sure why. Let me first explain my questions by saying I have an interest in forensics and police proceedure (no I am not involved in law enforcement). My thoughts are not fully formed, so please bear with me. I will start at the begining of the web site, at The Killing, and ask the questions that have occured to me, again I appologize if they are repetative. Did "Sharon" REALLY call Kait's appartment, do phone records prove this?, Why was Sharon certatin that Dung was the killer, if she was a new friend, how much could she know?,How long had she and Kait been aquainted?, Has an handwriting analasyst ever been given the chance to compare the two "samples" of Kait's handwriting, to a complete amature, I would say they are two totally different people, personalities and nationalitities, the "affectionate note", does not seem to me to be written by someone whose first language is English. ie; "I know you still mad" for most versed in the English language the saying would be I know YOU ARE still mad (or angry) with (or at)me, not to mention the fact the an honour student is unlikely to spell return as retune. Next question, I have so many, What time was Kait pronounce dead,the readout I have says the final phone bill shows the last call made was as soon as Kait was pronounce dead, HOW DID THEY KNOW? If Dung was told at 0300hrs, then the police ect knew before, What is the time of death, when was it released and who knew. For the next questions I apologize in advance, I know they will not be easy to read, never mind answer, this has to do with the forensics an pathology. Who did the autopsy, was it a coroner or a forensic pathologist?, Do you have acsess to the autopsy report and can you show it on the web (if you cannot for emotional reasons I will truely understand, however it may help. Why two different entry points, this does not seem to add up for a drive by. Standing near someone would make more sense than a random hit. Are both bullets from the same gun. I have other questions to ask, however I have just thought of a resource I may be able touse, he is a retired homicide detective, if I can get hold of him, and he is interested, maybe we can help. I hope so either way. Good Luck , if you can please answer my questions. Thanks Carol

Response:You've given us a lot to respond to, and a number of your questions ARE answered in responses to previous posts. But those do get buried, so we'll do our best to re-answer:

We have no way of knowing if Sharon REALLY called Kait's apartment. The phone company doesn't keep a record of calls that aren't long distance.

As far as we know, Sharon and Kait had known each other for a couple of months.

APD did not have a handwriting expert compare the two "samples" of Kait's handwriting, but our family did. The analyst, who was commissioned by the Vidocq Society, states definitely that the note was not written by Kait.

Kait was shot at approx. 10:45 p.m. on July 16. She survived 20 hours in a coma, and was officially pronounced brain dead on the evening of July 17. Almost immediately thereafter, the calls were made from Kait's apartment to the insurance fraud capper, Bao Tran, in California. (Those calls were long distance, so the phone company did have a record of them.) Since Kait's boyfriend, Dung Nguyen, was with us at the hospital at that time, An Quoc Le and Khanh Pham, (Dung's alibies for the night of the shooting), who apparently were waiting in Kait's (and Dung's) apartment, could only have known Kait was dead if Dung called from the hospital and told them.

The autopsy was done by the Medical Examiner's Office. The details of the autopsy report are given in a response to one of the earliest posts. It's quite lengthy, so we won't try to do it again.

We don't know if the bullets were from the same gun, because the bullets were (reportedly) never found. That's one of the things we find puzzling. There were no exit wounds in Kait's head, but two bullets apparently shattered so totally that they all but evaporated. And, although there is what appears to be a very large entrance hole in the side of her car, no bullet was found in the car.

I found out about what happened to your daughter by my
English teacher. She just met you, Lois at a convention of
some sort. She came back and told us about your books and
what happened to your daughter. She told us if we were
interested to look it up on the internet.

I am only 17 years old, but I feel that it is quite obvious
that this wasn't just a drive-by. There is too many things
left untouched that should be visible to the naked eye. It
really doesn't make sense.

I just wanted to let you know that I will keep you in my
prayers.

Good luck!!!

Lindsey Harrison
[email protected]

(Please don't post this, but feel free to e-mail me.Thank you)

Response:I'm afraid it got posted automatically when you clicked on the "post" button, Lindsey, but I'll ask Tom, who maintains this message board, if there's some way to remove it. Although it's such a kind message that I can't imagine why you wouldn't want it posted. Thank you for caring about us and about Kait.

FROM: Mitchell, I want to say that I'm truly sorry about what happened to your child. I just don't understand how a police department can do such a run down job on a case like this. I feel that if it were one of their children, they would look for the killer to the ends of the earth, and not let any questions go unanswered. I hope that they find the killer so that your daughter soul and memory can rest in peace. I also hope that they find the killer before you pass on so that your body and soul can rest,and that you will go with a clear mind to know that you childs soul is at rest. May God be with you.

You could also get a copy of policies and proceedures of apd in
regards to dispatch and crime scene investigation which would tell
you if they are covering up anything you will have to be resourcefull
to get this

Just a thought -- Have you considered going to the local news with the Open Records Act request? Maybe one of the reporters would be willing to put that issue on the news. Police departments hate bad publicity. (Even if the department has "no comment" then people will still know what's going on.)It makes them look as if they aren't doing their job -- which in this case, they aren't!

[AngelFire]

Response:We've gone to the local news over and over again -- and, all in all, they have been very supportive. But we're talking about a case that is NINE YEARS OLD!!! With all the new murders that keep occurring in Albuquerque, there's no reason for the media to invest themselves in this "piece of history."

As Kait's parents, our reaction is -- "Yes, it's been NINE YEARS!!! NINE YEARS of battling "The System" to get somebody to conduct an honest and thorough investigation of our daughter's murder. KAIT IS JUST AS DEAD AS ANY OF THE MORE RECENT VICTIMS -- and some of those recent victims are linked to people who are linked to Kait's boyfriend.

I truly think sharon had something to do with you r daughter's murder. I think that her boyfriend and sharon had arranged for this to happen. I have a feeling somehow the police were being paid off to look the other way.
or..that she knew something about the dirty police and she was going to someone to tell and they shot her??? I'm very sorry about this awful trajedy. I hope and pray you can solved this case on your own since the police dont seem to be helping. If I were you I would hire a PI to help you.

God bless you and your family. and I hope you can find some closure.

New Hope, Minnesota

Dear Arquette family:

First of all, let me give you my condolences for your loss. I'm a mother myself and I do not think I could have your strength if something, God forbids! would happen to my son. I do not understand one thing, and I do not blame you at all for whatever happened to Kaitlyn. If she was so upset the day of her murder, why didn't you insist for her to stay home with you?
I honestly believe that Sharon had something to do with this, since if Kaitlyn was being followed when she was GOING to her house, Sharon and Kaitlyn should have called the police. Do you know if Kaitly did? Or perhaps, she did and the police is not telling, as part of the cover up. It seems to be very clear that the police in charge of the investigation was probably part of the drug ring (some of them used to hang-out at the automovile shop) and were probably part of the murder (at least knew it was going to happen or knew who did it). By Kaitlyn considering and/or threating to go to the police and tell them what she knew, the corrupted cops were as intimidated and fearful of the consecuenses, if not more, than the Vietnamese gang. They had more to loose, the gang is not afraid of the law, obviously. It is not the first time we see corrupted cops. What is amazing is that the whole department, including the State Attorney, would incriminate themselves by covering this crime. Have you requested a copy of the calls made to the police department on the day of the crime (from 7PM to 10PM) to see if Kaitlyn called and reported the chase?

Another thing, why did Sharon left town, if she was not involved with the crime? What did she feared, if she knew nothing, did not know Kait's boyfriend, did not see anything, why then she felt her life was in danger?

I really hope one day, soon, you could have justice for your daughter and for yourselves.

Sincerely

[mn]

Response:Yes, we did submit a Public Records Act request for the APD logs from the night of the shooting. APD responded that the voice tapes have been erased and the transcripts of those tapes have been destroyed.

I have been a private detective/intelligence agent/etc from 1966 until I semi-retired in 1993. I spent 2 tours in Viet-Nam and was married in Viet-Nam. The note that was said to be written by Kait was written by a Vietnamese: The "H" of "Hon" and all of the "s"s are definitely written by a Viet. From all of my years looking at documents and letters I would recognize English written by a Vietnamese in my sleep. No one seems to have noticed this fact? Incredible!!!

The Vietnamese gangs work their auto theft/insurance scams from CA
across the southwest into Texas and into Florida down mostly to Orlando (but some are down to Miami now. There are Viet gangs doing the hits for other nationalities as well as themselves. I do not wish to speculate too much, but I think your best approach would be the auto accident frauds. You need a contact in the auto fraud department of an insurance company.

The Vietnamese are very violent and will not hesitate to kill you
if you get too close. If you get threats, you will know that you are on the right track.

Response:Investigators for the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Fraud Division of the California State Insurance Agencies have been among our strongest supporters, as has the John Cooke Insurance Fraud Report, a national trade paper for fraud investigators. The JCFR ran several full page articles about Kait's case, illustrated by photos of her grave.

Ok if i got it right the Offiecer1# drived by Kait's car and saw a standing that later showed to be Paul so he drove along and turned around, but what i beleive is that when officer1# drove by the drive to the VW Bug laid in the back seat of Kait's car and then raced up to the automobil shop with some passengers that had been in the VW and when the arrived to the shop i think that the owners son was with them caus paul said he was buying dopes from him and that was the easy way to get ried of the car cause the automobile shop probably could have taken it to pieces instead later on. Is it ok for me to dig a littel depper in to your case dear family of Kaitlyn. I know you lost a great doter and hope to solve the case!

Yours Sincerly Björn

Response:You've got the basic picture right. Det. Merriman drives by and sees Paul Apodaca AND HIS CAR next to Kait's car. Merriman does a U-turn and comes back to the scene, and Paul Apodaca is still there, but Paul's car is gone. So where did it go? Paul said he was alone in his car that night. So why wouldn't a violent crimes detective at the scene of a homicide question the fact that an allegedly empty car disappeared all by itself without a driver?

One correction, though -- Lee Padilla, the friend that Paul said he was buying drugs from that night, was not the son of the owner of the auto body shop. The owner's son was a different drug dealer. Lee Padilla, the brother of an APD undercover narcotics officer, lived a block away from the body shop.

Arquette Family-

I am very sorry about your daughter. I just got done reading your book "Who Killed My Daughter?" It was a great book and a very tragic story.
I just wanted you to know how very strong I think you are. All of you. Even if your case is never solved at least you know that you've tried your hardest
to succeed in solving the case. Whatever happedned to her boyfriend? Does he ever make contact with you or anyone else? That might be an interesting thing to put on the web page for people that like to be updated like me! Well that's all fokr now!
Sincerly, Rachel, Missouri

Response:As a professional writer, I was in a position to expose Kait's story to the public. Most families in our position don't have that option. Since Kait's death, we have been contacted by numerous parents in Albuqueque who are convinced that their young adult children were murdered because they were preparing to expose criminal activities that were protected by certain members of APD and/or of the Bernallilo County Sheriff's Dept. These parents contend that their children's murders were shrugged off by law enforcement as suicides, random shootings, or (as in the case of Peter Klunck) as shootings in "self defense" by dirty cops. One Albuquerque mother tells us that her son, who was shot to death (in "self defense") this past January is the third of her children to be murdered. Cases against APD are routinely settled out of court with no admission of wrong doing. The City of Albuquerque pays an average of $2 million to $2.5 million a year in claims against APD, and sets aside $4 million for that purpose.

Kait's boyfriend lives in Albuquerque with his white girlfriend (now possibly his wife), who, people tell us is a very nice woman who looks very much like Kait. They have children.

First of all may i say how very sorry i am about your beautiful daughter.I hope that do find out what happened to her. All the
truth not just what that want you to know but ALL OF IT! I know
that cops are very crooked and very good at being bad most of the
time. You have to learn not to belive anything thay are telling you
You have to find everything out for yourself. You can only trust
yourself no one else.This world is a crule and selfish world and will
do anything for money.No matter how it hurts in the process. In this
case a life of a beautiful young lady. It seems to me she was running scared on the night she visted you at your home. and didnt want to
involve you all to much for fear of your lives. Something was going on that night. Not everything is out yet. But it will come out. You
will see. The truth will provail!If you ant to sent me a copy of
your book i will read it and pass it along to my 19 and 17 year old daughter.
You never know may save there life as well someday.
Patty Carroll
4179 Penny lynn Ln.
Conway S.C.
29526
[email protected]
Again i am sorry God must of needed a special angel in Heaven.and
he has one now.

Response:Thank you for your caring note, Patty. I'm afraid I don't have a stock pile of books to send to people -- (authors don't get copies free, we have to buy them from the publisher) -- but you can probably find it at your public library.

We, too, believe that Kait was running scared that night. When she stopped by her house her eyes were puffy as if she had been crying, and she told us that, if her boyfriend called us trying to find her, NOT TO TELL HIM WHERE SHE WAS.

i feel that the letter, that was written to the boyfriend, is s not the same as the paragraph written by the victim.[from, aimee hopkins]

To Arquette Family:

I have been following this case for years now and I cant believe how much information you were able to gather in your own personal investigation. That was the APD's job. There is so much more on thye NET than reproted in the book. Is that because information was not conclusive back then? I find this web page very intersting because it reveals alot. After reading the book numerous times and reading this page, I have an opinion to offer: Its stated that Dung and Sharon were pretty much older than Kait. This would suggest something more than a bunch of teen agers screwing around and pulling the infamous "drive by". It says that Kaits car was in park at the time of discovery- was there any signs of a struggle? Was Kait tall, short? I ask because I do believe she was shot at a standstill which would then explain alot. Its my opinion that: While leaving Sharons house, she was then trailed. I dont belive "THE MAP" story one bit, I feel this Sharon was involved. I think the 1st bullet to the window may have been shot (which may explain the great concentration of glass noone seems to have photographed) Two cars may have been involved (the VW and the Camaro)Since there was an indication of possible rear end damage, this would suggest her being followed and rammed from the back. I think she may have even attempted to get the hell out of the car and quick changed her mind (which may explain the auto trans in park as well as the shoe on the ground) It was at that point whoever responsible fired the last 2 shots into her head. Did Kait wear a seat belt on a regular basis? According to the report, she was in an almost fetal posistion. This would say that the bullets
were most likely fired after the car stopped. What do you think? Also, what ever happened to Eugen Lindquists story about hearing a man shout obscenities in a "Heavy Mexican Accent"? What happened woth his story? Keep up your good work, Kait WILL walk into the light!!!

Response:The reason there is so much more on the net than in the book is that the book was published in 1992. I submitted it to a publisher on Kait's 21st birthday. That was my "present" to her. I took the manuscript to the cemetery and sang "Happy Birthday" and then drove directly to the Post Office with it.

I wrote that book to motivate informants, and it did tht. It also got me on national TV shows, which stimulated more information from tipsters. Then, when we couldn't go any further that way, our oldest son suggested the Internet, which allows us to keep adding new information as it surfaces. That e-mail envelope on Kait's home page has been wonderful, as it allows people who feel threatened to give us information anonymously. Then we have private investigators follow up on it; we don't post anything that hasn't been verified.

To answer your question about Eugene Lindquist, his description of seeing a car that resembled Kait's being chased as it drove WEST (in the direction of Sharon's house) one hour before Kait was shot while driving EAST (in the direction of OUR house) suggests that Kait may have been chased twice that night -- once while driving TO Sharon's, (at which time she got away) and again an hour later when she wasn't so lucky. If so, that would definitely show that the shooting wasn't "random."

I am really sorry for the family, my thought on this case is this I think that the police were totelly involved with her killing because why else would they hide the evidence. I bet that your daughter wrote alot of things down and the police are the only ones who can remove them and not get caught. With the suicide I feel that the boyfriend was really upset that she was killed, and was about to tell and they killed him to but made it look like a suiside. This might sound kind of stupid but I think that you should come over the boarder and find a good shycic to help you with this, a friend of mine did that and now her daughters killer is behind bars and that is the truth. The air force or police should not get away with it because they are the law. good luck please keep me updated with this I am so sorry you have to suffer, but please be careful whatever you do. Try a shycic they work if you find a real one they can tell you everything like they did my friends. [From sara: [email protected]]

Response:We HAVE consulted psychics, not "gypsies in tents," but psychic detectives with good track records working with law enforcement. Some of their information has proven startlingly accurate, but it gives us little pieces of the puzzle and not the whole picture.

And what can you do with such information once you get it? It has to be officially checked out. If police won't follow up on documented, concrete evidence, (such as a notarized statement from Kait's hairdresser stating that Kait's boyfriend phoned to inform her Kait had been shot, THREE HOURS BEFORE POLICE ARRIVED AT HIS APARTMENT TO BREAK THE NEWS TO HIM), they're certainly not going to follow up on tips from a psychic.

Hi! My name is Kendra Estes. Why did you let Martinez
go? You don't know if he is the murder. I say you catch
Martinez very quikly and put him in jail!!!
My name is Katelyn Sandoval. And I think that Martinez
is the murder because he was very rude to kill somebody.

Why not form a coalition of people to bombard the FBI and State officials with request to do more on this case. I am sure alot of us would be happy in joining you in this. There is power in numbers. Maybe it would wake them up to the fact that we the American people are not going away and we want results, not elected officials that think they run the place and get to pick and choose our outcome when its wrong. It is time we demand Justice on a joined effort.

Response:This was done through an e-mail campaign, (see the Feb. 20, 97, update entry,"Sending Kait E-Mail Valentines.") Outraged citizens bombarded local and state officials and law enforcement agencies with requests that Kait's case be reopened and placed in the hands of some agency other than APD. None of the agencies or political VIPs responded. APD spokesperson, Tony Herrera, reacted to the media coverage by issuing the statement, "The department believes its investigation was complete." And that was that.

First of all, I would like to express my sympathy to your family for all that you've been through. I admire you greatly for what you are and have been doing to bring Kate's murderer to justice.
Obviousely at the time of the murder, the local newspapers ran articles on the incident, but has there been any updates in the papers recently? Have you thought about writing an editorial to your state papers with a brief synopsis of the events surrounding Kate's death and your web address? Maybe by keeping it fresh in the minds of people, the more support and answers you may get.
[From: concerned]

Response:We have done this on numerous occasions. The newspapers balance our statements (as it is appropriate for them to do) by going to APD for their side of the story. APD Spokesperson, Tony Herrera, then assures reporters that the police investigation was flawless and there is "not one shred of evidence" to indicate that the homicide was anything other than a random shooting. If a reporter tries to confront him with any of the questions on Kait's home page, he says, "We're not committing on any specifics."

I am so sorry that I did not check comment page for the last response until today, but, I see someone told you who AMW is. I was hoping they will become involved and help your family. Melanie mb

Have you ever concidered a movie about this case? Also, I understand that Kaits story was aired on Unsolved Mysteries and other shows. How would I go about seeing those particular segments? I tried to find it on the Unsolved Mys web site, but cant find it. We have been following this case for years and would like more info on it

Response:We're reluctant to allow a movie to be made of Kait's story, because we're leery of producers ruining our credibility by fictionalizing it. The story has been featured on a number of TV shows, and every once in a while UNSOLVED MYSTERIES reruns it on the Lifetime Channel. I believe that some shows, like Larry King Live and Sally Jessy Raphael, archive the transcripts of their shows and make them available on the Internet. And the segment on Kait's story that appeared on Sightings is now part of their video series. I believe it may be the video called "The Psychic Experience," although I could be wrong about that.

Regarding the post from Monday, Sept. 28th about "AMW": "AMW" is "America's Most Wanted".

Have you had any contact with Dung since Kait's death?
Have you had any new psychic insight into the case?

[AngelFire]

Response:Dung refuses to talk to us or to anybody representing our family. For those with an interest in psychic predictions, Betty Muench made the following prediction on 12/4/94: "There will be the necessity to force some issues, and this will be possible only insofar as Kait's family will be able to take this on their own and then find that "one" who would take this and move even further with it. There is a person who will have been involved in more than one incident, and this person will be sought after by one in authority, and when this One can be reached, then the family can turn this over and know that there will come further proof of this murder of Kait as something which will have been planned and which will have been paid for. There will come a slip-up, but this cannot be noticed unless the observer is someone of knowledge and awareness. Thus then it will be for the family to do what they can to keep this energy alive, not just in Albuquerque, but in other places which will follow this pattern of those responsible for the death of Kait. "This One will not have such responsibility as the police chief or anyone else on the police department. He will have an authority which would seem to exceed this department. The information sought is hidden by them, and it will seem that there has to be this other one, this capable one, who can enter into this and allow that there can be a further investigation. This One will be outside of any possible involvement or constrants. He is in more of the governmental works than of the city. It will be that this will go over the heads of the city in that time, for there will be other aspersions cast on them, and they will simply work harder to cover this all up. The police chief is not as much in charge as he would think, and there is someone other who seems to rule him. There is much to be worked thru in the system before there can be the trust returned to this department. This One is within a government agency and with authority, and he will be one who also has had a great interest from the beginning."

I come to this site often and with every turn of the page while its loading I keep hoping to see that Justice was served and Kaits' story has it's ending. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Is there a possibility the Sharon Smith and the mole face girl could be one in the same??? Is there any other sites related to Kaits case that we may view? How about anyplace else? What were the approx ages of Dung, Sharon, ETC at the time? Were around Kaits age or older or younger?

Response:No, Sharon and Annie Dalton are not the same person. Ours is the only site that presents information about Kait's case. At the time of her death, Kait was 18; Dung was 27 (although we believed he was 20); and Sharon was in her 30s.

Forward to AMW, I think they will help you! Melanie mb

Response:What is AMW?

The black bartender at the Roadrunner has a name. His name is Rodney and he lived right outside the Gibson gate. Rodney along with several other black and oriental workers at the base clubs were openly involved in drug dealing. Rodney was also a thief but for some reason the club managers over looked what Rodney was doing. He appeared to be their "favorite son". Rodney worked both the Roadrunner aka Laser on the flight line and the main NCO club. Rodney also had an extensive arrest record which should have kept him from working at Kirtland Air Force Base.

In reference for finding out phone numbers that appear on your bill... another convenient way to find out who a "LISTED" phone number belongs to is to use AT&T's web page (http://www.att.com). Go to directories and do a reverse look-up. Again, this will NOT work with unlisted phone numbers.

In posting this I hope it helps others trying to get info on telephone numbers that appear on bills ----

If an out of area phone number appears on your bill you can contact your local phone company and they will gladly give you the name and address of the person the number belongs to. Also there is a cross referance phone book at every Library that list numbers and that tells who the phone belongs to and the address of the listing. You would have to call the Library in the area that the number was out of to obtain that info.

Virtual Reality

MESSAGE FROM THE ARQUETTE FAMILY TO THE PERSON WHO SENT US A PRIVATE E-MAIL ON SEPT.17: Your information is very interesting to us, as it supports some other information which we were uncertain about. We'd be grateful for anything more that you can tell us.
We understand your reluctance to identify yourself, but hope you can figure out some way for us to be able to establish a two-way communication.

To the person who wrote the post about the drug trade at the club on Kirtland AFB, the APD Lt. Pat who was a friend of the DJ Ray Duran was named Dunsworth. He was in charge of the Arquette investigation and in charge of the scene at Pete Klunk shooting. The woman named Annie with a big mole on her face sounds like the snitch who called in a fake burglary charge to set Pete up to be killed by the ROP Team. She also sometimes went by the name Evelyn.

Arquette Family Response: THIS INFORMATION IS EXTREMELY INTERESTING, and we have followed up on it. We have verified with Peter Klunck's family, who have a copy of Peter's case file, that the woman who reported that alleged burglary was "Annie Dalton," a former girlfriend of Peter's who had a big mole on her face. Another report in that file identifies Lt. Patrick Dunsworth as the member of APD who attended Peter Klunck's autopsy and was responsible for APD's untruthful statement to the media that Peter was shot in the CHEST, when in fact, APD officers Matt Griffin, Paul Heatley and Robert Valterra, all shot Peter in the BACK.

: stumbled over your website one day (around 5 months ago) as I was browsing through Unsolved Mysteries website. Since then I have read and re-read all that's on your website about the horrible way your daughter was killed, and the whole incredible cover-up!! My heart goes out to all the Arquette family.

I believe there has been a cover-up, especially within the Vietnamese community. I live in California, and have a girlfriend that lives in Garden Grove, California (which is in Orange County). I haven't heard from her in a while, so she may not be living there anymore. But, she had once told me that Garden Grove was nicknamed Garbage Grove because of all the Vietnamese gangs that moved in there, and all the trash they brought with them, e.g., drugs, curruption, and killings.

I hope and pray every day that all your efforts in finding your daughther's killers comes to a close soon, and that justice is served!

from someone who cares,
VSL

Arquette Family Response: Ironically, Albuquerque Police Chief Joseph Polisar --("the Department is not interested in any information involving the Vietnamese") -- was recently ousted by the new mayor of Albuquerque and has now become POLICE CHIEF OF GARDEN GROVE!

I did not read your book. Did your son know Sharon? Did you son know any of the other suspects. How old was your son at the time of Kait's murder? mb Have you considered forwarding this mail to America's most wanted? And any other shows?

Arquette Family Response: Nobody in our family knew Sharon or any of the other suspects (except, of course, Kait's boyfriend, Dung Nguyen, and his friends) prior to Kait's murder. No, we hadn't considered forwarding this mail to a TV show, as Kait's case has already been featured on so many shows. But that might not be a bad idea, as this certainly is a unique way to get information.

I did not read your book. Did your son know Sharon? Did you son know any of the other suspects. How old was your son at the time of Kait's murder? mb

I did not read your book. Did your son know Sharon? Did you son know any of the other suspects. How old was your son at the time of Kait's murder? mb

In your book you stated that your son knew Sharon -- Where did he know her from and how familiar with her was he -- ie. friends, friend of friend, classmate, aquaintance ??????

Virtual Reality

Arquette Family Response: Our son did not know Sharon. What I think you're remembering is that, after the police followed the hand drawn map in Kait's car that led them to Sharon's house and informed her about the shooting, Sharon attempted to inform our family. We (Kait's parents) had already been contacted by the hospital, so Sharon couldn't reach us. She, then, phoned the only other "Arquette" in the phone book, who happened to be our son.

In your book you stated that your son knew Susan -- Where did he know her from and how familiar with her was he -- ie. friends, friend of friend, classmate, aquaintance ??????

Virtual Reality

i don't understand how there could be vomit on the curb on the passenger side of the car outside if the doors and windows were up.
what is wrong with our gov. that they won't step in and take a look at this? we as people already lack faith in our system and i don't for one minute think that our government can't take part in this if they so choose!!
i'm not real smart about our gov. but if we can decide if food and things are going to be stoped going to other countrys because they aren't following our rules then why can't we and shouldn't we as americans make someone pay attention here?
my thoughts and prayers are with you,this is one of the first things i've ever read on the net, and your daughters story keeps coming back to me over and over keep the faith we have to believe that what goes around comes around!
[[email protected]]

To : Arquette Family

I am really glad to see that you are not giving up the fight. I have a few questions regarding the Crime Scene. 1)Would the presence of vomit be consistent with the type of shock/trauma that Kait sustained? She was still alive! 2) There is an indication that there
was presence of blood/vomit outside the passengers door.If she was alone and was incoherent, how could that be possible without another person??? Did Kait sustain any injuries from the actual impact (if any) form the car losing control? I am no expert, but I would say that somethings not right. Also, in the book, there was a mention of the old boyfriend "Rod". Did anything ever come out of that seeing there wa a stong indication that he attempted to come foward? Keep up the good work!!! Were all here for you guys!

Arquette Family Response: The vomit is consistent with shock/trauma; Kait survived for 20 hours after the shooting, although she never regained consciousness. When our private investigator interviewed Paul Apodaca in prison, (he's currently serving 20 years for the rape of his 14-year-old stepsister), he stated that he and Detective Ronald Merriman, the first officer at the scene, went together to open the passenger's door of Kait's car, which is probably when the blood and vomit poured out. No, Kait didn't sustain any injuries from the impact, just from the bullets. Kait's old boyfriend did contact us after reading WHO KILLED MY DAUGHTER?. He does not appear to have been involved in any way with the crime, but he confirmed that he and Kait had been meeting for coffee and going to an occasional movie together without Dung's knowledge. He said that Kait told him she was going to break up with Dung and would then start dating him openly.

I have not finished reading the comments, but am wondering if any national television show has been contacted? Like Dateline NBC? That might tend to light a fire under someone to get the REAL truth uncovered. Just a little thought.

My sympathies to your family.

Arquette Family Response: Dateline was initially very interested in this story until they realized how complex it was. They, then, decided an investigative coverage w