01192007 - Officer Tabitha McCree - Murder or Suicide? Detroit PD

January 19, 2007: Officer Tabitha McCree, Detroit Police Department.

MURDER OR SUICIDE?

• Officers Tabitha McCree and Jaimy McCree had a history of domestic problems.
• 01162007 - Jaimy and Tabitha separated, with Jaimy moving out of the marital home.
• 01192007 (11:00 AM) - Tabitha went to see her husband while he was on duty at the Detroit PD. An argument broke out and Tabitha was shot in the stomach.
• 01192007 (11:00 AM) - Responding Detroit police officers took Tabitha to the hospital in their squad car instead of waiting for an ambulance.
• 01192007 (11:00 AM) - Tabitha told responding officers that her husband Jaimy had shot her.
• 01192007 (1:44 PM) - ClickOnDetroit news article: ""Breaking News: Detroit Officer Shot In Stomach By Husband...Police are questioning someone..."
• 01192007 - Tabitha died during surgery. Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings stated to the press: "It was a self-inflicted gunshot wound". Bully-Cummings did not say what evidence suggested that McCree shot herself.
• 01192007 - News article after Tabitha's death: "Jaimy McCree initially was a suspect in his wife's death, but investigators have since backed off that theory, officials said. Police had detained a person for questioning in the shooting, but officials this afternoon declined to identify the person..."
• Message left on MIOIDV by Tabitha's father: "Its was murder...who was Tabitha shooting at that day, what about witnesses that was at work at the restaurant, and a car that was full of bullet hole's all over it...There was and older witness who saw everything why wasn't her evidence ever enter into court records...I strongly believe Tabitha Lyllett Coleman was a victims of murder..."

The first report of Officer Tabitha McCree's death, stated that she had been shot by her husband. Later reports stated that Officer Tabitha McCree had shot herself/committed suicide. Murder...or suicide?



Breaking News: Detroit Officer Shot In Stomach By Husband
ClickonDetroit.com
January 19, 2007 - 1:44p.m.

Female Detroit police officer shot in stomach
WOOD-TV, MI / Detroit Free Press, MI
January 19, 2007
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070119/NEWS01/70119017/1003/NEWS

Detroit- An off duty femal police officer was shot in the stomach Friday morning, police said.

The officer was taken by police to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where she was undergoing surgery, police said. There was no immediate word on her condition.

Police spokesman James Tate said the officer was shot shortly before 11 a.m. outside a vehicle.

He said officers were "questioning someone," but would not elaborate.

"We're trying to feather out and determine exactly what happened," he said. "Several officers are investigating, It's a fresh scene."

Detroit cop dies of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound

A Detroit police officer died this afternoon, apparently the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Chief Ella Bully-Cummings said Tabitha McCree, a five-year veteran of the force, shot herself, according to the investigation so far. McCree was shot in the stomach.

Officers responded to reports of an officer shot about 11 this morning in the area of Vernor and St. Anne behind the old Michigan Central Depot in Detroit. Soon after, sources began saying that McCree, who had been taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital, told police that her husband, who is also on the force, may have shot her.

Bully-Cummings did not say what evidence suggested that McCree shot herself but said that the investigation is still preliminary.

The husband’s name has not been released.












Detroit officer dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound
The Detroit News
January 19, 2007
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070119/UPDATE/701190441

DETROIT -- A female police officer died today after she shot herself following an argument with her husband, investigators said.

Tabitha McCree, 37, argued with her 44-year-old husband Jaimy at the Southwest District at 11 a.m., police officials said. McCree, who was off duty, then took her car and went to a secluded area near West Vernor Highway and St. Anne Street where she got out of the car and shot herself in the stomach, police said.

"It was a self-inflicted gunshot wound," said Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings.

McCree died some time later at Detroit Receiving Hospital.

She worked in the department's Central Events Section and used to work in the Southwest District, police said. Her husband was assigned to traffic enforcement in the city and also used to work in the Southwest District. Her husband was on duty at the time of the argument, police said.

Jaimy McCree three days ago left the couple's Manor Street home, investigators said. The couple was having ongoing domestic problems, investigators said.

Investigators were unsure what led to the argument and why Tabitha McCree went to see her husband while he was working.

Jaimy McCree initially was a suspect in his wife's death, but investigators have since backed off that theory, officials said. Police had detained a person for questioning in the shooting, but officials this afternoon declined to identify the person.

Eugene Alexander Sr., who lives on Manor Street on the city's northwest side, said the couple was quiet, next door neighbors.

"I never saw him very much, he worked a lot and was never home," Alexander said. "I would see her often when I worked outside or raked leaves. She seemed to be a very nice and pleasant person."













Cop shoots self after argument - 
Off-duty Detroit officer fights with her husband, also on force, before killing herself
Detroit News, The (MI)
January 20, 2007
newsbank.com
DETROIT -- An off-duty police officer died Friday after she shot herself following an argument with her husband, who is also a Detroit police officer.

According to investigators Tabitha McCree, 37, a five-year department veteran, argued with her 44-year-old husband Jaimy at the Southwest District station around 11 a.m. McCree left the station at 4700 W. Fort in her car and drove to a secluded area near West Vernor Highway and St. Ann where she got out of the car and shot herself in the stomach, police said.

"It was a self-inflicted gunshot wound," Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings said after the officer died at Detroit Receiving Hospital. Investigators said she used a personal weapon.

McCree was assigned to the department's Central Events Section and once worked in the Southwest District where her husband was also once assigned. He is assigned to traffic enforcement and was on duty Friday morning, police said.

The couple had a history of domestic problems and Jaimy McCree left their Manor Street home three days ago, investigators said. Investigators said they did not know what led to the argument and why Tabitha McCree went to see her husband while he was working.

Susana Garza, 46, and her father own the Tamalaria Nuevo Leon restaurant at West Vernor Highway and Johnson.

She said her father spotted someone laying in the street about 10 yards away from the restaurant. Garza said she went outside and found two others attending to McCree.

"It's not something that you want to see every day," Garza said.

Garza said police took McCree in an SUV to the hospital before an ambulance arrived.

Eugene Alexander Sr., who lives next door to the McCree home on Manor Street on the city's northwest side, said the officers were quiet neighbors.

"I never saw him very much, he worked a lot and was never home," Alexander said. "I would see her often when I worked outside or raked leaves. She seemed to be a very nice and pleasant person."

Off-duty Detroit cop fights with her husband, who also serves on force, before killing herself
Detroit News
January 20, 2007
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/METRO/701200405/1003

DETROIT -- An off-duty police officer died Friday after she shot herself following an argument with her husband, who is also a Detroit police officer.

According to investigators Tabitha McCree, 37, a five-year department veteran, argued with her 44-year-old husband Jaimy the Southwest District station around 11 a.m. McCree left the station at 4700 W. Fort in her car and drove to a secluded area near West Vernor Highway and St. Ann where she got out of the car and shot herself in the stomach, police said.

"It was a self-inflicted gunshot wound," Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings said after the officer died at Detroit Receiving Hospital.

Investigators said she used a personal weapon.

McCree was assigned to the department's Central Events Section and once worked in the Southwest District where her husband was also once assigned. He is assigned to traffic enforcement and was on duty Friday morning, police said.

The couple had a history of domestic problems and Jaimy McCree left their Manor Street home three days ago, investigators said. Investigators said they did not know what led to the argument and why Tabitha McCree went to see her husband while he was working.

01112007 - Deputy David Chandler - Sentenced - Berrien County SD

Also See:

Deputy David Chandler charged with domestic violence [Dec 07, 2006]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2006/12/deputy-david-chandler-berrien-county-sd.html

In brief
Chandler quits Baroda-Lake police

Posted: Friday, January 19, 2007 12:00 am
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/in-brief/article_1f822a46-210b-59e0-83da-f5acefa0446d.html

BARODA — David Chandler has resigned from his part-time patrolman position with the Baroda-Lake Township Police Department, according to Gary Ruhl, chief of police. Chandler had been demoted from captain to lieutenant in the Berrien County Sheriff's Department as the result of an internal investigation of a domestic violence incident. Chandler will no longer head the detective bureau but will continue to work as a detective.

Chandler earlier this month was sentenced in Berrien County Trial Court to serve nine months on probation and pay a fine and costs of $625. He pleaded guilty on Wednesday to domestic violence, a misdemeanor.The charge stemmed from a Dec. 7 fight between Chandler and his 18-year-old daughter, Jacqueline Chandler, at the family's home in Pipestone Township.













Board must decide what to do with 2 part-time officers

Posted: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 12:00 am
By WILLIAM F. AST III, H-P Staff Writer
The Herald-Palladium
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/board-must-decide-what-to-do-with-part-time-officers/article_1c275938-d369-52d3-b84a-44cba27afc68.html

BARODA — The Baroda-Lake Township Police Board will have to decide the job status of Berrien County Sheriff's Department Lt. Dave Chandler and Bridgman Police Department officer Dean Jones, both of whom are part-time patrolmen with the township department.

Baroda Township Supervisor Jim Brow said police Chief Gary Ruhl on Monday gave the Township Board an update about the two officers. Ruhl said he will make a recommendation soon, and Brow said the police board will likely have a special meeting to decide on it.

Chandler has been demoted from captain to lieutenant in the Sheriff's Department as the result of an internal investigation of a domestic violence incident. Chandler last week was sentenced in Berrien County Trial Court to serve nine months on probation and pay a fine and costs of $625. He had pleaded guilty to domestic violence, a misdemeanor.

The charge stemmed from a Dec. 7 fight between Chandler and his 18-year-old daughter, Jacqueline Chandler, at the family's home in Pipestone Township.

Ruhl has issued a ticket to Jones, charging him with disregarding a stop sign.

A patrol car Jones was driving collided with a minivan at the corner of Hinchman Road and Cleveland Avenue in Baroda Township early Jan. 1. He was on his way to help at Baroda-Lake Township police officer.

Jones also faced internal discipline from Bridgman Police Chief Ted Post. Post said the disciplinary action has been administered and Jones remains on the police force, but the chief would not say what the punishment was.

Brow is a member of the Baroda-Lake Township Police board. He said other members are: Chairman Terry Eichler and Tom Carson, both Lake Township Board trustees; Baroda Township Treasurer Susan Newcomer; and Baroda Village Council President Bob Getz.

The board normally meets the second Tuesday every two months and already met in January, Brow said.

The Baroda-Lake Township Police Department has three full-time officers and 13 part-time officers.

Also Monday, Brow told the board the Baroda Fire Department will soon get its new pickup truck, and a new Jeep is on the way as well. Both vehicles will be used to fight grass fires and for other purposes, he said.

Once the two vehicles are on hand, Baroda will have equipment "as good as anyone has," Brow said. He recently retired from the Fire Department after some 22 years of service.The department's old pickup truck will be sold to the Drummond Island Fire Department, which needs a grass rig, Brow said.

In other matters, the board discussed extending the days that the recycling bin is available near the Fire Department.Brow said the bin is now available the second and last Saturdays of each month. The township is going to get a quote from Michiana Recycling of Niles on how much it would cost to have the bin available all the time, he said.











In brief
Chandler demoted over home incident

Posted: Saturday, January 13, 2007 12:00 am
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/in-brief/article_a8226e32-4155-553b-967d-2d22517ccaab.html

ST. JOSEPH — David Chandler has been demoted from captain to lieutenant in the Berrien County Sheriffs Department as the result of an internal investigation of a domestic violence incident, Sheriff Paul Bailey said Friday.

Chandler will no longer head the detective bureau but will continue to work as a detective, Bailey said.

Bailey said he met with Chandler Friday and informed him of the decision. Chandler was taken off administrative leave status and will return to work in two weeks after he uses some vacation time.

On Thursday, Chandler was sentenced in Berrien County Trial Court to serve nine months on probation and pay a fine and costs of $625. He pleaded guilty on Wednesday to domestic violence, a misdemeanor.

The charge stemmed from a Dec. 7 fight between Chandler and his 18-year-old daughter, Jacqueline Chandler, at the family's home in Pipestone Township.












Officer draws fine, probation

Posted: Friday, January 12, 2007 12:00 am
By WILLIAM F. AST III, H-P Staff Writer
DENNIS COGSWELLH-P Region Editor
H-P Staff Writer Julie Swidwa contributed to this report.
The Herald-Palladium
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/officer-draws-fine-probation/article_d78b74a6-d4db-5483-af0a-e4751f8100f8.html

ST. JOSEPH — Capt. David Chandler of the Berrien County Sheriff's Department was sentenced Thursday to nine months' probation and a fine and costs of $625 for misdemeanor domestic violence.

Chandler pleaded guilty to the charge Wednesday.

Berrien County Trial Court Judge Al Butzbaugh ordered Chandler to continue to attend counseling and to have no personal contact with the victim, his 18-year-old daughter, Jacqueline Chandler. Butzbaugh said they can have phone and e-mail contact in the meantime.

Jacqueline Chandler in court Thursday asked that she be allowed to have personal contact with her father. Butzbaugh declined to permit that but said he will review his order after Chandler attends more counseling sessions.The case stemmed from a fight between Chandler and his daughter at their home in Pipestone Township on Dec. 7. Jacqueline Chandler told state police that she, her mother, Victoria, one of Jacqueline's friends and the friend's 3-year-old daughter were watching television when her father came home. She told her father she had gotten a puppy, which had soiled the floor.

When the 3-year-old started playing with the puppy in a cage, David Chandler became annoyed and asked his daughter to do something about it, according to a state police report in the court files.

Jacqueline Chandler said she replied that it wasn't her child, telling her father, "Why do you have to be such a jerk?"

She told a police investigator that her father struck her in the face with the palm of his hand.

He then said to her, "If you are so big and bad, let's fight" and pinned her to the floor, striking her in the face several times, she told police.

Jacqueline Chandler said she suffered a fat lip and her face was discolored and bruised. Her friend told police the young woman's mouth and nose were bleeding.

Jacqueline Chandler told police she has been physically abused by her father before, according to the report. The report did not contain a statement from David Chandler.

Chandler's lawyer, Andrew Burch, told Butzbaugh that Chandler is "going to be a success in the counseling sessions." He called his client "an honorable man who has served our community well for 30 years."

State police from Fifth District headquarters in Paw Paw investigated the accusation against Chandler. Because Berrien County prosecutors know Chandler, the information was forwarded to the Allegan County prosecutor's office to avoid possible conflicts of interest. That office authorized the assault charge.Chandler was placed on paid administrative leave on Dec. 8 while the investigation took place, Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey said Thursday.The department is conducting its own internal investigation of the incident, and that investigation will be complete on Monday, Bailey said. The department at that time will make a decision on Chandler's status, he said.Victoria Chandler last year lost a bid for re-election as a Berrien County commissioner.












Sheriff's captain pleads guilty to domestic violence
Posted: Thursday, January 11, 2007 12:00 am
By WILLIAM F. AST III, H-P Staff Writer
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/sheriff-s-captainpleads-guilty-todomestic-violence/article_4a81d0bd-f3a1-55fb-8121-ee9bc6b506f3.html

ST. JOSEPH — Berrien County Sheriff's Department Capt. David Chandler pleaded guilty Wednesday morning in Berrien Trial Court to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.

Police and court officials have been being tight-lipped about the details of the case. However, numerous sources familiar with the case have confirmed it involved an altercation between Chandler and a daughter.

Chandler was scheduled to be sentenced today by Berrien Trial Court Judge Alfred Butzbaugh. The charge carries a penalty of up to 93 days in jail.State police at the Niles post investigated the incident and gave the information to Berrien County Prosecutor Art Cotter. It was then forwarded to the Allegan County Prosecutor's Office, as Chandler is a police officer in Berrien County.

"I really don't feel comfortable" releasing any details, said Allegan Chief Assistant Prosecutor Margaret Bakker, who reviewed the case and authorized the charge. "The case involves family and I want to respect their privacy at this point."

Chandler had been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation, Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey said in an earlier story.

Chandler is the husband of Victoria Chandler, who last year lost a bid for re-election as a Berrien County commissioner.