April 23, 2011 — A plea in the Lativia Johnson Case

Eighteen years (and how many tears?)  later, one of two men charged in the murder of eight-year-old Lativia Johnson has pleaded guilty in her shotgun execution.  Robert “Bobby” Brown will also be required to testify against his co-defendent, Robert Gaines.  Here is Barton Dieter’s story in The Grand Rapids Press.

I have followed this case with interest ever since I learned of it in 2005 from Captain Jeffrey Hertel of the Grand Rapids Police Major Case Team. At the time it was high on his list of priorities and he made good on his pledge that he was going to do everything possible to see the complaint worked to a successful conclusion.  Of course, he has that intention for all the open homicides.

April15, 2011 — Finishing a film, StarbyStar

I’ve not had much to post in the last while because I have been finishing another film, StarbyStar: Naomi Long Madget, Poet and Publisher.  No, its not about murder but it IS about Detroit’s Poet Laureate, who are 87 is active and vigorous in the prusuit of the arts.  The film goes up next Wednesday at the main branch of the Detroit Public Library at 6 p.m. and you are invited.  There is no charge.