Calls were made to the Investigators assigned to Russell's case. It was around June 2010 when I first had a conversation with someone in the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department (CCSD). I explained who I was, and asked where the investigation was at this point. At first I was told that I had been given, or was relaying, bad information because they had "exhausted" all leads. After further conversation, it was apparent this individual was quite defensive to my questions. After explaining some of the things he had done, and while asking him questions related to what he had just told me, he stated, "I don't know who you are though." I told him I had explained who I was, I was Russell's aunt, his mother's sister and because I lived in TX and not able to verify all the information I did have, I wanted to speak directly with those in charge of this investigation. He said something to the effect of, "Well you say that, but on the phone, how do I know you are who you say you are?" I then asked what it mattered, and if I couldn't just be a concerned citizen just searching for the answers? He said it absolutely because in a case like this when we don't know all of the circumstances, it did matter what every person said and did when referencing this case. The conversation continued a bit further and then for the next few days, I left several un-returned phone messages. I had requested all of the investigative reports and other such information surrounding his case. I never did get a return call. I finally called a general phone number and spoke with an administrative person who told me what was needed to get this information. I requested that everything they had be sent to me. When I received the reports, there were several things mentioned in the report that were not included in the package I received. I made note of the individuals, agencies, etc. mentioned in the reports I did have, and then made another phone call to request the remaining information that had been referenced. I requested the phone and bank records, as well as an inventory listing of what was in his car, the pictures referenced and any other reports and information they had not provided, be sent to me. In this phone call I was told that I would have to request the information through a Captain and that he would have to okay this request. I made the phone call to that individual, and ended up leaving a message with my request of information.
I noted in the Investigative reports that the Ft. McCoy CID (Criminal Investigation Department) had requested information from CCSD since Russell was a National Guardsmen and that they were going to perform a "shadow investigation". I also noted who the Coroner was and made a phone call to her.
I was shocked by her ... unprofessionalism. I explained who I was and asked what findings lead her to label Russell's death as "Accidental". She said to me in a very abrupt, aggresive voice, "It ain't murder!" I was caught off guard. I told her that I didn't say it was, that I was just trying to make sense of the autopsy and police reports and rather than asking other individuals about her findings, I was calling her about them. She then asked me, "What do you want it to be?" I have never understood this question. Several of the people I have asked questions of, those in authority over this case, have all asked a variation of this question. Of course I explained to her I wished that it wasn't anything, that my nephew was still here and that I didn't have to ask these questions. Obviously, after all of this time, I do not recall the exact timing of the conversation of what was said in what order, other than I do know what her first words were about it not being murder. There was never any alcohol or drugs found in his toxicology report, and we have since determined that the last time someone recalls seeing him was likely confused about the actual date because the rest of the information we have gathered and confirmed, does not make that date possible. She said something about it being at night, and I asked why she thought it happened at night. She told me it was because he left the bar drunk and went out there. I asked how she knew he went out there straight from the bar since he had been missing for several days at least before his body was found. She said that she didn't know anything about him being missing, that no one had told her that part. Then she corrected herself and stated that yes she did know he had been missing. That didn't change her mind about him being out there at night and she was quick to point out that he was probably drunk (that the alcohol could have metabolized by the time the toxicology tests were taken) and fell down the hill and never woke up before hypothermia set it. I asked her about different aspects of the report as the CCSD had reported it as well as how she and CCSD worked together in comparing notes, reports, etc. I don't recall the exact question I asked her that had to do with something the report said that contradicted what she was saying and I asked how that could be the case and she said, "That's not my problem, that's up to the police to figure out." I asked how that was possible if they didn't compare their findings, etc. and things never did get answered. She stated the only thing she could/would change was the death certificate from "Accidental" to "Undetermined". A request was made in writing to have this change made, however it went unanswered ... by her as well as by the CCSD. I sent the request to CCSD as well because I wanted to know if the death certificate was changed to Undetermined, would they re-open the case? That question has gone unanswered as well, and the death certificate has not been changed to Undetermined that I am aware of.
If this and future postings sound like there's really not much to them, and like I'm making too big of a deal out of things, I would ask that you take into consideration that there is much more information available than I am able to post. The actual reports themselves cause sooo many questions and concerns and it would take quite a large posting for each item I try to explain.
May God grant you all the blessings He knows you have need for and direct you in all that He would have you do.
Sincerely,
~ Peggy ~
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