Compiled by Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com

On the clock
Des Moines Police — March 2-4

March 2, 12:28 a.m.
Robbery in the 4000 block of Douglas Avenue. According to a delivery driver at Pizza Hut, 4212 Douglas Ave., he was on a delivery and pulled up to the address, where a white male was outside waiting for him. The driver approached the suspect who said “give me your money and the pizza.” The suspect grabbed the pizza, valued at $23.20, but no money and ran off.

March 3, 1:20 a.m.
Robbery in the 1400 block of Washington Avenue. Officers were dispatched to an assault. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a male victim and female witness. The victim was bleeding from his mouth and missing several teeth. The witness stated she was driving down the street and was flagged down by the victim. He asked for a ride and she declined, but called 911. The victim was allegedly intoxicated and acting very paranoid. The victim told officers that he was leaving his cousin’s house when a group of three to five black males jumped him. He knew some of them, but didn’t want to identify them in fear of his life. The victim’s wallet was taken, which contained his identification and $150. The victim declined medical attention.

March 3-4, 10:30 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.
Burglary in the 3900 block of Eighth Place. Officers responded to a burglary call. Upon arrival they spoke with the victim who reported that his wife came home around 10:30 p.m. At around 1:15 a.m., the victim called his wife to come pick him up. As she left, she noticed the garage door was open. Unknown suspect(s) stole more than $15,000 worth of miscellaneous tools including two air guns, three air tools, a hose, more than 20 wrenches and a slide hammer.

Busted

Name: Kristine Diane McVicker

The story: Officers were sent to People’s Court, 216 Court Ave., on an assault causing injury call. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who was bleeding from her right eye and had a large lump on her head. The victim stated that she and a friend were on the dance floor when she felt a splash of beer. The victim’s friend confronted a woman, later identified as McVicker, asking why she splashed the beer. The two began arguing and the victim tried to break up the argument. The victim’s friend splashed beer on McVicker, who then hit the victim over the head with a beer bottle. The victim found security, and McVicker was escorted out of the club. The victim was taken to Iowa Methodist Medical Center, and McVicker was charged with assault causing injury.

Docket Diving

The following is from a recent ruling made by the Iowa Court of Appeals regarding the case of the State of Iowa vs. Kenneth Michael Murphy.

“In 2005, Joanne was involved in planning her 40th high school class reunion. As part of her duties she had a list of class members to notify of the reunion. Joanne placed her home street address and e-mail address on the notices so class members could respond. One of the notices was sent to class member Kenneth Murphy, who at the time was incarcerated at the Clarinda Correctional Facility. Murphy responded by sending Joanne a long handwritten letter, dated Aug. 20, 2005, to her home. The letter contained Murphy’s suggestions for the upcoming reunion. February 2006, she received a second letter from Murphy. The letter stated Murphy was out of prison. Joanne received a third letter at her home. In this twenty-two-page letter Murphy stated he had a crush on her in high school and he often had sexual fantasies about her and wanted to marry her. Murphy stated he looked up Joanne’s address on a map, so he could see where she lived. He mentioned that although he was interested in a sexual relationship, he had not resorted to rape.

“Joanne became very concerned about the contents of the third letter. She contacted the Iowa City Police Department. A Lieutenant contacted Murphy and told him he was never again to contact Joanne in any way. Despite this admonition Murphy sent Joanne a fourth letter, postmarked in June. Murphy stated he felt no one wanted him to attend the reunion. Joanne did not respond to any of Murphy’s communications.

“Murphy was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree harassment. After a trial a jury found Murphy guilty on both counts. Murphy was sentenced to a term of imprisonment not to exceed two years on each count. Murphy has appealed his conviction on count one only, claiming there is insufficient evidence to support his conviction on this count.

“We conclude there is substantial evidence in the record to support Murphy’s conviction for first-degree harassment based on the third letter he sent to Joanne. The contents of the letter show it was sent with the specific intent to intimidate, annoy or alarm. We affirm Murphy’s conviction.”

Most wanted

Name: Kelley Page
Age: 41
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 190 lbs.
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Wanted for: First and second degree theft. Page is considered dangerous. If you know where to find this fugitive, call Crime Stoppers at 223-1400.

2,319,258 : The number of Americans in jail or prison at the beginning of 2008.

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