Devon Epps - no arrest as yet

It's been over two months since little Devon Epps was murdered, and there's no sign of an arrest as yet. Although locals close to one of the families have been hinting that something will be happening "soon" it's still a wait and see situation.

Hopefully all of the forensic tests are coming back and the various investigations tied together so that LE can make an arrest in the case. It's clear they have someone in mind for this child's murder otherwise the public could reasonably expect to hear more public appeals for assistance in the apprehension of the "bushy haired suspect."

Belinda Temple case - David Temple's shotgun - Where is it?

Deborah Berger, teacher (& Belinda Temple's friend) testified that although Belinda was experiencing some of the swelling normal with pregnancy, Belinda was happy, looking forward to the birth of the baby.

Belinda Temple was murdered with a shotgun. Although the Defense is trying to show that David Temple did not own a shotgun at the time of the murder, David Temple's father had given David a shotgun as a gift. The where abouts of that shotgun is in question.

A long time friend of Kevin Temple testified regarding his knowledge of previous gun ownership and shotguns within the Temple family. Stockdick has been hunting with the Temples since a child and owned shotguns since 7 years old. So it's likely he knows what he's talking about when he speaks of various gauges of shotguns.

"I hunted with Kevin in Katy every weekend and sometimes during the week. David also went along regularly." "David bought a 12-gauge shotgun from Everett's jewelry and loan, ,across from Katy High School after he graduated in 1990." "David owned at least three 12-gauge shotguns through the years, two pump shotguns and a semi-automatic shotgun."

Former roommate of "the other woman" testifies in Temple case.

Tara Hall, former roommate of Heather Scott testified.

Part of her testimony was that Heather and David said "I love you" to each other three days before Belinda's death, and that Heather told her that David "told her that he loved her" but that "it wasn't significant, and that she didn't return the sentiment."

She testified that "Heather Scott moved out of the townhouse they shared months after Belinda's death." Not a year and a half after the shooting as Heather Scott claims.

"They were together at least four times and planted flowers together in the backyard in the spring of 1999."

Defense Attorney DeGuerin reportedly seemed "stunned," asking Tara Hall about dates, the date of her wedding, where she worked during school years. With every question, she remained firm on the time Heather and David had been together, and Heather had moved out.

DeGuerin: "Don't you see how important this is?"

Hall said "I could be wrong" at which point DeGuerin began badgering Tara Hall, with the Prosecution objecting.

If it is true that David and Heather were together within months after the murder instead of two years as they had claimed, it shows that they were acting like a couple shortly after Belinda Temple's murder. A year before Heather Scott testified she and David Temple began "seriously dating."


DeGuerin again badgered Tara Hall after court was over, demanding she "check her records."
Assistant District Attorneys Craig Goodheart shouted "She's not being cross-examined now, Dick!"

DeGuerin: "She's wrong and you know she's wrong,"

The new Mrs. testifies

Heather Scott Temple testified in her husband David Temple's trial today. Why is she testifying? Apparently since she was not married to him at the time of Belinda Temple's death, the second Mrs. Temple is NOT protected from testifying under spousal privilege regarding issues that happened before their marriage.

Her behaviour on the stand was contentious, particularly towards the Prosecutor. Often she answered "I don't remember" "Can you repeat the question?" Her answers and behaviour sometimes evoked laughter. So much so, that the Judge in the case twice had to clear the jury from the courtroom and admonish not only her, but the audience members!

Judge Doug Shaver: "We're not going to stay here forever and let you argue with these attorneys." To the audience: "We're not going to have that."

David Temple, coach, and Heather Scott, teacher, began a flirtation, sending each other emails months before Belinda was murdered. She testified that they were flirting at "school happy hours."

Can someone tell me what are School Happy Hours!!?

Prosecutor: "How many times Heather had sex with David Temple while he was still married to Belinda Temple?"

Heather Temple: " Two or three."

Prosecutor: "You had sex with David Temple two or three times?"

Heather Temple: "We had sex twice. I admitted to that. I believe it was twice or three times. I don't remember. It wasn't that memorable. I'm not proud of it."

Prosecutor: "Did it make you feel bad enough to not have sex with him?"

Heather Temple: "No."

Other testimony from Heather Scott Temple:

"It was a silly, insignificant relationship, just having fun at the time. I enjoyed the attention and the flirting.

"I'm an insecure person. I liked inappropriate flattery at that time in my life."

"My insecurities lead me to flirt with two married teachers. (David Temple & Quinton Hanlon.)

The emails were "silly, flirting, immature banter. I've admitted to flirting in email."

Heather Scott Temple testified that she told three of the men, including David Temple, to "delete their e-mails" after Belinda Temple was killed."

"At a New Years party at her home in 1998, she and David discussed their relationship."
"We just had a conversation. It wasn't right. We were in front of a lot of people. We knew it was wrong. It made me uncomfortable at him being married." "That was the first time David told me that he loved me. I felt the same way."

Three days later, on January 11, 1999, Belinda Temple was brutally murdered.

Her husband, the widower, David Temple became engaged to Heather Scott in January 2001, and married July 2001.

The testimony about the conversation was in her statements to police. However, she is now stating on the stand that the words in the statement to police "are not her words."

"I saw myself more as a friend trying to comfort David after Belinda's death."

Prosecutor Sielger asked Heather Scott Temple how she thought Belinda Temple would have felt about the affair. Defense Attorney DeGuerin objected. She did not have to answer those queries.

When asked about whether she and her husband David Temple discussed Belinda Temple's murder: "We've never discussed it. David had talked about the shooting with other members of his close-knit family. " "I intentionally kept out of those conversations."

Cross Exam
Defense Attorney Dick DeGuerin: "Have you ever heard David Temple say a negative word about Belinda or their marriage?"

Heather Temple: "No."

"I was questioned three times by police after Belinda Temple's murdered. Investigators yelled at me." "I have nothing to hide. It was harsh and unfair. I was like a whipped dog every time I left."

"David had nothing to do with Belinda's murder."

Belinda Temple

Belinda Temple, 8 months pregnant was shotgunned to death, kneeling in the closet in her bedroom of her home.

The trial of David Temple, accused of murdering his pregnant wife Belinda Temple, is ongoing in Houston, Texas. The Prosecution has begun to put forth the facts of their case and say that David Temple is the only one who had the motive for the murder of Belinda. That motive, is an affair with Heather Scott, with whom he began an affair months before Belinda's death, and whom he married two years after.

In previous hearings, it was shown by the Prosecution that the "burglary" that was supposed to have taken place in conjunction with the murder was a "staged" break in.

The Prosecution believes Temple staged a burglary to make it look as if someone came into the house to burglarize, found Belinda present and killed her. Some of the glass in the back door of the home was broken out, but the glass was strewn inside the house in such a way that it looked as if the door had been open when it was being broken. Drawers were opened, but nothing was missing. A TV was on its side, but not unplugged from the electricity or the cable. Jewelry on Belinda, in and out of jewelry boxes was not touched. Deer rifles and other electronics had not been stolen either. The Prosecution terms this "proprietary interest." In other words, you don't hurt, damage or steal your own belongings.

David Temple was not the only coach at the school to have an "affair" with Heather Scott, a co-worker at Alief Hastings High School, according to a witness today, Quinton Harlon. Harlon testified that he and Temple were friends and co-workers at the school. Harlon also said his own conduct with Heather Scott almost cost him his marriage, that he had contemplated an affair with Scott, but that it had not gone beyond the kissing stage. Harlson stated that David Temple had confronted him about his interest in Scott. He further stated that Temple had threatened him and that as a result he had moved his family out of Houston.

Harlon: "He asked me what I was saying, not only to the grand jury, but to the police," Harlon said. "I told him I was telling the truth. He said, "You need to keep your mouth shut."

The day after Belinda Temple was killed "He asked how Heather was doing."

I asked "Wouldn't you like to know who did it?" David replied "What's the difference? It's not going to bring her back."


Harlon's wife, Tammy Harlon was also on the stand today and tearfully recounted that "David Temple disparaged his in-laws and refused to allow Belinda and their 3-year-old son to visit Belinda's family." "I didn't like David Temple because of the way he treated his wife. I worried that my husband's behavior would mirror David Temple's. I thought my marriage was beginning to look like the Temples' marriage."


The Defense calls this character assassination and that "the investigation was biased and detectives immediately assumed David Temple was guilty. The leads were not followed and the evidence will show that this was a blind focus on David Temple as their one and only suspect."

For photos and information explore the CMM Forum.

Trial in the news

BELINDA TEMPLE:

The trial of David Temple for the heinous murder of his pregnant wife Belinda Temple is underway in Houston, Texas. It's been a long number of years since Belinda was shotgunned in her own home, on her knees in a closet upstairs. The prosecution says that no one else had a motive to kill Belinda except her husband, who was having an affair. He married his mistress after Belinda's death.

Houston Chronicle is carrying reports from the trial.

Halloween Safety

Do you remember trick or treating without a parent along in your neighborhood? Days or evenings of a gaggle of friends in costume going door to door, having fun, competing to see who had the most treats? Even though we weren't aware of the possible dangers we could have encountered, those threats did exist even then. Luckily for most of us we never had to face them. Perhaps it's because at the time many of the bad things that happen at Halloween to children weren't publicized as much on television back then that we all felt like there was no harm that could come to us.

Today we're all much more aware, especially those who follow true crime cases in the news. There are horrors that we've become knoweldgeable about and are all too aware of the dangers of allowing our children or grandchildren to trick or treat without an adult along. Even so, many have decided to take what they feel is a safer route in taking the children to pre-planned gatherings at schools, friends homes and other public venues designed for Halloween fun.

It's a very scary state of affairs when one feels compelled or is urged to take children's bags of trick or treat goodies to have them x-rayed at a local hospital prior to consumption. No longer is it safe for the children to dump out their goodies and trade or choose what they're going to eat before an adult searches it first for hidden harm.

Halloween is coming soon, and it's never too soon to start planning on where, when and how long your scary or cute trick or treater(s) will be having fun.

Have a SAFE and Happy Halloween!

Devon Epps

This is a longer entry than usual, profiling a case that many are following and waiting, waiting for an arrest and justice.

A horrific tragic tale of a child's death by a carjacker who enters his mother's car and kills him.
DEVON CHAD EPPS

That's from first reports. As the amount of days grow longer from the date of the crime, there are other questions being asked about the crime, and about the single witness, the mother.

AMANDA REAGAN SMITH.

The death of Devon Epps, aged 7, in August, was in the news primarily in Greenville, South Carolina. In September the story was picked up and featured briefly on shows such as Nancy Grace (CNN), Greta Van Sustern (FOX), Geraldo (FOX), the Scared Monkeys web site, and RapidEyeReality. Pat Brown, former FBI profiler has commented about the case on her web site and on television.

Although a 911 call to Police on August 12, 2007 begins the investigation into his death, the story behind little Devon Epps's life and death begins earlier. It seems Devon, was no stranger to tragedy.

THE FIRE: Three months before his death, a lamp was placed on the floor (presumably as a night light) and somehow (according to the mother) a blanket fell over the lamp, causing a fire in the home Devon shared with his mother Amanda. Little Devon woke up and burned his hands on the doorknob trying to get to his mother to wake her up. Devon suffered smoke inhalation in addition to his burns. While in hospital he told family that it took a long time to wake his mother up. Everyone considered that Devon was brave, and a hero for his actions in trying to save himself and his mother.

However, the mother in telling HER tale, paints herself as the heroine, saving little Devon and herself from the fire.

The May 1, 2007 fire was ruled accidental.

Then comes August 12, 2007. A 911 call triggers Emergency responders and Law Enforcement to the scene.

The 911 report: Amanda Reagan Smith told 911 that around 10:30 to 10:45 pm, at the intersection of Jacobs Road and an Interstate 85 frontage road near White Horse Road, Greenville, S.C. she and her son were "carjacked and attacked" by a "bushy haired stranger."

When Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders arrived, Amanda Reagan Smith was outside the car, at the front of the vehicle, while little Devon's body was lying outside the car, on the ground, towards the rear of the vehicle. Amanda was asking instructions on how to do CPR on her son.

The emerging tale: Amanda Reagan Smith stated to LE: "As she stopped her 2000 Honda Civic at a stop sign at the frontage road's intersection with Jacobs. At that point, "a bushy haired stranger, in his late 30s to early 40s with reddish hair and a beard, wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt, and wielding a knife told her son Devon to get into the back seat of the small car, and ordered her to drive to a wooded area near the intersection. The stranger then ordered the mother out of the car, locked the car, rolled up the windows and got into the back seat of the car and "smothered" her son by putting a pillow from her car over his face."

The mother further stated she tried to break the window of the car, injuring herself. After smothering the boy, and leaving him in the vehicle, the bushy haired stranger left the vehicle and ran off into the woods.

Questions: Why would a nursing student need CPR instructions from a 911 dispatcher? From those who were in nursing school at the same time as Amanda, CPR is one of the first lessons taught, and refresher courses issued periodically.

The objective of a carjacker is to take the car. Why would this suspect kill a child in the back seat of a car, leaving the adult not only unharmed, but without the vehicle?

The perpetrator sketch: This sketch is of the presumed attacker.

Law Enforcement officials searched the woods and found no one.

Officially Deceased: Greenville Hospital System's Children's Hospital: 11:42 Devon Green pronounced dead by Greenville County Deputy Coroner Karie Cain.

Autopsy: The following Monday the autopsy found that Devon Epps "DIED OF ASPHYXIA DUE TO NECK COMPRESSION.

QUESTION: Why would the attacker, who had a knife, use a pillow to "smother" the child (according to the mother)?

Greenville County Sheriff's Office released the sketch of the presumed suspect to the public. The sketch is said to resemble not only Devon's father, Chad Epps, (but older) but also a homeless man seen in the White Horse Road area. Law Enforcement has since spoke to the man, and he is not a suspect in the case.

Devon's Father: Chad Epps was in jail on the night of his son's murder and from people who know/knew Chad, from all accounts, even though he had his problems, he loved Devon. He'd apparently been there in the jail for approximately 7 days before the night in question on a complaint by Amanda Reagan Smith for non-support. An officer had tobreak to him the bleak news about Devon's murder. Public Record

Reassuring the public: Although Law Enforcement are investigating tips, after the intial release of the sketch, there has been no further widespread search for the suspect shown in the sketch, nor has there been the usual televised appeals for the public's help in finding the person in the sketch. Further, LE has reassured schools and the public in the area that there is no reason to be concerned about their safety or a knife wielding bushy haired stranger.

Questions: Why not? Does this mean they KNOW who the perpetrator is? Could it perhaps be not a stranger who did this, but someone close to Devon? A family member? The mother?

In the media, we've all heard where the parent or parents are immediately on television appealing for help in finding the murderer of their loved one when tragedies such as this occur. There have been no public or televised appeals by Amanda Reagan Smith for help in finding the killer of her son Devon.

At one public vigil at the site (according to locals), the mother did not show up. Although a friend of hers stated that Amanda and her parents didn't know about the vigil, it seems unlikely that they were not informed by people close to them who did attend. The mother held a vigil, not at the site, but behind the McDonald's close by.

A local who knows the families was asked (online) whether Amanda Reagan Smith knew of the online forums and of posters regard for Devon, and their speculation that there was no bushy haired stranger, that it was the mother? The person responded "I have talked to her about this very thing and she told me she thinks it is funny as hell. "

Question: Why no public appeals for help to the killer of her son by Amanda? Why does she think posters speculation funny?

MYSPACE PAGE: Amanda is reported to have become a party animal in the last two years and had developed a MySpace website. The day after Devon's death it was noticed by posters that its content of personal photos of Amanda, photos of a bucket full of booze and fruit, and a list of drinks Amanda liked to drink had been changed to a memorial site for Devon on August 14th, the day after Devon died. It was changed back to a personal page rather quickly and then removed. Another page popped up and was as quickly deleted. Cached page (with the memorial commentary.) Comments from her friends online have implied that ARS has found "new" friends to hang out with, since many of them have had no contact with or from ARS since shortly after Devon's death and the investigation began. Locals report ARS as working at a business called Zaxby's (fast food) and is no longer a nursing student.

Amanda Reagan Smith

In amongst the photos on the original site there were notations "I regularly use 100 watt light bulbs." "I fear.. tomorrow." "I've never been to jail and I don't intend to."

Question: Why put such statements on the website? Was this in response to the fire investigation being reopened? Or the investigation?

Amanda Reagan Smith's other contact with Law Enforcement: numerous traffic offenses, primarily that of having a lead foot while driving. Speeding offenses- 1996 (1); 1999 (1); 2001 (1); 2002 (2); 2003 (2); 2004 (1); 2005 (1); 2006, and 2007 (1).

1999 (failure to show proof of insurance (1); 1999 (failed to show to court); 1999 (failure to wear seat belt); 2001 (failure to yield right of way);2002 (negligent driving), 2005 (fraudulent check to Walmart); 2006 (Operating vehicle on highway without registration and license due to delinquency); 2007 (Use of license plate other than for vehicle which issued); 2007 (failure to show to court); 2007 (rear ended a truck while driving grandparent's vehicle).

Injuries during the reported carjacking incident:
Although Smith suffered injuries in the incident deputies have declined to release to the media the extent of her injuries.

THE INVESTIGATION:
Possible clues: Local businesses within yards of the scene are reported to have video cameras. Whether via camera footage or a witness, Investigators on the case are now searching for a 1998 to 2005 white Lincoln Town car which was seen on a frontage road in the area between 10:30 and 11:00 pm the night of August 12, 2007. Presumably police will determine whether the driver of the car is a witness or a suspect once identified.

Forensic tests are being conducted on Amanda Reagan Smith's 2000 Honda Civic and the pillow that she claims a carjacker used in the death of her son.

The previous fire (ruled accidental) is being reviewed.

It's been alleged by locals (online) that Amanda Reagan Smith has lawyered up and has taken two polygraphs and failed.

Memorial Sites for DEVON EPPS:

http://www.geocities.com/justicefordevon/index.htm

http://groups.msn.com/JusticeForDevon

http://www.sandisspace.homestead.com/Devon.html

http://www.geocities.com/justicefordevon/index.htm