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Subscribe to RSSWhat did you think of the case? Should police be allowed to threaten and lie to witnesses during questioning -- telling them they have eyewitnesses to a crime or that someone has confessed? Do you think police lies and threats of prison can cause a person to falsely accuse another? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
The full report will be viewable online tomorrow, Saturday.
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Scott and Jane, this case is very familiar to me. Not yours specifically but one so similar it brought tears to my eyes. Police officers lie and unfortunately the jury doesn't know any better and they convict the innocent. The sad part is that is is so easy for the innocent to be convicted, and so difficult for them to prove their innocence post-conviction even with the facts right there in front of them. I wish you the best and I am sorry to say I know your pain too well.
Thank you to everyone who has provided their support. We will never forget about the loss of Rob M and the suffering his family is going through. But, we can never forget the injustice that ocurred and now realize that this happens every day in this country. Police do not solve crimes by investigating they solve crimes by interogating. All of the recent releases of prisoners cleared by DNA evidence is proof of this. I don't think prosecutors or police will ever admit any wrongoing and many don't even when DNA proves they were wrong. Unfortunately DNA evidence does not help in this type of case.
Maybe someone should look at the Plainfield police and how they acquire the "confessions" they use as evidence.
I agree the taxpapers of Plainfield should rally against our currupt police department. My teenage daughter had moved out of my house and in with her father (June 2007). Prior to her moving out I bought her a new bedroom set that she wanted. I hadn't heard from her for three weeks and one day a call came through with her number on the caller ID. It was a Plainfield police officer (using my daughters phone and not properly identifying himself). He told me that he had my ex husband and daughter at the station and was going to escort them to my house to get the bedroom set that I had just bought. He told me my ex had paperwork (which obviously he never even looked at). I had been divorced from this man for 12 years. When I explained this to the officer he preceded to ask me why I was being so hostile. This PD dept had no jurastiction over this matter but yet proceded to try to bully me into handing over furniture in my home. I believe it was because I was a women, so I could see where they could manipulate a teenage mind. The Plainfield PD is the criminal in this case and I feel sorry for all parties involved except for who is truly guilty.
the plainfield police had nothing to do with this case. the major crime squad pushed them aside and told them to mind their own business. if the plainfield police were allowed to help, the boys would have been more apt to talk with them
i happened to miss this episode but i do know hes innocent!!!i have had my run ins with troop d state police...it is well known that they slept through ethics class!!how does the police and prosecuters sleep well knowing the wrong person is jailed??...im not to religious but they will have to answer to thier maker!!!!
everyone is saying he's innocent, but how do we know? the police may have screwed up, but that does not mean he is innocent. and what i can not stand about this case is the fact that everyone forgets about the victim. this is all about ryan, but what about the 18 year old that will not see the next 25 years of his life? yet here we are readdy to say this man is innocent and he should serve no time. theres a difference between innocent and not guilty, just because there were some shady things happening during the case, does not mean he is innocent.
He has served time..did you listen at all he has spent time in jail for 12yrs for circumstantial evidence
not for nothing, but the victim is dead... sorry so blunt, but nothing can be done to change that. now as far as ryan's innocence goes... innocent until proven guilty... 1 more time, innocent until proven guilty! so many shreds of evidence proving not guilty... just one really big one for ya... no gsr on ryans hands...(gun shot residue) not trying to insult fyi
chuck i agree! as a jury they are charged to find beyond a reasonable doubt that this person is guilty...i dont think the jury in this case could honestly say beyond a reasonable doubt that ryan did it..no gsr!!! did it just disappear off of him?!? or for the fact that the prosecutor married a jury member!! it just takes one person to sway the votes of other people..there is alot of injustice and sadly one person has died and another sent to jail falsely accused.
Well anonymous,
Yes we do have to remember the dead, but he is gone and thisguy is still alive. The guys that prbably did commit the murder are: one of them died 3 years later of a DRUG overdose, i.e. probably not the best of witnessess, don't you think?, and the other one is currently IN prison for bad crimes and he doesn't want to talk, why? because he will get himself more time for the original lie and just wants to keep his mouth shut! Here is this innocent kid in prison and he hasn't gotten to ever live a normal adult life and that is so sad. Poor baby, my heart goes out to him and his family. His friends were way to weak against the law at a tender young age that they just let the law walk all over them:(
Ok since the kid is dead , let's compound the tragedy by getting a pound of flesh from whoever is convenient . That's how your typical homicide cop and da thinks . Forget about justice ,forget about comprehensive investigations (that's too hard ) ,just beat out some bogus confessions and lie through your teeth to your retarded jurors ,and then go take your bows on tv .
The show was about a circle of friends and wrongfully accused for a crime. Yes, we all care about the victim but they made Ryan a victim as well. He missed a wonderful part of his life because cops don't want to do the job they are paid to do. Investigate!!!!!!!!!! What about investigating your witnesses???? They knew he was wearing a white coat so lets pick Ryan. 12 years behind bars this does not even seem conceivable. I need to know what can be done to help Ryan and his family?
Anonymous 2059582
I really hope you can sleep at night, with a comment like that!!! If you knew Robert Latour, you would have never made that comment. He is not here to defend himself!!!! Is untimely death, and the method of his decease, has absolutely nothing to do with the person he was and absolutely nothing to do with this case!!! You have no clue. Respect the dead, they are not here to defend themselves. Shame on everyone who has forgotten that Rob M. did not ask for that to happen to him...... Don't believe everything you see and hear, unless it is with your own eyes and ears!!!!
KL-022476,
There is not enough evidence to convict anyone. Though, the Latour family is the most infamous family in all of Plainfield. Is it or is it not true that members of the Latour family have committed outrageous crimes against decent people? I have heard stories of more than one murder from this family. I'm not sure what is in the water over there but it's very evil. I wouldn't rule out anyone, especially from such a criminal background.
I've watched a lot of "datelines" in my life and I'm usually quite skeptical regarding the innocence of the accused but not in this case. What a shame, if anyone knows any way I can reach out to this family to offer my support please email me at bostonapartments@gmail.com.
I contacted Ryan's dad and told him to check out your message. Didn't feel that I could hand out his e-mail address, but I'd be surprised if you didn't hear from him.
Another in a long, sad history of miscarriages of justice in Connecticut. The show left out a lot, like the fact that the prosecutor and one of the jurors ended up dating and getting married, but if one person walks away with an understanding of the way the system operates here (and no doubt elsewhere), it will have been worth airing.
Scott and Jane and Ryan and the rest of their family are wonderful, strong, loving people. The world needs more like them.
the show did leave out a lot. Like background of those accused. Not the nicest kids in the world. I remember going to parties with Gilkenson, Stebbens, Thompson and they were carrying weapons such as knives, nunchucks. I clearly remember them saying if anyone f**** with us we'll take care of them. The families of the accused seem to leave out these kids troubled pasts and make them out to be good, all american kids. But these kids are good kids, they aren't capable of such things.
really because i have known everyone of them since 4th grade and never seen such a thing........i was extremely close to rob m. as a matter of fact he used to give me a ride to work after school everyday..TO RYANS VIDEO STORE..where i worked for a long time..get your facts straight..people joke around...everyone in that stupid town thinks they are hard ass when they are young teens....really>>>>>get it right bud..sorry for being a bitch but thats the TRUTH
What does the past of these guys have to do with the fact that Ryan is in jail for something he did not do? I grew up with most of these kids. As a kid/teen, we all think we are hardcore. We want to fight, yell, scream, prove our worth to the world. I know a lot of adults in Eastern Connecticut who still act this way.
Whether or not you have seen them with knives and/or numchucks proves nothing about the murder of Rob. You can't shoot someone with a knife or numchucks.
It's unethical to look at the past of someone and use that to try them for murder. Yes, it can be used to show the character of someone, but you have to remember the age of all those involved.
I am ashamed and outraged at the tactics the police and prosecutors are allowed to use to coheres a confession! It causes citizens in our country not to trust the judicial system or the people whom are sworn "To protect and serve" our cities across this great nation. This man that has been not only falsely accused and found guilty of a crime it's obvious he did not commit but remains in prison! More people across our great country need to speak with their state government officials and if each state officials have enough letters and phone calls then they will take action to take it to our state capital! The state of Connecticut surely showed to Dateline and all the people that viewed this program that they know how to ABUSE POWER!! Our country is "The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave" so speak up America
free the West Memphis 3, there is injustice aplenty. as for this case, I'm not sure. and I've personally experienced a scenario that ended with attempted murder at a party, and most of the witnesses there all purposely lied about who threatened and did what, so I don't know about this case. people are human and sometimes the justice system jails innocent people unfortunately as seen by the Innocence Project, but we need to do our part and stay out of trouble otherwise we may put ourselves in bad situations
I will say this, I am not sure who is guilty and who is not, but I will say that as far as Robert Latour is concerned, he is not here to defend himself, and it sickens me that it is implied that he could have had something to do with the shooting. Not likely!!!! I knew him very well, and quite honestly, he was afraid of his own shadow, never mind shooting someone. Out of the Latour family who resided in Moosup, at the time, he was the most honest and loving one of them all. I will also say, that he was very easily persuaded and the Plainfield police knew this. With there tactics on how to acquire confessions, it would not surprise me if Robert Latour was persuaded by the Plainfield Police Department in ways we will never know. And as far as the time of his decease, it had nothing to do with this case. He did not commit suicide. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time, doing things that he had never done in his life due to persuasion by others.
I agree KL. It's easy to blame someone who isn't here.
Absolutely!!!!! I also agree with your comment about the accused and "friends" past. Never once did dateline investigate how these teens were before this shooting. They made it sound like, just because they had never been arrested before, that they were "good" kids. Like anything else, they show what they want people to see..... they do not show the whole truth!!! So beware viewers, you are not getting the whole story. Unless, you knew these kids (accused and victims), you will never know what these kids were like. And unless you where at that party and saw what happened, you will never know the truth!!!! Do not get me wrong, I feel for the parents of all involved, however they only show you what they want you to see.
Latour was being looked at for this long before he died. Let's not play the game of "he's not here to defend himself." So many people had inklings that it was him from the start, even some of his own family members. Even if he was here, he would continue lying like a rug. It IS too bad that he died, but a person is not free of their sins even when they die. His death closed nothing about his suspicion.
i'm sorry scott, jane and family that i was not able to watch the dateline spisode tonight... but i do know this... i really think the voters of plainfield should take into account that the plainfield police dept. should be overhauled... and what should have happened is that a totally non-biased crime unit should have done the investigation in the first place.. i'm surprised that the plainfield P.D. was actually allowed to do any investigation... considering that they can say whatever they want in their police reports, leave this out or put this in... the plainfield police department is a great role model for other police departments of what not to be. i'm pretty sure that if there was no gun powder residue on ryan... he couldn't have pulled the trigger. and with "witnesses" recanting statements... changing this, changing that... come on seriousley? any 5 year old can add.. why can't police in plainfield do the same, even the jurors... what has our "justice" system come to?
I believe that it should be illegal for police to lie to get a confession. I believe Ryan is innocent and the real killer is still out there. This is a sad story and shows that innocent people do serve time. The legal system stinks and something needs to be done.
To Andrew's parents; I think you are both amazingly and strong and angels on this world. You give so much hope to the rest of us.
God Bless,
Maureen
My heart went out to Robert Latour's family and to Ryan and his family when I watched Dateline tonight. No real evidence against Ryan and he's spent almost half of his life behind bars. The police just needed to arrest someone for the murder - guilt or not. What do they care if there's an innocent person in jail. They closed their case and that's all they wanted to do. It's really scary. You don't have to commit a murder or crime to be convicted - you just need to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. How sad.
You got it right the big cheese in the little town has a quest to put a hold on us.This is a new world with little people trying desperately to take over- we must become awakened-again!I can sense your love in the comment is true.
That's the problem Cindy: genuinely decent people don't find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time; they don't bring a gun to a party or remain associated with violent situations and/or invest themselves among criminal minds.
I do sympathize with the selection process and confessional tactics - though someone has to take the fall in a murder case. Everyone involved in this scandal appears guilty in some way or another: by their association, their reputation, their carelessness for themselves and others at the scene of the crime. There isn't enough evidence and the police know that no one would have lived this down without a conviction.
What happened with the ballistics and weapon search analysis ... Has anyone seen the results? Where is the gun? What caliber of ammo was fired? Can we match the ammo to suspects, relatives, or bystanders that attended the party? The case work seems incomplete.
i sit here and wonder how such amazing people could dear with such a horrific loss, i am sitting here crying and thinking what amazing people we have on this earth, and think to myself this two people have endured so much pain, and yet still full of hope. To all of his friends, what a lucky guy to have such amazing friends and family, i am sure that he is looking down on you and holding his son in his arms, and looking down at everyone, zachery was such a little chucky monkey.......my heart is broken, but i think zach is in his dad's arms right now!!!! thank you dateline for putting up the most powerful show ever!! god bless
As a former resident of Plainfield and, a victim of the antics of David Stebbins, I can outwardly state that I don't believe a word of what he has to say. The investigation of the vehicle he used to hit me -while under the influence of mind altering substances- was a joke. It took the law well over TOO long to finally prove his lying ass guilty of hitting me, destroying my bike and screwing my life and, the life of my family.
I have his sworn statement of that incident and the statements of others and, Ray Charles could see through the bs.
Alas, the situation that Ryan is in and, the unfortunate loss of Rob is worse than mine. Though I feel nothing but contempt for David, My prayers lie with the families of two boys that have suffered far more than they have deserved.
Duke, ya lying dog, Dave was cleared of all charges of your accident. Ya got hit by some wetback working the staples project who blew outta town that night never to be seen again.
Dave was drug through the dirt for two plus years for something he didn't do as payback from the same prosecutor in Ryans case Dooley, they knew after two weeks that it wasn't Dave, but, hey, there is a bright side for ya, The Eagle paid ya what, 250 g's prior to the charges being dropped?
I most definitely think its happens.I seen for myself injustice in the police department as well as judges gone amok. That's why there is a process that one can take to address such issues. It's with an appellate division or internal affairs. I have to say our system of justice is not flawless and human error happens all the time. I feel it takes a better person to admit wrong then it does to cover it up.
i am appalled that this young man has spent 12 yrs in prison for something he did not do. what is more unbelievable is that the police can lie about anything and it is then the law. what in the hell happened in this country that you are now guilty until proven innocent... corruption is rampant in small towns----look at scott ballard and his 3 ring circuit-fayette county ,georgia. outside of the biggest metro area in the south .a droll resides and he is so disconcerting as he tries to regain control. may god truly prevail and give justice-my heart aches for this country and what we have become.. peace is a gift we all have to work for....
This is a very unfortunate incident. My heart goes out to the victim's family. So heartbreaking to have to go through this.
As for the accused, Ryan, after watching this episode I almost feel as though he is innocent and was wrongfully put in jail. David Stebbins is a menace to society and I truly believe that he had more to do with this crime or he himself pulled the trigger. He is known for his lies, deceitfulness, drug use, violence and stints in prison. He is a LOSER! He hides and cowers behind his father who faithfully bails him out and never allows him to face the consequences. It's only a matter of time before he kills someone (possibly again) and God help the family who is the victim to that crime. Something should have been done a LONG time ago about this piece of sh*t!
justiceseeker.....
please also pass my email on to the parents of Ryan as well. This poor young man is innocent and has spent 12 years in prison for something he didnt do!!! Im just outraged that the system allows him to continue to sit in prison. If there is anything I can do to help....then please contact me!
obrien0416@yahoo.com
I am baffled that this kid got convicted without the police finding the weapon or GSR on him? Motive? Convicted for having a white jacket with no GSR residue on it? Witness thought they saw him with a gun in the dark? There are so many things wrong here, I don't get it. How did this thing go to trial in the first place? Have they ever heard of reasonable doubt? I would stay away from this town and state. I feel bad for the kid who died but we have to convict the right person don't we?
Until the American people stop being as naive as children, and face the reality that corrupt judges, cops, and district attorneys are sending innocent people to jail all the time, this will never end.
We are all being victimized too, by fear that it could happen to us, and by the burden of higher taxes, required to pay for a legal system that is run by the most sophisticated criminals, and the cost of incarcerating the wrong people.
That also means that the real criminals are still committing crimes and getting away with it, and that we could be their next victims. How pathetic that so many people are willing to be victims repeatedly, rather than demand a legitimate justice system.
Legal parasites wants prosecutions of the WORST professional criminals who are running the justice system. You can't prosecute them all, even though they're all aware of massive corruption.
Zachary and Andrew are in God's hands. For family members and friends, Trust in God in your pain & sorrow. He will showers you with peace and joy for days to come. Love you all, here is a quote for you all.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
--Revelation 21:4
I think police should not lie about punishments for the most part or lie about possible rewards for that matter. I guess most people should just get lawyers rather than talk if police are going to bully everyone rather than protect and serve
ryan's demeanor and haircut make him look like a thug, the judge gave a look like this guy's just a thug. he talks like a standup guy but when you see him walk he looks like a thug, which I know in jail you have to be tough, but that could be working against him unfortunately.
Ever tried walking in handcuffs and ankle irons? You'd walk "like a thug" too. Not sure how short hair is thuggy, either, but I guess thugginess is in the eye of the beholder. You did get the part about "standup guy" right, though.
him and his friends are thugs. I knew them, I hung out with them. They are THUGS.!
Joe Blow: You are a prime example of someone who has read about the case, maybe went to school with Ryan, Jared, Dave, and/or Brandi, and now you think you can speak about their character. You knew them you grew up with them, so you obviously know that there are levels to a person and what they can do, would do, and would NOT do. Ryan, Jared, and Dave all had their moments of bad decision making. WE ALL DO! But to say that they are thugs based on what you supposedly knew of them from when you were younger is ridiculous.
How would you feel if you were under the microscope of the public, not just a few citizens, but thousands, maybe millions of citizens, and they commented on you when you were a teenager? What if they took some silly childhood actions and formed it into a hypothesis of character regarding a murder trial?
You're just as biased as Dooley...
This show left me angry with our justice system. I encourage anyone who is brought in for questioning, whether they are "the accused" or not, innocent or guilty, to demand an attorney be present. When dealing with the legal system, one needs a legal advisor. If those doing the interrogating say, "Well, if you are innocent, you don't need a lawyer," or "calling a lawyer will make you look guilty," I'd keep this case in mind. To me Ryan looks innocent, but he ended up in jail.
To the Thompson family, my prayers continue to this day for all of you.....I know Ryan is innocent, he was and still is very good friends with my daughter. Due to the insane, broken down- venue of the the American justice system, which we all know fails continuously- Ryan has to sit in jail and wait. I am proud of him, he's a strong person and has never waived on his innocence, and make no mistake-AMERICA, HE IS INNOCENT! The sad thing is Rob and Ryan were friends/acquaintances. And Rob was a great kid who my daughter was friends with also. And its sad for Robs parents, they have gone through hell too. Make no mistake, no parent should have to bury a child....they live with this daily. But so doesn't the rest of us that knew both kids. This was a tragedy all the way around.
In my eyes, Ryans vindication is he knows and the ones that love and care for him know he did not do this. What folks should do is lobby their local and state/govt politicians and get them to look at and revamp the criminal justice system. There have been too many innocent people that have landed in jail for things they did not do and its been proven over and over. And not just this system, many state and govt systems are corrupt and unjust.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Ryans sister and Ryan---God bless you all