South Florida
Media Coverage
*~ January, 2010 -- Page 1 ~*
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| In Loving Memory Of |
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Connecting the dots: Sheriffs'
offices testing 'found' guns in hopes of solving crimes (1/22/10)
New Evidence Released In Boca Mall Killings (1/26/10)
Boca Raton police release photos, seek tips on goggles
used in 2007 mall murders of mother, daughter (1/26/10)
Police seek help identifying goggles used in 2007 Bochicchio
killings (1/26/10)
Police Release Clue In Mall Killings (1/26/10)
Leads Sought In 2007 Mall Killings (1/26/10)
Police release crucial evidence photos in Boca murder case
(1/26/10)
Boca Police Press Release - bocaviper.com (1/26/10)
Police seek lead in 2007 mall murders (1/26/10)
Boca PD releases new Bochicchio clue (1/26/10)
Connecting the dots: Sheriffs'
offices testing 'found' guns in hopes of solving crimes
By Jerome Burdi
South Florida Sun Sentinel
Posted: 10:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2010
There's a new notion catching
on with South Florida cops: Guns are guilty until proven innocent.
In the past year, the Broward and Palm Beach County sheriffs' offices
have been testing the thousands of guns that were "found"
but were not necessarily evidence in crime cases.
Deputies and police come across guns found by people on roadsides, during
domestic-abuse calls and in routine traffic stops.
Such guns typically have been stored and then destroyed after about
a year. The melted metal is recycled into items such as manhole covers.
"That gun did not fall out of an old lady's purse on I-95,"
said Laurie Van Deusen, special projects coordinator for the Palm Beach
County Sheriff's Office and a retired West Palm Beach police captain.
"How do we know that that found gun sitting on your shelf …
wasn't the gun used in the Bochicchio killing or the Gorenberg killing
or, God forbid, the Chris Reyka killing?"
Van Deusen started the practice of testing the guns at the Palm Beach
County Sheriff's Office when she got there in 2008.
She is trying this year to get local police departments to follow the
Sheriff's Office's lead.
Sgt. Maria Polo-Renner, head of the Broward Sheriff's Office Gun Squad,
which in June began testing confiscated guns, is doing the same with
Broward's local departments.
Polo-Renner cited a June 2007 shooting that injured a person in Broward
County. The gun was found six months later during a traffic stop in
another city, and a police department stored it without testing it.
It wasn't until last year, when the gun was turned over to the Broward
Sheriff's Office to be destroyed, that it was tested and dots were connected.
"Now that (shooting) case can be opened and that detective has
a lead," said Polo-Renner, who declined to elaborate because the
case is still open.
Bullets have "fingerprints," and detectives match them using
the National Integrated Ballistics Identification Network. The database
analyzes the distinct markings on fired bullets. A technician fires
a gun, and markings left on the cartridge are recorded in the database.
When police retrieve cartridges from a crime scene, those also are put
into the database, which searches to see whether that gun has been used
in other crimes.
A computer hit can breathe fresh life into a case.
Van Deusen cited a West Palm Beach case as an example of how the database
can crack a case: In November 2004, there were two double homicides
on Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard. The weapon, a .40-caliber Glock handgun
stolen from a Sheriff's Office deputy, was used to kill four men in
three days. Bullet cartridges, discarded at the murder scenes, were
the only pieces of evidence.
Investigators began comparing those cartridges and were able to link
them to the same gun. Using the ballistics database to match the cartridges,
police traced attacks between August and December 2004 to Derek Dixon,
24, who was identified through crime scene surveillance images.
Those images, combined with a Palm Beach Gardens carjacking in December
2004, when the Glock was dropped, helped solve the puzzle.
In March 2008, Dixon pleaded guilty to the four counts of second-degree
murder and is serving a 40-year sentence.
jburdi@SunSentinel.com
New Evidence Released In Boca
Mall Killings
Police Release Photos Of Goggles Used To Cover Victims' Eyes
POSTED: 5:16 pm EST January 25, 2010
UPDATED: 10:43 am EST January 26, 2010
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Police hope
some plastic goggles will help them solve the case of a woman and her
7-year-old daughter who were killed outside the Town Center at Boca
Raton in 2007.
It was Dec. 12, 2007, that 47-year-old Nancy Bochicchio and her 7-year-old
daughter, Joey, were found bound with plastic ties and shot to death
inside their sport utility vehicle in the parking lot of the mall. Surveillance
video showed them exiting the mall hours before the two were found.Now,
Boca Raton police are releasing new evidence that they hope will help
kick start the investigation."It's very unusual in any case especially
an unsolved murder case to release pieces of evidence to the public,"
Boca Raton police spokesman Mark Economou said. "But we're thinking
that this piece of evidence could help us in identifying the person
or persons responsible."
Detectives released pictures of the goggles used to cover the eyes of
the victims when they were found. The goggles have black lenses that
pop out, a swivel nosepiece and an elastic headband."We're hoping
that someone out there knows what they are and maybe where they're sold
or who makes them that can help us point us in the direction and identifying
those," Economou said.Investigators said they have not been able
to identify the goggles."Especially if they're unique and they
come back to certain areas, you can go back to that manufacturer or
back to that place where they were possibly purchased and say, 'Where
were these made?' Then go back to the manufacturer (and ask), 'Where
were these distributed?'" Economou said. "It can maybe, hopefully,
narrow down where they came from."
Boca Raton police release photos,
seek tips on goggles used in 2007 mall murders of mother, daughter
By Missy Diaz
Sun-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: 9:00 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, 2010
Posted: 6:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, 2010
After re-evaluating several hundred
pieces of evidence in the 2007 killings of a mother and daughter at
the Town Center mall, Boca Raton police are looking for help identifying
goggles worn by one of the victims.
Police found the yellow-framed, plastic goggles with removable black
lenses and a black elastic headband on Nancy Bochicchio, 47, or her
7-year-old daughter, Joey, though they've declined to say which one.
The decision to release photographs of the goggles comes after more
than two years and close to 2,000 leads, according to police spokeswoman
Sandra Boonenberg.
"Typically, we don't release images of this kind of evidence, but
after going through everything … we've taken these extraordinary
measures because we don't want to leave any stone unturned," she
said.
On Dec. 12, 2007, the Bochicchios were found in their black Chrysler
Aspen SUV in the Town Center parking lot. They were bound with plastic
ties and handcuffs and one of them was wearing the swim goggles, according
to police.
It was later discovered that the mother and daughter were abducted and
then taken to an ATM and forced to withdraw $500. Four months earlier,
a woman and her toddler were abducted from the same mall, taken to an
ATM to withdraw money and then bound and left in their car. That mother
and child survived.
Boonenberg said just because there hasn't been an arrest doesn't mean
police aren't doggedly working the case.
"We've gone through hours of evidence, had over 1,900 leads and
we've gone through 95 percent of them," she said.
Police ask that anyone with information about the manufacturer or points
of sale of the goggles, or any other information about the case, call
Detective Jeff Clare at 561-338-1246 or Crimestoppers at 800-458-8477.
For more information on this story, visit http://www.sun-sentinel.com.
Police seek help identifying goggles
used in 2007 Bochicchio killings
Photos released two years after bodies of mother, daughter were found
in parking lot at Town Center in Boca Raton
By Missy Diaz, Sun Sentinel
January 25, 2010
After re-evaluating hundreds of pieces of evidence in the 2007 killings
of a mother and daughter whose bodies were found in a parking lot of
the Town Center mall, Boca Raton police now are looking for the public's
help identifying goggles placed on one of the victims.
Investigators found the yellow-framed, plastic goggles with removable
black lenses and a black elastic headband on either Nancy Bochicchio,
47, or her 7-year-old daughter, Joey. Police won't say which one.
The decision to release photographs of the goggles comes after more
than two years and close to 2,000 leads, according to police spokeswoman
Sandra Boonenberg.
"Typically, we don't release images of this kind of evidence, but
after going through everything … we've taken these extraordinary
measures because we don't want to leave any stone unturned," she
said.
The Bochicchios were found on Dec. 12, 2007, in their black Chrysler
Aspen SUV in the Town Center parking lot. They were bound with plastic
ties and handcuffs and one of them was wearing the goggles, according
to police.
Detectives discovered that the mother and daughter were abducted, taken
to an ATM and forced to withdraw $500 before they were killed.
Four months earlier, a woman and her toddler were abducted from the
same mall, taken to an ATM to withdraw money, then bound and left in
their car. That mother and child survived.
Earlier that year, on March 23, 2007, Randi Gorenberg, 52 — who
was last seen at Town Center mall — was shot in the head and dumped
in a park west of Delray Beach. Investigators determined her murder
was unrelated to the Bochicchio killings.
Going public with evidence sometimes is necessary when an investigation
reaches a tipping point, according to Tom Blomberg, dean of Florida
State University's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice. It's
a delicate balancing act for police when deciding to go public with
evidence in a case.
"If you take stuff to the public too quickly you may have a variety
of unintended consequences," Blomberg said. "People can shut
up or flee. There's probably a little bit more of a tendency to go public
now than police often are used to because the media is so sophisticated,
and we've got some evidence to demonstrate that when you get stuff out,
the public will report.
"The problem is they get
all kinds of stuff and have to sort out what's real and what's not.
This seems to be just the evolution of a very tough case."
Neither JoAnn Bruno — Nancy Bochicchio's sister — nor her
attorney, David Shiner, could be reached to comment despite attempts
by telephone.
Blomberg said it doesn't appear police are dealing with a sophisticated
criminal.
"A sophisticated criminal would probably have a consistent [modus
operandi] and would have killed or let go in both cases," he said.
"I'd think that as a result of killing he may have changed his
modus operandi entirely because he found this didn't work. He knows
this gets attention and his major reason was just money. That would
be my take. He doesn't strike me as very sophisticated or smart. There
are so many easier ways to rob someone."
Police ask that anyone with information about the manufacturer or sale
of the goggles, or any other information about the case, call Detective
Jeff Clare, 561-338-1246, or Crime stoppers, 800-458-8477.
Missy Diaz can be reached at mdiaz@sunsentinel.com or 561-228-5505.
Police Release Clue In Mall Killings
Detectives Release New Evidence In Boca Town Center Mall Murders
POSTED: Monday, January 25, 2010
UPDATED: 7:53 am EST January 26, 2010
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Detectives made a move Monday night to solve a homicide
mystery that is now more than two years old – the killings of
a mother and her 7-year-old daughter at a shopping mall.In December
2007, Nancy Bochicchio and her 7-year-old daughter, Joey, were killed
after a day of Christmas shopping at the Boca Town Center Mall.
Investigators said they have examined
almost 2,000 leads hope someone can identify this latest piece of evidence
-- a pair of swim goggles the killer used to cover the eyes of his victims.
They have yellow plastic frames, foam edging on the inside, a hinged
bridge across the nose and removable lenses that are black.“I
still shop at Boca Town Center but I’m still nervous and I valet
park when I go there," shopper Suzette Bocchino told Local 10's
Julie Summers.According to Officer Sandra Boonenberg of the Boca Raton
Police Department, it's rare that police reveal this type of evidence.“It’s
very unusual. There are so many reasons why you don’t normally
do something like this but we have exhausted all the resources in trying
to track down the manufacturer of these glasses. That’s why we’re
looking for the public’s help," she said.Police are hoping
someone will know the company that makes the goggles or where they are
sold.The reward for capture of the killer now stands at $350,000.
Copyright 2010 by Post-Newsweek Stations. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
Leads Sought In 2007 Mall Killings
Nancy Bochicchio, Daughter Killed Outside Town Center
POSTED: Monday, January 25, 2010
UPDATED: 5:10 pm EST January 25, 2010
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Authorities continue to investigate the 2007 unsolved
killings of a mother and daughter at a South Florida mall.Boca Raton
police said Monday they need the public's help establishing the origin
and manufacturer of a pair of yellow-framed goggles found inside the
victims' vehicle. They have a hinged bridge across the nose and removable
black lenses.Nancy Bochicchio and her 7-year-old daughter were shot
to death in their black SUV in December 2007. Their bodies were found
in their vehicle in the parking lot of the Town Center mall in Boca
Raton. Both were bound and shot in the head. Their eyes were covered
with the goggles.Police said they have investigated more than 1,900
leads. A $350,000 reward is offered for information leading to the suspect's
arrest.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material
may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Police release crucial evidence photos in Boca murder case
January 25, 2010 10:39 PM
Juan Carlos Fanjul
BOCA RATON-- Debbie Schmookler reacted to the unsolved murders of Nancy
and Joey Bochicchio.
"It's horrible," she said.
Her family from Brooklyn New York is on vacation in Palm Beach County.
Monday, they went to the same mall where the bodies of the mother and
daughter were found.
But Schmookler feels Boca's Town Center is safe.
"I think it was a fluke, it had nothing do with the mall,"
she added.
It was in the mall's parking lot, however, were the Bochicchio's were
found savagely murdered in their SUV back in December of 2007.
Mom and daughter were bound and shot in the head. They were found wearing
swimming goggles which the public hadn't seen until now.
"We don't usually release evidence of this sort," said Boca
Raton Police Officer Sandra Boonenberg.
That's because, unlike other pieces of evidence, investigators have
no idea who manufactured the goggles or where they were sold.
The blacked-out goggles were used to cover their eyes.
They have a yellow plastic frame with a hinged bridge across the nose
and vents on either side.
The lenses are removable. The black headband is elastic.
"What we are looking for is anyone who may recognize them. The
origin or point of sale of these particular goggles," she said.
Detectives say they have already checked out 95% of the tips they've
gotten but would not say if they are any closer in finding the person
responsible.
Clearly, no lead has turned into anything substantial in over two years.
For the visiting Schmooklers that's not surprising.
"After watching CSI, people expect everything to be solved instantly.
It doesn't always happen that way," said Beril Schmookler.
Anyone with any knowledge of the manufacturer, points of sale, or make
of these goggles or any other information is asked to call Detective
Jeff Clare at 561-338-1246 or Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS. Images
of the goggles can be viewed at www.bocaviper.com
Boca Police Press Release - bocaviper.com
Investigators seek information to identify goggles
Boca Raton, FL – Members of the Boca Raton Police Services Department along with our federal, state and local investigative partners continue to actively pursue leads and review evidence associated with the December 2007 murders of Nancy and Joey Bochicchio. We have recently completed a painstaking reevaluation of several hundred pieces of evidence. As a result of this analysis, we have been able to establish the origin and/or manufacturer of all the relevant items with the exception of a pair of goggles recovered from the scene. The goggles have a yellow plastic frame, with a hinged bridge across the nose. The lenses are removable and black in color. On the inside, a black foam cushion lines the goggles except on the two outside areas, where there are vents to let air inside to keep them from fogging up. The headband is elastic and black in color.
Detectives have spent countless hours examining evidence and have investigated nearly 1,900 leads. This investigative work includes examining records, interviewing people associated with leads, and collecting various forms of evidence. To date, we have processed 95% of tips received during this investigation.
Working with our law enforcement partners, we will pursue any new leads and continue to painstakingly review items of evidence in the interest of achieving justice for Nancy and Joey. There is a $350,000 reward that is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for these crimes.
Anyone with any knowledge of the manufacturer, points of sale, or make of these goggles or any other information is asked to call Detective Jeff Clare at 561-338-1246 or Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS. Images of the goggles can be viewed at www.bocaviper.com.
Police seek lead in 2007 mall murders
January 25, 2010 2:09 PM
Juan Carlos Fanjul
BOCA RATON -- Police are still searching for the person who murdered
a woman and her daughter in the parking lot of Boca Town Center mall
during the 2007 holiday season.
The crime shocked and horrified this community, because it happened
in such a public place, and because it had elements of the bizarre --
both mother and daughter were discovered with goggles places over their
eyes.
Investigators today released photos of those goggles, in hopes any information
will lead them to the murderer of Nancy and Joey Bochicchio.
The goggles have a yellow plastic frame with a hinged bridge across
the nose. The lenses are removable and again, black in color. They come
with vents and a black elastic headband.
Investigators said they were used to disorient Nancy and Joey Bochicchio as they were kidnapped in December of 2007.
The two had been shopping at the upscale south county shopping mall. Their bodies were later found in their black SUV. Both were bound and shot in the head. Both were wearing those goggles.
While police have identified and established the origin of all key pieces of evidence, the goggles remain a mystery. Police don't know where they were bought, or what brand of goggles they are.
"It's very unusual for us
to release evidence of this sort, but after going through every resource,
we are looking for anyone trying to identify them," said Sandra
Boonenberg of the Boca Raton Police Department.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Palm Beach County crime
stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS
Boca PD releases new Bochicchio
clue
Reported by: Eric Glasser
Email: eglasser@wptv.com
Photographer: Dan Puente
Last Update: 8:45 am
..BOCA RATON.., ..FL.. -- ....Boca
Raton.... police say they recently went back and re-evaluated every
clue in the Bochicchio murder case. But there is one piece of evidence
they simply cannot figure out.
And so, more than two years after the 2007 murders or Nancy Bochicchio
and her daughter Joey, police are asking people to help identify a set
of goggles, hoping it may lead to a killer.
The lenses, say police, were found in the SUV belonging to Bochicchios,
but with no evidence that the eyewear belonged to Nancy or Joey, police
are operating under the assumption they may have belonged to the killer.
Officer Sandra Boonenberg describes the goggles as, "Yellow, plastic
frames. They're black removable lenses. There is foam padding on the
inside that doesn't go all the way around. The sides are vented and
the strap is black elastic."
For months, ....Boca Raton.... detectives, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's
Office, even state and federal authorities have tried unsuccessfully
to identify the eyewear. There are no markings on them. No logos, no
serial number, not even where they were made.
But that just might make them unique enough to provide a fresh lead.
"The hope is that someone out there will know where it came from
or what the manufacturer or origin is. Where they were sold. And that
will lead us to the killer," says Boonenberg.
Some may wonder why police have waited until now to show the goggles.
Detectives say it's the kind of evidence they would have preferred to
have held onto - evidence only the killer would have known about.
But with 95% of their 1,900 leads now exhausted, police says the time
had come to release photos of the goggles to the public.
At the ....Town.. ..Center.... mall where the murders took place, people
who remember the case with sadness hope the strategy works.
"Yeah, I guess you would recognize a person by something strange
whether it be glasses or anything else," said Boca resident Irene
Smart.
"I mean, these guys work hard and they want to solve it,"
said resident Marek Sommenfeld, " I think that by doing this they
might get the break that they're looking for."
That's the hope, says Boonenberg. "This is our solution to leaving
no stone unturned to find justice for Nancy and Joey."
The Bochicchio family was made aware ahead of time that the evidence
would be released publicly.
They too are hopeful, says an attorney for the family, that someone
will recognize the goggles and contact Boca Raton Police, or Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-458-TIPS. A $350,000 reward is still offered for information
leading to an arrest in the case.