Missing Bride - Page 2 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

LewisCouch · 05-01-2005, 06:32 AM

This case makes me pause to fully consider the words; "innocent until proven guilty". I have great empathy for this poor fellow and hope that everything works out for both parties.

Bill O'Rights · 05-01-2005, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-18_Driver

The fiance is lucky he wasn't arrested by now. That's the first thing cops usually do, whether or not there's any evidence.

Umm...no. This is not, contrary to the popular beliefs of some, a Police State. The fiance was most certainly a "person of interest", perhaps even a "suspect". But without evidence, that's all he'll ever be.
When I first heard this story, I knew that he was gonna get the media crucifiction. I didn't think that he did it, and here's the simple reason why. They weren't married yet. He had nothing to gain, and everything to lose, had he offed her. Now, had they been married...that's another story. You have insurance, inheritence, alimony, child support payments, divorce attorney fees, child custody battles, and so on and so forth, all making for one hell of a motive to just make her "disappear". That motive was not here.
I thought that, most likely, either one of two things happened. Either she panicked and ran (which is, in fact, what happened, or she was abducted, raped and killed while on a jogging trail. It's happened here a few times.
Don't be to quick to judge her. She made a bad snap decision judgement call. At that particular moment, she thought that this was her best 'escape". Dumb..but somewhat understandable. I'd be curious to see the long term follow up on this. The national interest in it is over. Most of us will not see, or hear, any more of it. Shani? Can you keep us advised?

arch13 · 05-01-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veruca

I think I would be frightened at having a wedding that big...it is terrible what she did..but we don't KNOW her..what if sh is depressed or bi-polar and just couldn't handle it. It certainly is no excuse for what she did..but only a reason as to why he would still want to marry her

Now your making excuses for the dumb bitch.
Sorry to be harsh, it's not usually my methodology of thought and speech.
The problem here is you are slowley excusing her behavior. Depression, Bi-Polar, etc. Those are not accepatable explanations of "Why" she did this.

I don't care how frightened she was, her selfish, attention whore behavior disrupted the lives of many, and she needs to be aware of that through painfull public judgement. If that drives her to depression, I don't care.

He loves her. Alot obviously. But there are a few problems on the table now. He was a "person of interest". That feeling of hurt and betrayal is not going to go away. This is a very bad long term problem, becuase her actions since turning up in AZ show that the last though on her mind was what she put him through.

Again, I am sorry to be so uncharateristicly harsh, but what her actions caused for her family and especially her future husband only reinforces the problem;s our society currently has on many levels.

On a side note, I'm sorry to see how this discusssion has split down gender lines (I'm looking at your "That would be enough to make anyone want to turn tail and run..." statment too Mal)

maleficent · 05-01-2005, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arch13

On a side note, I'm sorry to see how this discusssion has split down gender lines (I'm looking at your "That would be enough to make anyone want to turn tail and run..." statment too Mal)

I'm not making excuses for her - it sort of reinforces my belief of the stupidity of weddings and how the stress of them makes people do things a sane human being wouldn't do.

If she had just bailed out... that'd be ok -- the fake kidnapping makes her absolutely no better than Susan Smith who killed her children andthen blamed someone else. this bridezilla didn't want to take responsibility for her actions -- she plum didn't want to get married in a three ring circus and didnt have the maturity to say so.

Had it not been for much publicized cases.... no one would have raised an eyebrow about the possible guilt of her fiance.

F-18_Driver · 05-01-2005, 01:57 PM

Haven't there been a few breach-of-promise suits when guys did the same thing she did?

maleficent · 05-01-2005, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-18_Driver

Haven't there been a few breach-of-promise suits when guys did the same thing she did?

There was one a few years ago, where the couple was supposed to get married in a big excessive wedding at the Plaza Hotel in NY - he bailed... She did the only fitting thing - Went on with the party and had a great time... For some stupid reason, it made the news... (Guests get off lucky because they don't have to kick in the gift - somewhere in bridal etiquette states if the wedding doesn't last a year, the gifts go back

alicat · 05-01-2005, 10:09 PM

I have been in the midst of moving for the past month and haven't had time to watch the news or visit the TFP : I was taking a break from unpacking last Friday when I saw this story on CNN (and it was all over their broadcast's!). After hearing this story over and over again and continually hearing sad phrases like "she was due to have her dream wedding tomorrow", it suddenly struck me-this is a hoax.

For whatever reason (I think the fact that she seemed to be a "privileged" person and the sheer amount of wedding guests), it popped into my head that this is staged. She got "cold feet" and couldn't deal with letting everyone down by leaving him at the alter (I know it's silly but I thought of Rachael running out on Barry at the beginning of "Friends") or facing her family and guests about backing out at the 11th. hour. Hubby knew way before I did that my instincts were right (I just saw the news tonight).

Maybe she didn't expect the media attention but that is no excuse for scarring the shit out of her family and letting it go on once she knew it was national news. She actually shed her sweat shirts and pants and other articles to make it look like she'd been abducted. The press conference on Fri. was quite sad. She willingly and knowingly put her loved ones through that heartache and bullcrap.

I'm sure I'm not the only one to notice this, but it bothers me that there seems to be a trend of people faking things just to get attention. There was the girl/young woman a while ago that faked her own kidnapping and the woman recently who claimed to be a witness to a baby being thrown out of a moving car, when in fact it was her own child and the throwing out of a car had never happened.

Don't we have enough serious shit in the U.S. to deal with without this new breed of self-absorbed people forcing themselves on the population just for attention? The phrase "negative attention is better than no attention" is unfortunately being thought of as all too real. Sadly, it is a tide that no one is going to be able to stem with so many assholes out there. Only really tough legislature might be able to nip-it-in-the-bud before it gets out of hand. I'm holding my breath but am hoping for not too long.

Ali

Vincentt · 05-02-2005, 12:09 AM

“The fake kidnapping makes her absolutely no better than Susan Smith who killed her children and then blamed someone else”

Uhhhh… WHAT?

Comparing this woman to a murder, as at least two people in this thread have, is inane. Not only did she not kill or cause physical harm to ANYONE, she did nothing illegal.

She didn’t want to get married, she panicked and ran away. By the time she calmed down it was too late, she was all over the news and she knew if she went home everyone in the world would hate her. Assholes on the internet would call her an evil bitch, and tell everyone that she eats Chinese babies on Tuesdays.

What were her options? Go home say sorry and have everyone call you an evil baby eating whore? Or try to play off what others expect happened? If you can get out of your self absorbed, holier then thou shoes for one second, and put hers on. I think you will see how easy it is to get into this situation.

This is just a woman who ran away from her wedding, as many other women and men have done before. Unfortunately for everyone she got national attention for it. I am sure many people will send hate mail and bitchy phone calls. But this really isn’t any of our business. Why is this stuff so popular on TV these days?

Find villains to keep the people preoccupied so we can ignore Iraq, Iran, North Korea, and China?

Train wrecks, nuclear testing in Korea, Chinese riots; that’s what I am worrying about.

Nisses · 05-02-2005, 04:16 AM

Vincentt: what on earth are you going on about?

really?
leave the train wrecks, the nuclear testing and all other hyperboles out of this, and you'd give an impression a little more realistic.

For one, she did do something illegal, she lied to the police with the phonecall.
(at least, it's illegal around here)
For two, even if she didn't do anything wrong according to the letter of the law, she let the search go on, thereby wasting an enormous amount of money.

in my book, she has committed a misdemeanor at the very least. But I wouldn't compare it to murder, true...

As for the woman herself: apparently, she needs to develop a sense of maturity, responsibility and moreover, ask herself if she really loves the guy. Cuz she didn't bother to at least tell him even 1 thing about her doubts...

ShaniFaye · 05-02-2005, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

This is just a woman who ran away from her wedding, as many other women and men have done before. Unfortunately for everyone she got national attention for it. I am sure many people will send hate mail and bitchy phone calls. But this really isn’t any of our business. Why is this stuff so popular on TV these days?

this is not "just" a woman who ran away from her wedding, running away from her wedding would be changing her mind half way down the aisle, not showing up at the church NOT telling her fiance she was going out for a jog, leaving ALL her personal affects at home and then not showing up.

What the hell did she think people were going to think? She didnt care enuff about her parents not to let them worry. She didnt care enuff about her fiance and left him to face a city that was immediately going to accuse HIM of doing something to her.

Then she turns around and makes it worse by lying to people and trying to convince them she WAS kidnapped when she'd been planning it for at LEAST a week (who knows how long, but she bought the bus ticket a week before).

I've got no sympathy for her

santafe5000 · 05-02-2005, 04:53 AM

Aw heck, Just make her jog NUDE down Peachtree Ave. at High Noon, to redeem herself.

What i am waiting to hear is, if in fact she purchased the Bus ticket several days in advance and how did she get to the Bus station. Did she have some help? Did she take a cab to the bus station? Is she going to have to repay the city for the law enforcment used in the search?

Very interesting case.

ironmaiden7o7 · 05-02-2005, 05:01 AM

I heard on the radio this morning that she came back home and was expecting a news conference.

ShaniFaye · 05-02-2005, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santafe5000

Aw heck, Just make her jog NUDE down Peachtree Ave. at High Noon, to redeem herself.

What i am waiting to hear is, if in fact she purchased the Bus ticket several days in advance and how did she get to the Bus station. Did she have some help? Did she take a cab to the bus station? Is she going to have to repay the city for the law enforcment used in the search?

Very interesting case.

according to stories....she left the house with over 100 bucks she took a taxi to the bus station

The county DA is trying to decide whether or not to make her repay them.....he isnt liking the the "pre meditated" fact.

ShaniFaye · 05-02-2005, 05:45 AM

An interesting fact pointed out by a caller on Boortz this morning....

Taking the bus was the only way she could leave undetected, its the only form of travel that doesnt require identification...IE she's on no passenger list, and doesnt have to show ID to board the bus, she couldnt have taken a plane or rented a car without being known.

Vincentt · 05-02-2005, 07:05 AM

I still got to argue that the lie was a last ditch thing because she knew coming back she would be crucified. Like you guys would be going after her any less had she just went home with ‘sorry’?

If her wedding was gonna have 600 people I don't think 100bucks is a lot of money to her. If she was planning on running away, I think she would have left with more...

Anyway, I still think she was a victim of bad circumstances. She panicked and before she knew it going home was going to make her hated across the nation.

ShaniFaye · 05-02-2005, 07:14 AM

ok so buying her bus ticket days in advance wasnt planning? What does "planning" entail to you?

maleficent · 05-02-2005, 07:15 AM

Why run away to begin with... why not just say -- hey this ain't workin' for me.. Engagements and weddings get cancelled all the time.. It's not a big deal.

It's the running away, in a suspicious manner. Going out for a jog... leaving all her personal effects behind (There was a high profile murder case where the young woman who was murdered did the same thing - -all her personal effects were in her home) Then calling your family, who's sick with worry to begin with - -to tell them you have been kidnapped.

That's not bad circumstance, that's calculated...

OFKU0 · 05-02-2005, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

Anyway, I still think she was a victim of bad circumstances. She panicked and before she knew it going home was going to make her hated across the nation.

I didn't know self inflicted stupidity was a prerequisite for victimhood. And now she is hated? Boo hoo. Just another reason to think before you act, something she apparently did strictly for her benefit since her 15 minutes live on.

In any event she should go to jail. That would tie up the loose ends quite nicely for the movie of the week.

Cynthetiq · 05-02-2005, 11:42 AM

vincentt,

I have put myself in her shoes for a moment, and that still does not ABSOLVE her of responsiblity for her actions. I don't care if you are the POTUS or even the Emporer of the Galaxy, you made a decision and choice, you live by the consequences of such choices.

F-18_Driver · 05-02-2005, 11:54 AM

I heard someone on the news today saying, "She must have had a REASON for running away like this-- her fiance must be a really terrible person."

It was only a matter of time.

ShaniFaye · 05-02-2005, 02:23 PM

Why does he have to be the one thats a "terrible" person? Isnt it possible she's just whacked?

guthmund · 05-02-2005, 02:48 PM

Yeah, it was just a matter of time before the fiance smearing began.

Even if she was the victim of bad cicumstances, I don't see how it absolves of her guilt.

I mean, she seemed to have put some thought into this. When the search went nationwide and became the story of the moment for the cable news channels, she didn't bother to call. When the police mounted a massive effort to search for her, she didn't call. When her fiance was the center of the investigation, she didn't call. When the her mother went on television pleading for the life of her abducted daughter, she didn't call. This was a big story, so, I find it a bit hard to believe that she didn't know what was going on considering the coverage.

It was irresponsible. What exactly did she think was going to happen if she disappeared without a trace? She made a horribly bad decision, no doubt about it, but that decision carries with it consequences.

Vincentt · 05-02-2005, 04:41 PM

I am not blaming the fiance. Nor am I saying this woman is not guilty. But she has been constantly attacked on this forum even compared to MURDERS. The fact that you see her the same as someone who KILLS THEIR CHILDREN, to me, is insane!

I am only defending her because I don't think she deserves to be linched or compared to someone who kills their children.

She did a horrid thing, and I don't that she should be absolved of guilt, simply that people look at this with relalistic eyes. What she did amounts to nothing legally.

And as far as the stress she put on her loved ones?

Is it anymore then the stress that could have been caused by canning the wedding? But children who do drugs? By children who get pregent? By children who join gangs?

I don't think she left the house with the idea that everyone would think she had been kidnapped and the entire nation would be watching her. But I am not suprised that she lied when calling the cops. Think of what this thread would be about had everyone believed her story? I can say she wouldn't be called Susan Smith...

Psycho Dad · 05-02-2005, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

What she did amounts to nothing legally.

I've not studied law and I assume you haven't either with a statement like that. From what I've read, she could face charges of making a false police report and a felony charge of making false statements to authorities.

ShaniFaye · 05-03-2005, 03:28 AM

Ummm...what exactly do you think she thought would happen when she left her home to go on a run leaving all her personal belongings behind?

Did she really think, nobody will notice if I dont come home. Its not exactly the same as not showing up for the church the day of the wedding.

And no running away was not illegal.....telling authorities that she'd been kidnapped WAS.

Cynthetiq · 05-03-2005, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

She did a horrid thing, and I don't that she should be absolved of guilt, simply that people look at this with relalistic eyes. What she did amounts to nothing legally.

Yes, we can lie to authorities all the time and have no repercussions of our actions. Ask Martha Stewart what lying to the authorities gets you.

Cynthetiq · 05-11-2005, 12:47 PM

I just found The Smoking Gun has letters from unhappy people. Some are humourous, others very scathing.

Fourtyrulz · 05-12-2005, 07:43 AM

This whole thing is a total non-issue, just the media grabbing at whatever speculation they could find and running with it. My guess is that if it weren't for the media's overblown and exaggerated coverage there would be no talk of pressing charges and no national worries about taxpayer money paying for an investigation. Who honestly cares enough about this story and this woman to give a shit? Certainly not myself. Why should anyone else either? After all it was the mass media who led us on this goose chase, not Jennifer Wilbanks.

ShaniFaye · 05-12-2005, 07:52 AM

ok fortyrulz...suppose its you...and your S/O leaves the house saying they will be back in 40 minutes, doesnt take any ID with them, no money that you're aware of, and doesnt leave in a vehicle...well darn they dont show back up and you dont hear a word. Are you just going to go on about your life assuming they will show back up eventually and have no worries at all?

Fourtyrulz · 05-12-2005, 09:08 AM

Of course I wouldn't, but that wasn't my point.

What would you do if a complete stranger's S/O that lives thousands of miles away, that you've never met and never heard of, leaves the house for a jog with no money, no ID, and no vehicle and doesn't come back? Aside from watching the media make a collective ass of themselves, you probably aren't going to do anything.

What business is it of ours what her reasons for leaving were, or where she went? Let the family, the people actually involved, deal with the ensuing mess. Are people not allowed the freedom of privacy, to deal with the consequences on their own? Or do we have to have TV cameras and mics recording their every move?

jorgelito · 05-12-2005, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourtyrulz

This whole thing is a total non-issue, just the media grabbing at whatever speculation they could find and running with it. My guess is that if it weren't for the media's overblown and exaggerated coverage there would be no talk of pressing charges and no national worries about taxpayer money paying for an investigation. Who honestly cares enough about this story and this woman to give a shit? Certainly not myself. Why should anyone else either? After all it was the mass media who led us on this goose chase, not Jennifer Wilbanks.

That's what the police were saying: the media pressure forced them to devote way more time and resources (hence the large bill) to this "case". That's why it's especially messed up that it was all a hoax.

The least she could do is reimburse the city/taxpayers.

Cynthetiq · 05-13-2005, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourtyrulz

Of course I wouldn't, but that wasn't my point.

What would you do if a complete stranger's S/O that lives thousands of miles away, that you've never met and never heard of, leaves the house for a jog with no money, no ID, and no vehicle and doesn't come back? Aside from watching the media make a collective ass of themselves, you probably aren't going to do anything.

What business is it of ours what her reasons for leaving were, or where she went? Let the family, the people actually involved, deal with the ensuing mess. Are people not allowed the freedom of privacy, to deal with the consequences on their own? Or do we have to have TV cameras and mics recording their every move?

You are 100% right. It's no one's business but the two betrothed....

but she ran amiss at this point...

If when she was found she just said, "I needed some time to myself..." or something about "personal business", but she did not. She lied.

Again, ask Martha Stewart how officials like it when you lie to them during questioning.

Fourtyrulz · 05-14-2005, 06:27 AM

I had no idea she lied and claimed to be sexually assaulted, action should be taken against her in that case.

And the police report...that was the most un-sexual account of a sexual act I have ever read. Do they have to take classes for that kind of thing?

jhkayakr · 05-14-2005, 07:08 AM

That guy doesn't want to still marry her, does he?

Vincentt · 05-14-2005, 07:35 AM

I still don't think we can compare her to someone who kills their own children.

I like that lying to the police is this horrid, remember what you call her for it next time you are pulled for a speeding ticket please.

Anyway, I think she is shitty. I only felt the need to defend her because, a least I, don't feel lying to the police is even remotely close to murdering children.

Psycho Dad · 05-14-2005, 09:46 AM

I agree that it is nowhere near the murder of children, but the traffic cop that you tie up trying to get out of a ticket is doing what the taxpayers expect, patroling the roads and writing tickets. All the police, detectives and searchers she tied up rom her spoiled, selfish stunt took resources away from where they quite possible could have been better used.

maleficent · 05-25-2005, 07:51 AM

Bride Indicted

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks was indicted Wednesday on charges that she lied to police about being kidnapped, two counts that could mean up to six years in prison.

A grand jury indicted the 32-year-old woman on one count of making a false police report, a misdemeanor, and one count of false statement, a felony, said Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter.

The felony charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, he said. The other count carries a penalty of up to a year.

"We believe this is a reasonable next step in the case. We believe the grand jury made the right decision," Porter said.

"At some point you just can't lie to the police," he said. A bench warrant will be issued for Wilbanks' arrest within the next few days, he added. No court date has been set.

This indictment does not rule out a possible plea agreement to lesser charges, Porter said. Authorities had said they were talking to the Wilbanks family about a possible deal.

Wilbanks' attorney, Lydia Sartain, has said she does not think Wilbanks committed a crime in Gwinnett County. Authorities in Albuquerque had said they would not charge Wilbanks.

"The citizens of the county will be ill-served by an attempted prosecution," Sartain said before Wednesday's charges were announced. She did not return a phone call seeking further comment Wednesday morning.

Wilbanks disappeared from her Duluth home on April 26, days before her planned wedding, after claiming that she was going for a jog.

While Georgia authorities looked for her, the woman traveled to Las Vegas by bus and then to Albuquerque There, she called authorities with a story about having been abducted and sexually assaulted.

But under questioning, she recanted and said she fled Georgia because of unspecified personal issues. She returned to Georgia on April 30, the day she was to have been married in a lavish ceremony with 600 guests.

Her disappearance prompted a massive search and nationwide publicity. City, county and state officials spent about $50,000 looking for her.

Several state and county agencies already said they will not ask her to reimburse them for a total of $10,000 spent in additional search costs. But the city of Duluth still is seeking repayment of about $40,000 and Mayor Shirley Lassetter said her city attorney has been in negotiations with Sartain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.... amazing what a mess she made for herself all because she didn't just say... hmmm.. not sure I really want to get married....

Cynthetiq · 05-25-2005, 07:57 AM

Quote:

"We believe this is a reasonable next step in the case. We believe the grand jury made the right decision," Porter said.

"At some point you just can't lie to the police," he said. A bench warrant will be issued for Wilbanks' arrest within the next few days, he added. No court date has been set.

This indictment does not rule out a possible plea agreement to lesser charges, Porter said. Authorities had said they were talking to the Wilbanks family about a possible deal.

Quote:

"The citizens of the county will be ill-serv
ed by an attempted prosecution," Sartain said before Wednesday's charges were announced. She did not return a phone call seeking further comment Wednesday morning.

I have no idea how Sartain can say this at all. Ill served by attempting to prosecute someone for lying to the police? Tested via grand jury and the own defendant's recant and confession to the lie????

ShaniFaye · 05-25-2005, 08:11 AM

Im proud of my county for doing this, I was really afraid they were going to let it slide.

OFKU0 · 05-25-2005, 08:27 AM

I think she should do 1500 hours of community service,...picking up garbage on the roadside, washing dishes at a woman's shelter,...etc, while being placed on a list to replace her brain with one that works.

Hope that isn't too harsh. Wouldn't want the poor thing to be further victimized.

05-01-2005, 06:32 AM	#41 (permalink)
LewisCouch Insane Location: Pacific NW	This case makes me pause to fully consider the words; "innocent until proven guilty". I have great empathy for this poor fellow and hope that everything works out for both parties. __________________ "The gift of liberty is like that of a horse, handsome, strong, and high-spirited. In some it arouses a wish to ride; in many others, on the contrary, it increases the desire to walk." -- Massimo d'Azeglio

05-01-2005, 10:09 PM	#47 (permalink)
alicat Baffled Location: West Michigan	I have been in the midst of moving for the past month and haven't had time to watch the news or visit the TFP : I was taking a break from unpacking last Friday when I saw this story on CNN (and it was all over their broadcast's!). After hearing this story over and over again and continually hearing sad phrases like "she was due to have her dream wedding tomorrow", it suddenly struck me-this is a hoax. For whatever reason (I think the fact that she seemed to be a "privileged" person and the sheer amount of wedding guests), it popped into my head that this is staged. She got "cold feet" and couldn't deal with letting everyone down by leaving him at the alter (I know it's silly but I thought of Rachael running out on Barry at the beginning of "Friends") or facing her family and guests about backing out at the 11th. hour. Hubby knew way before I did that my instincts were right (I just saw the news tonight). Maybe she didn't expect the media attention but that is no excuse for scarring the shit out of her family and letting it go on once she knew it was national news. She actually shed her sweat shirts and pants and other articles to make it look like she'd been abducted. The press conference on Fri. was quite sad. She willingly and knowingly put her loved ones through that heartache and bullcrap. I'm sure I'm not the only one to notice this, but it bothers me that there seems to be a trend of people faking things just to get attention. There was the girl/young woman a while ago that faked her own kidnapping and the woman recently who claimed to be a witness to a baby being thrown out of a moving car, when in fact it was her own child and the throwing out of a car had never happened. Don't we have enough serious shit in the U.S. to deal with without this new breed of self-absorbed people forcing themselves on the population just for attention? The phrase "negative attention is better than no attention" is unfortunately being thought of as all too real. Sadly, it is a tide that no one is going to be able to stem with so many assholes out there. Only really tough legislature might be able to nip-it-in-the-bud before it gets out of hand. I'm holding my breath but am hoping for not too long. Ali __________________ 'Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun, The frumious Bandersnatch!'--Jabberwocky, Lewis Carroll "You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late."--Ralph Waldo Emerson

05-02-2005, 12:09 AM	#48 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	“The fake kidnapping makes her absolutely no better than Susan Smith who killed her children and then blamed someone else” Uhhhh… WHAT? Comparing this woman to a murder, as at least two people in this thread have, is inane. Not only did she not kill or cause physical harm to ANYONE, she did nothing illegal. She didn’t want to get married, she panicked and ran away. By the time she calmed down it was too late, she was all over the news and she knew if she went home everyone in the world would hate her. Assholes on the internet would call her an evil bitch, and tell everyone that she eats Chinese babies on Tuesdays. What were her options? Go home say sorry and have everyone call you an evil baby eating whore? Or try to play off what others expect happened? If you can get out of your self absorbed, holier then thou shoes for one second, and put hers on. I think you will see how easy it is to get into this situation. This is just a woman who ran away from her wedding, as many other women and men have done before. Unfortunately for everyone she got national attention for it. I am sure many people will send hate mail and bitchy phone calls. But this really isn’t any of our business. Why is this stuff so popular on TV these days? Find villains to keep the people preoccupied so we can ignore Iraq, Iran, North Korea, and China? Train wrecks, nuclear testing in Korea, Chinese riots; that’s what I am worrying about. __________________ .

05-02-2005, 04:16 AM	#49 (permalink)
Nisses Shade Location: Belgium	Vincentt: what on earth are you going on about? really? leave the train wrecks, the nuclear testing and all other hyperboles out of this, and you'd give an impression a little more realistic. For one, she did do something illegal, she lied to the police with the phonecall. (at least, it's illegal around here) For two, even if she didn't do anything wrong according to the letter of the law, she let the search go on, thereby wasting an enormous amount of money. in my book, she has committed a misdemeanor at the very least. But I wouldn't compare it to murder, true... As for the woman herself: apparently, she needs to develop a sense of maturity, responsibility and moreover, ask herself if she really loves the guy. Cuz she didn't bother to at least tell him even 1 thing about her doubts... __________________ Moderation should be moderately moderated.

05-02-2005, 04:53 AM	#51 (permalink)
santafe5000 EVIL! Location: Southwest of nowhere	Aw heck, Just make her jog NUDE down Peachtree Ave. at High Noon, to redeem herself. What i am waiting to hear is, if in fact she purchased the Bus ticket several days in advance and how did she get to the Bus station. Did she have some help? Did she take a cab to the bus station? Is she going to have to repay the city for the law enforcment used in the search? Very interesting case. __________________ When all else fails, QUIT.

05-01-2005, 01:57 PM	#45 (permalink)
F-18_Driver Loser Location: Check your six.	Haven't there been a few breach-of-promise suits when guys did the same thing she did?

05-02-2005, 05:01 AM	#52 (permalink)
ironmaiden7o7 Insane Location: NYC	I heard on the radio this morning that she came back home and was expecting a news conference.

05-02-2005, 05:45 AM	#54 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	An interesting fact pointed out by a caller on Boortz this morning.... Taking the bus was the only way she could leave undetected, its the only form of travel that doesnt require identification...IE she's on no passenger list, and doesnt have to show ID to board the bus, she couldnt have taken a plane or rented a car without being known. __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

05-02-2005, 07:05 AM	#55 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I still got to argue that the lie was a last ditch thing because she knew coming back she would be crucified. Like you guys would be going after her any less had she just went home with ‘sorry’? If her wedding was gonna have 600 people I don't think 100bucks is a lot of money to her. If she was planning on running away, I think she would have left with more... Anyway, I still think she was a victim of bad circumstances. She panicked and before she knew it going home was going to make her hated across the nation. __________________ .

05-02-2005, 07:14 AM	#56 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	ok so buying her bus ticket days in advance wasnt planning? What does "planning" entail to you? __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

05-02-2005, 07:15 AM	#57 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Why run away to begin with... why not just say -- hey this ain't workin' for me.. Engagements and weddings get cancelled all the time.. It's not a big deal. It's the running away, in a suspicious manner. Going out for a jog... leaving all her personal effects behind (There was a high profile murder case where the young woman who was murdered did the same thing - -all her personal effects were in her home) Then calling your family, who's sick with worry to begin with - -to tell them you have been kidnapped. That's not bad circumstance, that's calculated... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

05-02-2005, 11:42 AM	#59 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	vincentt, I have put myself in her shoes for a moment, and that still does not ABSOLVE her of responsiblity for her actions. I don't care if you are the POTUS or even the Emporer of the Galaxy, you made a decision and choice, you live by the consequences of such choices. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

05-02-2005, 11:54 AM	#60 (permalink)
F-18_Driver Loser Location: Check your six.	I heard someone on the news today saying, "She must have had a REASON for running away like this-- her fiance must be a really terrible person." It was only a matter of time.

05-02-2005, 02:23 PM	#61 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	Why does he have to be the one thats a "terrible" person? Isnt it possible she's just whacked? __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

05-02-2005, 02:48 PM	#62 (permalink)
guthmund big damn hero	Yeah, it was just a matter of time before the fiance smearing began. Even if she was the victim of bad cicumstances, I don't see how it absolves of her guilt. I mean, she seemed to have put some thought into this. When the search went nationwide and became the story of the moment for the cable news channels, she didn't bother to call. When the police mounted a massive effort to search for her, she didn't call. When her fiance was the center of the investigation, she didn't call. When the her mother went on television pleading for the life of her abducted daughter, she didn't call. This was a big story, so, I find it a bit hard to believe that she didn't know what was going on considering the coverage. It was irresponsible. What exactly did she think was going to happen if she disappeared without a trace? She made a horribly bad decision, no doubt about it, but that decision carries with it consequences. __________________ No signature. None. Seriously.

05-02-2005, 04:41 PM	#63 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I am not blaming the fiance. Nor am I saying this woman is not guilty. But she has been constantly attacked on this forum even compared to MURDERS. The fact that you see her the same as someone who KILLS THEIR CHILDREN, to me, is insane! I am only defending her because I don't think she deserves to be linched or compared to someone who kills their children. She did a horrid thing, and I don't that she should be absolved of guilt, simply that people look at this with relalistic eyes. What she did amounts to nothing legally. And as far as the stress she put on her loved ones? Is it anymore then the stress that could have been caused by canning the wedding? But children who do drugs? By children who get pregent? By children who join gangs? I don't think she left the house with the idea that everyone would think she had been kidnapped and the entire nation would be watching her. But I am not suprised that she lied when calling the cops. Think of what this thread would be about had everyone believed her story? I can say she wouldn't be called Susan Smith... __________________ .

05-03-2005, 03:28 AM	#65 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	Ummm...what exactly do you think she thought would happen when she left her home to go on a run leaving all her personal belongings behind? Did she really think, nobody will notice if I dont come home. Its not exactly the same as not showing up for the church the day of the wedding. And no running away was not illegal.....telling authorities that she'd been kidnapped WAS. __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

05-11-2005, 12:47 PM	#67 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	I just found The Smoking Gun has letters from unhappy people. Some are humourous, others very scathing. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

05-12-2005, 07:43 AM	#68 (permalink)
Fourtyrulz Psycho Location: io-where?	This whole thing is a total non-issue, just the media grabbing at whatever speculation they could find and running with it. My guess is that if it weren't for the media's overblown and exaggerated coverage there would be no talk of pressing charges and no national worries about taxpayer money paying for an investigation. Who honestly cares enough about this story and this woman to give a shit? Certainly not myself. Why should anyone else either? After all it was the mass media who led us on this goose chase, not Jennifer Wilbanks. __________________ the·o·ry - a working hypothesis that is considered probable based on experimental evidence or factual or conceptual analysis and is accepted as a basis for experimentation. faith - Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. - Merriam-Webster's dictionary

05-12-2005, 07:52 AM	#69 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	ok fortyrulz...suppose its you...and your S/O leaves the house saying they will be back in 40 minutes, doesnt take any ID with them, no money that you're aware of, and doesnt leave in a vehicle...well darn they dont show back up and you dont hear a word. Are you just going to go on about your life assuming they will show back up eventually and have no worries at all? __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

05-12-2005, 09:08 AM	#70 (permalink)
Fourtyrulz Psycho Location: io-where?	Of course I wouldn't, but that wasn't my point. What would you do if a complete stranger's S/O that lives thousands of miles away, that you've never met and never heard of, leaves the house for a jog with no money, no ID, and no vehicle and doesn't come back? Aside from watching the media make a collective ass of themselves, you probably aren't going to do anything. What business is it of ours what her reasons for leaving were, or where she went? Let the family, the people actually involved, deal with the ensuing mess. Are people not allowed the freedom of privacy, to deal with the consequences on their own? Or do we have to have TV cameras and mics recording their every move? __________________ the·o·ry - a working hypothesis that is considered probable based on experimental evidence or factual or conceptual analysis and is accepted as a basis for experimentation. faith - Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. - Merriam-Webster's dictionary

05-14-2005, 06:27 AM	#73 (permalink)
Fourtyrulz Psycho Location: io-where?	I had no idea she lied and claimed to be sexually assaulted, action should be taken against her in that case. And the police report...that was the most un-sexual account of a sexual act I have ever read. Do they have to take classes for that kind of thing? __________________ the·o·ry - a working hypothesis that is considered probable based on experimental evidence or factual or conceptual analysis and is accepted as a basis for experimentation. faith - Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. - Merriam-Webster's dictionary

05-14-2005, 07:08 AM	#74 (permalink)
jhkayakr Insane Location: under the skirt	That guy doesn't want to still marry her, does he? __________________ ........gotta need for speed....

05-14-2005, 07:35 AM	#75 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I still don't think we can compare her to someone who kills their own children. I like that lying to the police is this horrid, remember what you call her for it next time you are pulled for a speeding ticket please. Anyway, I think she is shitty. I only felt the need to defend her because, a least I, don't feel lying to the police is even remotely close to murdering children. __________________ .

05-14-2005, 09:46 AM	#76 (permalink)
Psycho Dad Mulletproof Location: Some nucking fut house.	I agree that it is nowhere near the murder of children, but the traffic cop that you tie up trying to get out of a ticket is doing what the taxpayers expect, patroling the roads and writing tickets. All the police, detectives and searchers she tied up rom her spoiled, selfish stunt took resources away from where they quite possible could have been better used. __________________ Don't always trust the opinions of experts.

05-25-2005, 07:51 AM	#77 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Bride Indicted LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks was indicted Wednesday on charges that she lied to police about being kidnapped, two counts that could mean up to six years in prison. A grand jury indicted the 32-year-old woman on one count of making a false police report, a misdemeanor, and one count of false statement, a felony, said Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter. The felony charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, he said. The other count carries a penalty of up to a year. "We believe this is a reasonable next step in the case. We believe the grand jury made the right decision," Porter said. "At some point you just can't lie to the police," he said. A bench warrant will be issued for Wilbanks' arrest within the next few days, he added. No court date has been set. This indictment does not rule out a possible plea agreement to lesser charges, Porter said. Authorities had said they were talking to the Wilbanks family about a possible deal. Wilbanks' attorney, Lydia Sartain, has said she does not think Wilbanks committed a crime in Gwinnett County. Authorities in Albuquerque had said they would not charge Wilbanks. "The citizens of the county will be ill-served by an attempted prosecution," Sartain said before Wednesday's charges were announced. She did not return a phone call seeking further comment Wednesday morning. Wilbanks disappeared from her Duluth home on April 26, days before her planned wedding, after claiming that she was going for a jog. While Georgia authorities looked for her, the woman traveled to Las Vegas by bus and then to Albuquerque There, she called authorities with a story about having been abducted and sexually assaulted. But under questioning, she recanted and said she fled Georgia because of unspecified personal issues. She returned to Georgia on April 30, the day she was to have been married in a lavish ceremony with 600 guests. Her disappearance prompted a massive search and nationwide publicity. City, county and state officials spent about $50,000 looking for her. Several state and county agencies already said they will not ask her to reimburse them for a total of $10,000 spent in additional search costs. But the city of Duluth still is seeking repayment of about $40,000 and Mayor Shirley Lassetter said her city attorney has been in negotiations with Sartain. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ .... amazing what a mess she made for herself all because she didn't just say... hmmm.. not sure I really want to get married.... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

05-25-2005, 08:11 AM	#79 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	Im proud of my county for doing this, I was really afraid they were going to let it slide. __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

05-25-2005, 08:27 AM	#80 (permalink)
OFKU0 Junk	I think she should do 1500 hours of community service,...picking up garbage on the roadside, washing dishes at a woman's shelter,...etc, while being placed on a list to replace her brain with one that works. Hope that isn't too harsh. Wouldn't want the poor thing to be further victimized. __________________ " In Canada, you can tell the most blatant lie in a calm voice, and people will believe you over someone who's a little passionate about the truth." David Warren, Western Standard.