 Today, the trial of George Zimmerman kicked off in Sanford, FL as the court initiated the jury selection process.
What is of most interest is the level of the 'burden of proof' in which the Florida DA needs to achieve in order to secure a conviction of Zimmerman. First, they need to prove that the shooting was a murder. Second, they also need to prove the shooting was not in self-defense. This is unusual in that most states are only required to prove the murder aspect. But Florida, by the nature in which they designed their state laws under the authority of the 10th and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, is required to prove that this was not self-defense—which raises the standard of proof required by the state to convince a jury to reach a conviction.
This poses an important question—can the Florida DA prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt and to a moral certainty?
Evidently, they believe they can, or they wouldn’t have gone forward with the prosecution.
It’s a simple rule that we in the criminal justice system live by…if you don’t believe that you can prove you’re case to a jury then don’t try it! Why? Because once you’ve tried the case, and lost, you can never try it again—a violation of the ‘double jeopardy’ rule.
This raises to question what evidence the prosecution has in which they intend to bring before the jury during the trial.
...can the Florida DA prove their case beyond a
reasonable doubt and to a moral certainty? If you recall, there is the initial unsolicited statement given to police by Zimmerman when he called 911. That recording, in its entirety, should be admissible in the court. Do you remember the dialog, the direction given to him by the 911 operator to stop chasing the subject and wait for police to arrive on the scene? Do you remember his jaded comment about certain people always getting away with it?—whatever “it” is. Then there was the more formal statement to the initial police officers who responded to the scene after the shooting. Another interesting facet about this case is if Zimmerman is capable of receiving a fair trial. With the 911 tapes, witness statements, and other vital pieces of evidence reaching the far corners of the information highway, many people across the nation have already had ample time to conduct their own investigation into this shooting and make their own determination as to guilt or innocence. And this will be presented to a jury of six…yes, I said “six,” with four alternates. This too is unusual as most states have twelve jurors with only a few alternates—beneficial for the defense as there are more jurors in which ‘a reasonable doubt’ can be raised. Nonetheless, with the trial finally underway, Trayvon’s father best captures everyone’s desire when he says, “As we seek justice for our son Trayvon, we also seek a fair and impartial trial.” Let us hope and pray that the truth becomes prevalent in the weeks to come and justice prevails. — Ken Lang is a former Baltimore area homicide detective and an award-winning author of several true crime books, including Walking Among the Dead, Standing In Death’s Shadow, and Death Comes Uninvited. In 2011, he was named one of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading by The Author’s Show. He was recently awarded the 2013 DETC Famous Alumni of the Year. 2013 New York Times bestselling author Julia Spencer Fleming says, “ Ken Lang is the real deal—a cop with chops!” Ken resides in North East, Maryland with his wife and three children. To learn more about his true crime books and upcoming crime novels please visit his website at www.kenlangstudios.com.
 My wedding anniversary falls during the first week of January. This past anniversary my lovely bride and I celebrated our 22nd year of marriage with dinner and a movie. Where did we have dinner? The Lonestar Steakhouse. Which movie? Les Misérables. In the tale, Victor Hugo creates a fascinating storyline about a man, Jean Valjean, who finishes a 19 year jail sentence for stealing food to feed his starving family. Valjean is eventually released after completing his term (additional years added for escape attempts) and returns to society, though his criminal life still haunts him. If you’re familiar with the story, Valjean goes on to live the remainder of his life outside the prison walls, but he isn’t necessarily a free man after skipping out on his parole and constantly pursued by Inspector Javert. It’s a fascinating story—one you should read and see in the theater. But as I sat and watched this rendition of one of my favorite musicals, I pondered, “Can a criminal really become a productive member of society?” At first, my police instincts screamed out a resounding “No!” as I though about all the repeat offenders that I had apprehended time and time again—only to recharge them with the same type of criminal offense. It almost becomes a known way of life, the only way of life they come to know. In fact, I have those repeat offenders who faithfully demonstrate that the only environment that they are capable of thriving in is the one offered by the local detention center. Then it dawned on me. There were those who I had charged for a simple offense and then never saw again. I recalled one instance as a patrol officer when I was dispatched to a local department store on Christmas Eve; a shoplifter in custody. As I spoke with the loss prevention officer I learned how this 18 year old female had stole over $500 worth of brand new clothing. Because of her age and the amount value she had taken the law required that I take her into custody and charge her with certain theft crimes. So I did. When we returned to the precinct lockup and I processed her, I watched her weep bitterly, begging me to call her father who would hopefully post her bail. I permitted the phone call and was soon greeted by the disappointed father in the lobby. You can only imagine my dismay when I learned that the gentleman was a Reverend and that at the time he was conducting Christmas Eve candlelight service his daughter was being apprehended for her crime. In time, I learned that the young lady had indeed changed her ways. Perhaps spending most of Christmas day in an isolated cell attributed something to her finding the road of repentance. Perhaps the forgiveness that she experienced expressed a love that she had never realized or known. Whatever the case, she did become a productive member of society—turning my predisposed thoughts about those who offend onto a new course. I certainly wish that I had the answer why people offend and how to deter them successfully. In fact, if I had that answer I would undoubtedly write a book, go on a book signing tour, and hit the academic circuit with my newfound discovery. But we humans are a wonderfully made creature. And understanding how and why we do what we do is a knowledge that we may never come to know. If there has been anything that I have learned as a 24 year law enforcement veteran, it is this… criminals know that they are the dredges of all mankind, but when you treat them with the basic dignity every human deserves they begin to see the potential in who they’re meant to be and not what they’ve necessarily become. — Ken Lang is a former Baltimore area homicide detective and an award-winning author of several true crime books, including Walking Among the Dead, Standing In Death’s Shadow, and Death Comes Uninvited. In 2011, he was named one of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading by The Author’s Show. New York Times bestselling author Julia Spencer Fleming says, “ Ken Lang is the real deal—a cop with chops!” Ken resides in North East, Maryland with his wife and three children. To learn more about his true crime books and upcoming crime novels please visit his website at www.kenlangstudios.com.
 Last week it went viral over the Internet.
One cop. One moment. One photograph.
Many of us saw the picture and heard the story. NYPD’s Officer Lawrence DePrimo finds a homeless man while on counter-terrorism patrol. In the frigid temperatures Ofc. DePrimo notices that the homeless man has no socks, no shoes. The blisters evidence of the undo exposure the man was suffering. DePrimo’s heart melts.
Acquiring a pair of socks and all-weather boots the officer returns to the homeless man, kneels down by his side, and places the socks and boots on the man’s feet.
The picture doesn’t capture it, but I would have loved to have seen the man’s face when Officer DePrimo stoops down by his side and presents these gifts. Here was a police officer, an NYPD officer, who was representative of many other officers this very man may have faced when being chased from a park or encouraged to move along from a street corner. But this time would be different, this time the man wasn’t being pushed off the street and out of the public eye. This time, he was the center of attention.
In the 23 years I’ve served as a police officer there is one valuable lesson that I’ve learned when dealing with those who are less fortunate in our society—they’re human too. And when you treat them with the dignity and respect every human deserves, the world becomes so much better.
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Ken Lang is a former homicide detective and an award-winning author of several true crime books, including Walking Among the Dead, Standing In Death’s Shadow, and Death Comes Uninvited. In 2011, he was named one of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading by The Author’s Show. New York Times bestselling author Julia Spencer Fleming says, “Ken Lang is the real deal—a cop with chops!”
Ken resides in North East, Maryland with his wife and three children. To learn more about his true crime books and upcoming crime novels visit his website at www.kenlangstudios.com.
 Now that Hurricane Sandy has left her fury and decimated the northeastern region of the United States, we are beginning to hear about stories of heroism rising above such a catastrophe.
Stories such as the heroic efforts of Officer Artur Kasprzak.
Home with his family, Sandy’s rage began beating against the Staten Island community. As the wind and rain pounded the New York region, raging floodwaters poured into Kasprzak’s basement. One by one he saw that his seven family members (including his 15-month-old son) were safely shepherd into the confines of the attic—the highest point of safety from the turbulent waters.
With his family safely tucked on higher ground, Kasprzak needed to make one last trip to check on the basement. Descending from the attic and into the basement, his family waited patiently for his return. But the raging floodwaters would soon dominate the neighbor, filling basements and downing power lines.
Kasprzak would never return to his awaiting family.
When minutes passed and Artur Kasprzak didn’t return, family members grew frantic and called 911. There call would spawn the response of the NYPD Dive Team who raced to the Doty Avenue address in their Zodiac boats. Unfortunately, with the downed power lines snaking through the raging waters rescuers were unable to reach Kasprzak’s address. His body was found later that morning in his home basement.
He was a 6-year veteran with NYPD.
 OFC. ARTUR KASPRZAK Artur Kasprzak’s selfless sacrifice cost him his life. This is the tapestry many officers are woven. Upon hearing this remarkable story, it caused me to pause and reflect on a verse from the New Testament that I’ve tucked away deep in my heart:
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” ~John 15:13
Officer Kasprzak’s story is a remarkable story of love and sacrifice. It is one in which will be remembered for years to come when people speak about Hurricane Sandy.
It is a story we should never forget.
Do you know of any stories of heroism like that of Officer Kasprzak’s that arose out of Hurricane Sandy? I’d love to hear them.
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Ken Lang is a former homicide detective and an award-winning author of several true crime books, including Walking Among the Dead, Standing In Death’s Shadow, and Death Comes Uninvited. In 2011, he was named one of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading by The Author’s Show. New York Times bestselling author Julia Spencer Fleming says, “Ken Lang is the real deal—a cop with chops!”
Ken resides in North East, Maryland with his wife and three children. To learn more about his true crime books and upcoming crime novels visit his website at www.kenlangstudios.com.
 So, where is Jimmy Hoffa?
That’s been the question that has plagued the FBI since July 30, 1975 when the famous teamster boss disappeared.
Just this past week the feds received a tip that Jimmy Hoffa’s body may be buried beneath a Rosseville, Michigan driveway. Yet, after drilling holes and taking soil samples authorities have already provided an initial report saying that there is no evidence of a body buried beneath the driveway.
And so the question remains; where is Jimmy Hoffa?
The Hoffa case has been an intriguing case that has captivated the public at large since his disappearance in 1975. He was last seen at the Machus Red Fox restaurant in suburban Detroit. And with the captivation comes the speculation about his whereabouts. He’s been presumed buried in a number of places, including beneath Giants Stadium in East Ruthersford, NJ.
While this past weeks events seems to have fizzled out with a great deal of disappointment for the federal authorities investigating the case I had to ask myself if the Hoffa case would be one in which would plague law enforcement officials for years to come.
My question was raised out my observations of the changes that science has brought to the law enforcement community and how our ability to solve over recent years.
When my career as a police officer started in 1989, we hadn’t heard of DNA. In fact, blood type testing was the premiere way by which many offenders were identified and found guilty with charges lodged against them. Today, we now have mitochondrial DNA which is such a finite DNA that in many cases we are able to say that the offender is the only person in the world who could have committed the offense in which DNA was left at the scene.
Having seen this transition develop and grow in law enforcement over the past twenty years and bring us to a point of certainty, one would think that it would be only a matter of time before we are able to find Jimmy Hoffa’s body.
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Ken Lang is a former homicide detective and an award-winning author of several true crime books, including Walking Among the Dead, Standing In Death’s Shadow, and Death Comes Uninvited. In 2011 he was named one of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading by The Author’s Show. New York Times bestselling author Julia Spencer Fleming says, “Ken Lang is the real deal—a cop with chops!”
Ken resides in North East, Maryland with his wife and three children. To learn more about his true crime books and upcoming crime novels visit his website at www.kenlangstudios.com.
 It never fails. Every time this old detective gets into his uniform for a detail I always end up with some young kid standing by my side and looking up with that look of question etched on his face. "Mr. Policeman, can I ask you a question?" "Sure," I reply with optimism. "Have you ever shot anybody?" I always seem to pause at this moment, letting my mind recall many of the near death encounters I've faced as a patrolman and detective. Then I turn and tell the child, "No, I've never shot anybody--but I've come close." Disappoint always replaces the inquisitive look. Squatting down to his level I wait for his eyes to catch mine. "But I have delivered a baby." The surprise grabs them every time. "Really?! How'd ya do that?" "I had just finished my first week on the midnight shift fresh out of the police academy when my Corporal sent me to fuel up the police car. After gassing up the car I was driving back to the station when I saw the driver of a car hanging out the window, flagging me down, while he was driving down the road. When I pulled in behind him he jumped out of the car and yelled, 'my wife's having a baby, help!'" The child stood dumbfounded--his jaw gapping open. "So I ran up to the car and saw that Mom was really having a baby. The baby was almost here, so I had to help the baby because it was choking. I did what I was trained to do and the next you know that baby was lying in her mother's arms. I called an ambulance and the baby and her mother were taken to the hospital where they were cared for." Puzzled, the child looks up, a new question now formulating. "Mr. Policeman, I have another question." "What's that?" "Where do babies come from?" I say as the smirk grows across my face, "You'll have to ask your parents that question." — Ken Lang is a former homicide detective and an award-winning author of several true crime books, including Walking Among the Dead: True Stories from a Homicide Detective. In 2011 he was named on of “ 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” by The Author’s Show. He resides in North East, Maryland with his wife and three children. To learn more about his true crime books and upcoming crime novels visit his website at www.kenlangstudios.com.
 It's that time of year again when we in the law enforcement family take time to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. As a 23-year veteran, May prompts me to step back, take a moment and remember specific days in my career when my fellow officers stepped in harms way to preserve justice. One such morning occurred in the midday of February 7, 2000. It was a cold, brisk day as most February days tend to be here in Maryland when Sergeant Bruce Prothero began working his security detail at the J. Brown Jewelers store in Pikesville, MD. In just a few hours, Bruce would encounter four armed suspects robbing the store. As they fled the scene, Bruce followed behind, presumed to be making an effort to secure the tag number of the suspect vehicle. That’s when shots rang out and rounds cut through Bruce. Collapsing beneath a maple tree situated on the edge of a parking lot, fellow employees notified 911 as the suspects fled the scene. As I sat at my desk at headquarters, a flurry of activity suddenly erupted about the various detective’s offices as news about Bruce being shot quickly circulated like a wildfire. While some detectives were making their way to the scene, others, including myself, were directed to standby at headquarters for further orders. I grabbed my radio, twisted the channel dial and tuned in to the action unfolding. My heart sank as I heard a former academy mate screaming over the radio, requesting that the medic expedite to the scene. The shrill in her voice confirmed that she was immediately by Bruce’s side as other officers were frantically administering first aid. Sitting at my desk, obeying my orders, I felt completely helpless. The quickened pace over the radio shifted as Bruce was loaded into the medic and transported to Sinai Hospital. Now the attention focused on establishing the perimeter and disseminating the vague information that fellow employees had to offer. I sat patiently, awaiting direction from a supervisor when the telephone call came into the office. As the receiver fell from my fellow detective’s hand, the news was obvious—Bruce’s end of watch had come. At first, I was stunned. Then the weight of the moment overwhelmed us all and we each sat at our desks and quietly wept. As the minutes ebbed away, our grief slowly turned to resolution that we would all put our best foot forward to identify and apprehend the suspects who had mowed down our comrade. In the week that followed, homicide detectives worked tirelessly around the clock, fielding the information that would subsequently lead to the arrest and conviction of the four desperate robbers. Each year, as I sit and reflect upon the tragic loss of Sergeant Bruce Prothero and other officers lost throughout the nation, it still amazes me how their final measure of courage overshadows the loss, inspiring us to continue the pursuit for justice. "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." -John 15:13 (NLT) — Ken Lang is a former homicide detective and an award-winning author of several true crime books, including Walking Among the Dead: True Stories from a Homicide Detective. In 2011 he was named on of “ 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” by The Author’s Show. He resides in North East, Maryland with his wife and three children. To learn more about his true crime books and upcoming crime novels visit his website at www.kenlangstudios.com.
It all started quite innocently with a sincere craving for vanilla ice cream. Having just finished cutting the grass, whacking the weeds, and trimming the overgrown bushes on this hot but beautiful summer day, I couldn’t help but notice the fresh quart of blackberries plucked from the vines in the backyard. A dollop of ice cream topped with blackberries would certainly be a treat on my day off. I couldn’t wait! I ran, grabbed my wallet, and snatched the keys. “Tell your mom I’ll be right back! I’m going for some ice cream!” I slammed the door, turned the ignition, and headed out the lane towards the highway – leaving three anxious kids reeling in my dust. The High’s convenience store wasn’t more than a mile and a half from home. Focusing on my mission, I gripped the steering wheel, kicked the accelerator, and tore down the road. Whipping into the parking lot and finding my way through the door, I darted to the commercial freezer and searched for my selection. Wasting no time, I grabbed the two pints and made my way to the clerk. “I swear they keep making these things smaller.” I couldn’t help my grin. “And they’re still charging the same price - $7.05 please.” The clerk obviously un-amused. I smiled, swiped my card, and was behind the steering wheel heading home. Don’t want to let the ice cream melt. As the hill leveled and the curve straightened on this two lane highway, I noticed the rugged pickup truck waiting to pull out from a side street just a hundred yards ahead. Watch, this guy will probably pull out right in front of me when I… No sooner did the thought cross my mind when the truck whipped out. It made its abrasive turn, and I was able to maintain my speed. That’s when my eye caught the glimpse of a pink garment, falling from the passenger’s door that swung open before slamming shut. The garment bounced out onto the shoulder, then took two huge bounces before tumbling to a rest on the double yellow line. Are you kidding me, I bet they lost there… no, wait a minute! I quickened my pace to the section of road where the truck had stopped. Its driver, a frantic woman, ran towards the pink garment. As my car drew closer, my suspicions were confirmed; the pink garment contained a young child. An eight-year-old female with shoulder length blond hair now lay unconscious in the middle of the highway. I kicked into autopilot. I positioned my car, activated the hazard lights, and bailed out. A quick glance for a house number and I reached for my cellphone. Crap! I forgot my cellphone – I don’t even have my badge or gun! “I’m a police officer, let me help!” The mother gave way as I squatted next to the limp body. I quickly assessed her airway, breathing, and circulation. All were good, but she was unresponsive. A quick secondary survey revealed no broken bones and that all the pieces were where they belonged. But when I pushed her eyelids back to check her pupils, my heart fell away. It was that empty gaunt stare that I’ve seen dozens of times. I felt utterly helpless. A crowd of people now gathered around the scene; cars coming to rest in the roadway, their occupants jumping out and offering assistance. “Does anyone have a cellphone!” My request came much like a command. An older man leaned in, obviously already on the phone with 911, and offered his cellphone. “911 what’s your…” “This is off-duty officer Lang with the county police. I need EMS and officers to the 2800 block of Joseph Biggs Highway, a young girl fell from a moving vehicle.” “Is she conscious?” “Negative, but she does have a pulse and respiration… wait a minute.” The gargling sounds thrust themselves from the girls contorting body. Her eyes shot open. Her screams incomprehensible. “Sophia! Sophia!” her mother bellowed watching her child flailing on the macadam. “Here, somebody talk to the operator.” Tossing the phone aside, I straddled the young girl, trying to secure her head and neck from any undiscovered injuries. Her mother quickly came to my aid, holding the young girl in place until paramedics arrived seconds later and arranged for a medevac to the University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma. Time warped into another continuum, and before I knew it, the child and her mother would be landing in Baltimore within minutes while I was heading for home. Sophia miraculously survived her fall from the truck. The two huge bounces her body took left her with a serious concussion that time would soon restore. As I look back to what appeared to be a tragic summer evening and think about the horror that fell over me upon seeing Sophia’s empty eyes, I couldn’t help but better understand the dreadfulness that must have gripped family members of homicide victim’s whose cases I’ve investigated and written about in my book. The complete utter feeling of helplessness, not expecting the unexpected, left me to appreciate what I was able to do for them in their time of need. -- Ken Lang is a former homicide detective and an award-winning author of several true crime books, including Walking Among the Dead: True Stories from a Homicide Detective. In 2011 he was named on of “ 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” by The Author’s Show. He resides in North East, Maryland with his wife and three children. To learn more about his true crime books and upcoming crime novels visit his website at www.kenlangstudios.com.
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