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Resident Blasts Investigation of Sea Isle Death

Crime | Tue, 03/03/2009 - 5:56 pm | Updated 3 years 10 weeks ago | Read 7924 | Commented 28 | Emailed 22
Tags: cape may county prosecutor's office, Crest Haven

By Al Campbell

CREST HAVEN — A Sea Isle City resident chided freeholders, Feb. 24, for the County Prosecutor’s Office’s inability “to describe for the public” Tracy Hottenstein’s death “as being suspicious.”

Teresa Downey also called for freeholders to hire an independent panel to investigate, not only Hottenstein’s death, but also deaths of other women from previous years, whose names and cases are well known to Prosecutor Robert Taylor.

“We have a tendency to cover up crimes against women. To say that they are not important, I am saying they are,” said Downey.

“Women do not die outside under normal circumstances unless they are murdered,” said Downey.

Freeholders indicated they would not name such a panel.

“Everybody would like us to put out more information, but that’s not the way to conduct an investigation,” said Taylor in a Feb. 26 interview.

“You don’t put out all the information until the investigation is done,” he added.

To counter Downey’s inference that there was a systemic disregard of females’ unexplained deaths, Taylor outlined who are the lead investigators in that office.

“Head of the Major Crimes Unit is a woman, Lt. Lynn Frame. She is in charge of the investigation in Sea Isle City,” he said.
She heads up all sexual assault investigations in the county, said Taylor.

He further cited Senior Asst. Prosecutor Marian Ragusa, who prosecutes most sexual assault cases “on behalf of the office,” said Taylor.

“The idea that we need a panel to look at sexual assaults on women is unnecessary. We already have two experienced people. We have women looking at these crimes,” he added.

In a January 10, 2005 press conference, Taylor declared that the 1990 death of Susan Negersmith had been treated as a murder by his office.

At that time Taylor sought to “dispel any lingering idea” put forth by “two uninformed local residents,” that Negersmith’s death and those of three other women were the work of a serial killer.

Downey was one of those two Taylor alluded to while the other was Ruth Fisher.

At that time, the state Attorney General declined to take a more active role in the investigation.

Downey, at the freeholder meeting, also said “Cape May County has a reputation, historically, of having the highest rate of sexual assaults, domestic violence, illiteracy, and the highest number of women whose cases have not been classified as homicide.”

Vice Director Ralph Sheets told Downey the state Attorney General “has oversight in those investigations.”

He added that, if Downey believes the case is being mishandled, she should contact the state Attorney General.

Director Daniel Beyel refused to make any statement regarding the Hottenstein case.

Likewise Sea Isle City Mayor and Freeholder Leonard Desiderio declined to make any comment, “adhering to requests by the county prosecutor’s office and Sea Isle City Police Department.”

“It is a disservice to the women of this county, whether it’s suspicious or not,” said Downey. “It allows speculation to be fueled, in part, by the prosecutor’s decision not to characterize this (Hottenstein’s death) as suspicious. It places the responsibility on her for her death,” she stated.

Downey said there were “parallels” between the Hottenstein and Negersmith deaths.

“Both were last seen in a bar, and that leads the public to speculate that alcohol was used, and that she was responsible for what happened to her. She is not responsible for what happened to her,” said Downey.

She criticized the “way of handling them (cases).”

“If the prosecutor can’t classify them as suspicious, it creates a distrust between the public and the prosecutor,” she said.

Those “cases of unexpected and unexplained deaths” included:

• Carol Hill, 1970

• Patricia Ann Thompson, 1982

• Barbara Marks, 1986

• Susan Negersmith, 1990

Beyel added, “The prosecutor’s office has had tremendous growth of staff of over 20 people. I would think that they are committed more than ever to deal with current or past issues of concern you have expressed.”

“It’s a little alarming to hear your speculation,” Beyel added.

He again cited the ongoing investigation that was “moving forward.” If either the prosecutor or attorney general have “something to release to the public, especially to the members of the family of the victim, then the victim’s family will know, hopefully, that this is being addressed.”

“Speed is not necessarily something we want to see until everything is done thoroughly,” said Beyel.

Freeholder Gerald Thornton, who had heard Downey make prior demands for similar investigations, said, “Members of this board cannot second guess a criminal investigation. We all know that, very often, the forensic science is not a perfect science.”

He added it would be “highly unethical, and it may not be legal,” to disclose any information about the case at the present.

He cited the previous cases, and noted, “The Attorney General’s Office ruled it was an appropriate way the investigation was conducted.”

“I am not sure the families feel properly taken care of,” said Downey, adding she had “Never seen this copy of a letter” that Thornton said the attorney general sent to the county regarding conduct of the investigations.

Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com

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Sun, 03/22/2009 - 11:25am - Posted by: Anonymous

Terry Downey you are a LUNATIC!!! Apparently women are untouchable and cannot POSSIBLY die without being murdered. Are you serious?? You have a skewed vision of the world my friend and need professional help because the attacks that you pose on the law enforcement officials who spend endless hours on these cases is unbelievable. Why don't you leave the state of NJ and go attack the MILLIONS of other offices who have cases where they are taking the SAME EXACT TIME to solve. Absolute nutcase! And no I am not related or have any affiliation with law enforcement, I am simply a SIC resident who is sick of hearing your voice!

Tue, 03/10/2009 - 9:08am - Posted by: Anonymous

family and friends need not comment, they are dealing with the very sad loss of a lovely person and comments are not not in short order apparently.
when the truth is revealed, and I'm confident that it will be- the family will have what they need to move forward and you won't have anything left to comment on. The truth is that the case does not really affect anyone like it does her family and friends-np matter what the outcome- the loss is theirs.

Tue, 03/10/2009 - 1:45am - Posted by: Anonymous

You yell barracuda, everybody says HUH? WHAT???

You yell SHARK, we've got a panic on our hands on the 4th of July.

The lack of coverage given this woman's death smacks of Amity Flu...shut up and pray it solves itself before the blessed SEASON gets underway.

Sad.

Mon, 03/09/2009 - 10:15pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I agree with the postings that the public should not be informed of every detail as they come in, but I am shocked at the complete lack of reporting on this. Not a comment from a friend or family member? Rumors are flying about broken bones and a car being found...It is just very unusual in these times to have so little information after nearly a month. It makes it seem that the police just wish it would all go away. I'm sure this isn't the case, but it's very odd. Could there be some truth in the town not wanting a black- eye just before tourist season? I'm honestly geting a little freaked-out about my up-coming trips to the shore.

Mon, 03/09/2009 - 2:51pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I fully grasp the ideal of keeping a tight lid on information for the sake of case integrity, interviewing etc etc but hear me out on a hypothetical. Say you woke up one monday morning and noticed that after 5 years of parking in the driveway your neighbor across the street has parked his silver sedan in his garage, which was always packed with lawn equipment, fishing gear and boxes...seems odd, but nothing you'd think to question. Then the following morning you notice a headline of a body being found a few towns south, police believe it to be a hit and run motor vehicle affair. This wouldn't necessarily start you thinking anything until a few days later they release that silver paint chips were embedded in the poor soul's skin. Now you start thinking...and then early the next morning your neighbor is pulling the car out and you notice his front bumper is mashed in and the windshield spiderwebbed...so you ring the police and explain what you've seen.

I'm sure the fine folks investigating this unfortunate incident understand this, but perhaps sometimes it might pay off to let the public know some facts, it just might strike someone somewhere who has seen something amiss to come forward.

Mon, 03/09/2009 - 1:38pm - Posted by: Anonymous

What a bunch of loons! Lots of the so-called "Big City" investigators have retired from their first careers, and are working for the Prosecutor. What did they do, get dumb when they moved down here?

The "First 48" is indeed a reality show. but you don't see them show casing places like Philadelphia, or New York City or Washington DC, where there are a staggeing number of Homicides investigated, do you? The reason is, that real murder investigation isn't 'telegenic'. It doesn't make good TV. But I am so glad another nitwit has chosen a TV show as their "Everyman's Guide to Homicide Investigation."

And there is plenty of "bad press" comes out of every Trial. Whoever the goof is that said that the news comes out slanted by the Prosecutors office must be living somewhere else. And I would love to know where that same person got his or her statistics on 20% of cases being nolle prossed in backroom deal. It's a shame that so many ignorant 'cop hater' live in Cape May County. If it weren't for the police, what would they have to complain about. The Townshop road crews?

Sun, 03/08/2009 - 3:56pm - Posted by: Anonymous

This case will never be solved. These local police lack the expertise to investigate and solve these types of cases. When these incidents happen the local authorities should have the option to call on nearby big city investigators who have the experience.

Sun, 03/08/2009 - 2:05pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I don't believe anyone is saying the Police should tell them everything. It is the people who are defending Law enforcement that "doesn't get it", While everyone was walking around the scene, someone should have rounded up everyone from the bar to see if anything of value was available. This couldn't be done because it took 4 days to name the bar. Witnesses and evidence Lost.
Some people claiming there is never any good news for the Prosecutor are just plain ignorant. Sit in a trial. The reporter says whatever the Prosecutor says. Nothing is mentioned about any witness that disputes the Prosecution. Then the public thinks the Jury got it wrong. BS.
The Prosecutor gets to detail all press accounts from arrest to final adjudication. The defense gets nothing. Prosecutor indicts over 1,000 cases a year. Probably 20% are dismissed in their entirety. It is done behind closed doors and there is NEVER one article about these cases. The only cases ever mentioned are from trials and Motions.
In this case, Law Enforcement is trying to solve the matter. It may not be a crime. Either way, many more things should be done than waiting for a toxicology report. Remember the Daniels Case, blood trial from the Victim's apt led from Vic's front door to the steps and down 5 flights of steps. Then it went around the walls of an entire floor. TWO Hours later the Chief of Police visited the scene. There were already at least a dozen officers present. The Chief had to point out the blood trail which everyone else, not only missed but walked in it. Nuff said

Sat, 03/07/2009 - 6:01pm - Posted by: Anonymous

It's crazy that this nutjob can stir up so much controversy. There is no conspiracy, and if law enforcement isn't forthcoming with every detail of the investigation, it is because it is a potentially serious case and the people involved are concerned with maintaining the integrity of the investigation. Downey sounds like a whacko who wants to grab the spotlight by taking advantage of a tragic situation.

Sat, 03/07/2009 - 4:08pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Tune into A&E the first 48 hours, this is not Hollywood but real life homicide investigators and you will all learn something about investigations. I fear that this is another case in CMC that will go unsolved. I knew this when I saw the first pictures and video from the scene there were too many officials wandering around aimlessness.

Sat, 03/07/2009 - 11:26am - Posted by: Anonymous

Thu, 03/05/2009 - 11:21pm...indeed, please do not visit Sea Isle, as it would simply add one more unneeded moron to the mix. You've never been to the place yet you babble on about some crack brained suicide theory because the poor girl was found near a bridge? Have you any idea what the tides and current are like in that area? During full ebb it absolutely tears through that stretch of the back bay. With very little information released who is to say she didn't fall off someone's bayfront deck 10 streets north? Speculation is all anyone has still, and for some twit who's never even crossed the bridge to open their trap about this sad incident is rather lame.

Fri, 03/06/2009 - 10:17am - Posted by: Anonymous

I have been in law Enforcement for 35 years. I have read stories about cases the CM County Prosecutor's Office seems to have botched. But, how much publicity do all of the cases they 'bring in' receive? The Press and the Public gravitate to police mistakes, not police success. The people of CM County shold consider themselves lucky that they DON'T have more experienced Homicide detectives. Because that would mean that they have MORE Homicides.

Unfortunately, Hollywood has made the general public "Experts" in criminal investigation. It is absurd that a bunch of "armchair quarterbacks" should criticize and investigation like this one. The police are at the mercy of medical science. If the Forensic pathologists can't give them a cause and manner of death, there is very little the police can do, other than try to track down the decedent's last know activities. Which is exactly what it sounds like they are doing.

The public is not entitled to know what goes on in an investigation while it is in progress. Publicizing investigative activities has consistently been known to cause break downs of major cases. There is plenty of times for public disclosure and press coverage after the job comes in.

Fri, 03/06/2009 - 9:28am - Posted by: Anonymous

There are several other woman that have not been mentioned in this article. Judy Manich, her body was found in Pat Cong Creek on April 16th 2003. Also there was four woman from Atlantic City. Hopefully Downey will add these woman to her list and find some answers.

Fri, 03/06/2009 - 12:21am - Posted by: Anonymous

Downey is a nosey whack job and just wants all the detials to feed her own curiosity. Please people back off...everyone thinks they know more and can do a better job than the cops then go to the freakin academy and get hired and do the job yourself. All you people are crying MURDER MURDER MURDER have you ever heard of SUICIDE?????? She was found UNDER A BRIDGE.....I have never been to Sea Isle City in my life and now I have no desire because it is osviously filled with morons.

Thu, 03/05/2009 - 6:49pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I read this post and wonder, how many dumb people must live in New Jersey, and how do they all fit in one little state? Stop watching CSI and thinking you understand police work. Stick to whatever trivial job it is you have. Maybe, instead of solving the case, the police should tell all the busy bodies, all the clues and facts so they could solve the case for them. What god would fill his planet with so many morons?

Thu, 03/05/2009 - 12:25am - Posted by: Anonymous

So far, I see only BAD police work. Someone convince me otherwise...

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 10:27pm - Posted by: Anonymous

In a previous article it was said that the autopsy was inconclusive, which means its not likely that she drowned, which would have been easily to figure out. As to Tues 3/3 9:54, toxicology reports take several weeks, not two weeks, and even when it is done, those things don't usually get released to the general public due to HIPPA laws. As to Weds 3/4 6:59am earlier articles said that the investigators had to review bar and public tapes to determine which bar she was at, what time, etc. Then they probably wanted to do some investigating before everyone else stuck there nose in. I'm not an insider, I just read all the stories from all the sources and used my common sense before I jump to conclusions.

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 8:43pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Horatio Cain would've had this solved by the second commercial break...

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 3:56pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Don't shoot the messenger, Downey has every right to ask questions. If the deceased was a member of your family wouldn't you lwant to know the cause of death? Seems to me that they like to drag these things out and in time people's interest will fade. Didn't they stop racing on the beach because of a fatal accident. Maybe the polar bear swim should cease, it only attracts potential problems.

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 3:33pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Talk about your loose canons --- I think Downey's photo is in the dictionary next to that phrase! Isn't she the same ex-director of CARA that got kicked out after she made a grant application to the state claiming that all Cape May County police, prosecutors and judges are biased against women in any sort of crime involving assault or abuse? She scored tons of points on that one!! The Herald ran a bunch of stories on Downey's nutty accusations. She almost single-handedly destroyed CARA and all services for victims of abuse (female and male) in the county. I also think it's highly disrespectful of Miss Hottenstein and her family and friends for Downey to presume to speak on their behalf and to make such frightful, unsupported and outrageous allegations. She should stick to accounting or needlepoint, or something else that's actually useful.

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 12:08pm - Posted by: Anonymous

In addition to suspicious deaths, the CMC Prosecutor's office also keeps a tight lid on government conspiracies, extraterrestrials, alternative energy sources, a perpetual motion machine and microwaveable aluminum foil. Where do these loonies come from? (aside from the Villas, and apparently now Sea Isle City...)

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 12:05pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I know this is just lil ol cape may county I'll say this. One of the investigators is a seasoned ex philly homicide detective and knows what he is doing. Ms Downey can pee up a rope.

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 9:44am - Posted by: Anonymous

So is the death suspicious or not? I can't tell from this story. If it is, police have to withhold some things from the public so they can use them to question suspects. Police also are waiting for toxicology results, but they would be able to tell from the initial autopsy if the lady was alive when she went in the water, wouldn't they? (At least that's what I've learned from watching a lot of true crime TV.) If so, she, unfortunately, probably accidentally fell in the water after drinking all day.

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 9:23am - Posted by: Anonymous

Sounds like Downey is a person who is trying to make a statement for herself and jumping on the bandwagon of a sympathetic topic. What is this person trying to run for public office or want to become the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the county, so she feels she needs to "challenge" the excellent investigation skills of that office. She needs to stop watching CSI and Without a Trace, where the scripts have the case solved in less than one hour. If you think those actors can help, contact Hollywood!

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 8:02am - Posted by: Anonymous

The Negersmith case was botch because our County Medical Examiner, Dr. Napoleon, was a lazy political hack who was more interested in enriching himself through crooked land deals with the County politicians then practicing his medical profession.

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 7:59am - Posted by: Anonymous

Prosecutor Taylor is blowing his own horn again. His people are politically hand picked. They botch case after case. Then he cites the authority of two women involved as "significant". His office is trying Trp. Higbee. They just lost the Cooper case. The evidence is missing in the Carty and Watkins cases. He has Police pitted against each other in Wildwood(Romeo case). His office lost the tape as evidence in the Rape Case(2008) in the wildwoods. Maybe the "female" should have reviewed the paperwork which led to the technicallity.
In Sea Isle, Ms. downey seems to be correct. Why did they wait 5 days to reveal the bar the victim left. someone could have noticed something if this was done immediately. Now witnesses are "gone". There is a fine line between revealing evidence at the wrong time. How come Pros. Taylor is always on the wrong side of the line.

Tue, 03/03/2009 - 10:54pm - Posted by: Anonymous

Rather it sounds like what she is looking for is more information and not a cover-up. Everybody knows that a murder in a tourist town is not a good thing for business. Is it possible that this athletic, young girl died spontaneously without any foul play? Sure. Is it possible that one of the other drunken patrons took her life? Sure. There is a lot of speculation to go around. But, what can't happen is to let the case dry up and go unsolved. It disgraces the family and friends who are waiting with baited breath. As an example, they said toxicology results would be released. It has been two weeks and nothing. It is aggravating for everyone involved.

Tue, 03/03/2009 - 7:19pm - Posted by: Anonymous

I would like to know if Ms. Downey has ever completed any type of law enforcement training, or criminal justice training or any training that qualifies her to make those types of comments. The FACT that the girl was last seen at a bar is a FACT. Apparently she wants only the facts that she agrees with to be published. Just because Downey doesn't agree with the facts, does not make them wrong.




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