Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Murder Mystery: Who Killed Yale Student Suzanne Jovin? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jeffrey S. Mitchell who wrote (10)	12/4/1999 11:16:00 PM
From: Jeffrey S. Mitchell	Respond to of 1397

Re: 12/4/99 - Chief Defends Probe Of Yale Slaying Chief Defends Probe Of Yale Slaying By GARY LIBOW The Hartford Courant December 04, 1999 NEW HAVEN - One year after the slaying of Yale University senior Suzanne Jovin, New Haven's police chief said Friday he will not eliminate one of her instructors as the only named suspect, nor will he turn over the investigation to federal authorities as the lecturer has asked. In a press conference, Chief Melvin Wearing declined lecturer James Van de Velde's challenge to hand over the murder investigation to federal authorities, who Van de Velde asserts are better equipped to find the person who stabbed Jovin 17 times. However, Wearing said he would now be willing to let Van de Velde take a lie-detector test - something Van de Velde had once offered but is no longer willing to do, his lawyer said. Jovin was found dying around 10 p.m. Dec. 4, 1998, at the intersection of Edgehill and East Rock roads, about a mile from campus. She was 21. ``It appeared to be a crime of passion. It gives you that appearance,' Wearing said. ``We are not tunnel- visioned on Mr. Van de Velde. Mr. Van de Velde is a suspect among a group of people we consider suspects.' Wearing defended his staff's track record in solving murders, noting the Jovin case is among two of 15 homicides committed in the past year that have not been solved. Calling the investigation ``slow and arduous,' Wearing declined to name any others from a pool of ``about 10' suspects. Van de Velde, who has said his career and personal life have been ruined by suspicion that he committed the crime, insists New Haven police have exhausted their capabilities. Wearing said he would now like Van de Velde to submit to a polygraph test as part of the department's aggressive investigation, although it was unclear why the department did not accept Van de Velde's offer early in the case. Wearing also said New Haven police have consulted state and federal crime-solving experts, including state Public Safety Commissioner Henry Lee and FBI profilers. Wearing said his department has worked diligently to gather information and evidence, especially during the first crucial hours and days after the stabbing. Lee, who said he laments not being immediately summoned by New Haven police, said earlier this week he plans to conduct an incident recreation in the near future. He hopes to shed new light on a case that lacks forensic evidence and eyewitnesses. David Grudberg, Van de Velde's longtime friend and legal counsel, said he welcomes Lee's expertise but also said he is disappointed in Wearing's refusal to turn over the investigation to federal law enforcement. Grudberg said Van de Velde is no longer willing to take a polygraph test because he no longer trusts city investigators. ``We are disappointed. We strongly believe the investigation needs a fresh start,' Grudberg said after Wearing's press briefing. ``Jim offered on day one to submit to a polygraph, a blood test, searches of his apartment and car, and to help in any way he could. The police declined that offer and instead have dragged his name through the mud for a year.' New Haven police ``apparently continue to single him out and refuse to name other suspects from what they admit is a large pool,' Grudberg said. ``It's a little late in the day for the police to expect Jim to trust them.' Wearing, saying he is optimistic the crime will be solved, said the department remains committed to the case. He said two detectives continue to work on the case full time. Copyright ¸ 1999 AltaVista. Portions ¸1999 ctnow.com. All rights reserved. ctnow.com