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Questions raised over handling of McLemore death investigation

The County Record

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Tranum McLemore

Questions raised over handling of McLemore death investigation

Posted by
Kelli Peacock Dunn
in News, Top Stories
Thursday, May 3. 2012
Comments (39)
With questions still looming in the community over the recent death of Blountstown Middle School coach, Tranum McLemore, The County Record is taking an investigative journalism approach to finding answers. When issues are raised, particularly when it comes to government operations, it is the media’s responsibility to hold those in authority accountable. This is not finger pointing, it is not an effort to accuse; it is the role of the media to inform the public when concerns arise.

As previously reported, McLemore was found dead in his Bristol home on the night of April 4 following an alleged domestic dispute with his wife, Winter. He died from gunshot wounds from a Ruger 9MM semi-automatic pistol. Winter McLemore told authorities she fled the scene and drove to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), hearing two gunshots as she left. Her three daughters, ages 2, 5, and 10, were said to be asleep in their bedroom. They were unharmed.

In an interview with The County Record April 9, Liberty County Sheriff Donnie Conyers described the shooting. “He was hit three times - in the shoulder area first, in the head second, and, as he was collapsing, a third shot went off in his leg.” Conyers further stated, “I’m convinced it was self-inflicted and there was nobody else involved.”

In order to see the evidence and read all the reports surrounding this case, The County Record made a public records request to the LCSO April 19. If anything, the information we received created only more concerns about the handling of this case by the LCSO. The following is a list of all issues:

- Evidence testing. A list was requested of all evidence released to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) crime lab. A property receipt filled out by Inv. Todd Wheetley indicates the clothing worn by Winter McLemore was collected at 10:35 p.m. the night of April 4. According to the form, the clothing was stored in an evidence locker. No description of the clothing is provided. It is listed on the form as “Paper bag containing clothes worn by Winter McLemore.” There is no record under chain of custody at the bottom of the form that the clothing evidence had ever left that locker as of April 24 when a copy of this form was released to The County Record. However, Sheriff Conyers stated in an interview Apr. 9 that the clothing had already been tested for gun shot residue.

The only other evidence information provided was the 9 mm Ruger, one magazine and one round found in the chamber. The evidence form shows these items were collected by Sgt. Jamie Shiver at 9:32 p.m., just six minutes after the deputies arrived on the scene. The property receipt indicates this evidence was turned over to Shawn Yao of FDLE at 1:13 a.m. on Apr. 5.
- Preservation of the crime scene. According to the U.S. Department of Justice guide for law enforcement crime scene investigation, “One of the most important aspects of securing the crime scene is to preserve the scene with minimal contamination and disturbance of physical evidence.” In order to protect the integrity of the scene, law enforcement officers are taught to limit activity and safeguard any evidence. This means keeping the number of people tracking in and around the scene - including law enforcement officers - to a minimum with only those absolutely necessary to the investigation allowed around the body and any potential evidence. This allows experts who are trained in collecting forensic evidence - such as agents with the FDLE crime lab - to do their job.

However, nine deputies, plus Sheriff Conyers, entered the crime scene at the McLemore home prior to the arrival of FDLE Crime Lab Agent Shawn Yao. Among those nine deputies were Winter McLemore’s two uncles, Maj. Dussia Shuler and Lt. Brigham Shuler. FDLE Agent Lao did not enter the home until 12:13 a.m.

- Handling of the evidence. Reports indicate Sgt. Jamie Shiver, who was an initial responding deputy at the scene, immediately removed the gun that was reportedly between Tranum McLemore’s legs. In photos that appear to have been taken from a cell phone, the gun and trigger are visible. There is no part of McLemore’s body touching the trigger, leading to the question of why the gun had to be removed. Sgt. Shiver noted the hammer was cocked and a round was in the chamber. However, research indicates a Ruger will not go off unless the trigger is pulled, meaning the removal of the gun appears unnecessary.

Dep. Fletcher indicates in his handwritten statement that once Tranum McLemore was pronounced dead, “Sgt. Shiver took the weapon and placed it in a evidence bag and scene was secured.” He does not mention any photos being taken. However, Inv. Brian Bateman reported Sgt. Shiver told him he photographed the scene, then cleared and removed the gun “because the hammer was cocked.”

Not only was the gun removed, but McLemore’s left foot was clearly moved, indicating the body was disturbed at some point.

Crime scene photos taken by the LCSO do not provide accurate time or date. Some are of lesser quality, appearing as though they may have been taken from a cell phone. On the other hand, photos taken by FDLE have an accurate date.

A small chocolate lab puppy reportedly ran up to Tranum McLemore and “got into his blood,” according to Dep. Walker’s report. He stated he grabbed the puppy and placed the dog in the children’s bathtub. A good bit of blood, as well as a pile of excrement, are photographed in the tub, but no photo of the dog. There are three drops of blood visible in photos of the tile in the kitchen. The drops are spread beyond the width of a tile onto three separate tiles. The tiles appear between 12” and 18” square. There is nothing in the crime reports indicating the size of the puppy. Another drop of something in the similar shape and color of the blood drop can be seen on the tile beneath a barstool. The question of whether this is blood or food is never addressed, nor is a similar stain on a nearby counter.

Inv. Brian Bateman noted in his report that Sgt. Shiver told him the “spots of blood were not on the floor when he entered.” Sgt. Shiver was making a tactical approach into the home, suspected an armed gunman was inside, likely had his head up and eyes wide open for someone to exit a bedroom with a weapon. This begs the question, how did he notice the kitchen floor?

- Questioning of neighbors. Sheriff Donnie Conyers told The County Record Winter fled the scene to save her life, noting a neighbor confirmed hearing the shots and seeing Winter running from the home. However, that neighbor gave a written statement that conflicts with that accounting of events. He says he heard some taps, looked out and saw a vehicle pulling out of the driveway, assumed it was Winter going somewhere and nothing appeared unusual or out of the ordinary. He did not indicate she was running, driving fast, spinning tires, or anything to suggest she was in a hurry or running for her life. He stated he was watching American Idol with his wife when he heard the taps, but was never asked what was happening on the show at the time so investigators could better determine the time the shots were fired. He also indicated hearing another tap moments later - yet again was not asked about what was happening on the show to determine the time.

The neighbor further stated he heard a loud vehicle shortly after the second tap. He assumed it was another neighbor’s vehicle and provided that neighbor’s name. However, there was no report provided indicating that other neighbor was questioned to determine if the vehicle was his or someone else’s in the area immediately after those shots were fired.

- Interview of Winter McLemore. It was noted by a dispatcher that Winter left the dispatch area around 10 p.m. There is no report indicating she was questioned before leaving. A report indicates Inv. Todd Wheetley made contact with Winter at 10:35 p.m. at her sister’s home where her clothing was collected. She then met him at the LCSO to be interviewed.

Present in the interview were Inv. Wheetley, along with Maj. Dussia Shuler, Winter’s uncle. The entire interview lasted 8 minutes, 26 seconds. She explained how she suspected Tranum had put a GPS on her van and she had confronted him that morning. She said she saw a divorce attorney at 4 p.m. that day. She said Tranum left work early, was crying and texting throughout the day, asking for just 10 minutes to talk. Winter said they put the girls to bed early, went to bed to talk and the conversation was civil until she says he “flippin’ snapped.”

She described him hitting and choking her, dragging her to the bathroom, telling her she was going to die, then loosening the chokehold enough that she was able to get to her feet. She said he apologized, pulled the door to their bathroom so she couldn’t get out, then released it, stating, “You better go, you don’t want to see what’s fixing to happen.”

Winter told investigators, “From the minute he opened that door, all I did was run like the wind...I knew my girls were there asleep, but I had to get away because I thought I was going to die and I just had to get help. Before I made it out of the house there were two shots fired and I just got in the van and drove as fast as I could to the jail.”

Winter was then asked only two questions. Inv. Wheetley asked if she felt this was something Tranum had thought about to which she replied she did not.

Maj. Shuler then asked if she knew where Tranum kept the guns in their home. “There were guns everywhere,” Winter responded. “There were guns on both sides of the bed, on the dresser, in the closet.” He elaborated, asking about pistols and handguns and she replied, “There were some in the room, I really don’t know where.”

With her husband’s dead body found inside their home, it would seem more than two questions would be posed of Winter McLemore, not to accuse, but to thoroughly investigate. Questions that were NOT asked:

Why no call to 911? Two cordless phones and two cell phones are visible in crime scene photos in a clear path from the McLemore master bedroom to the front door.

Where were her car keys when she retrieved them? Winter indicates she ran for her life to get help as fast as she could, but where did she stop to get her keys?

Where specifically was she when shots were fired? She says she was leaving the house - where was she?

Why did she not opt to go to a neighbor’s house to call for help? There are five homes within a few yards of the McLemore house. If the goal was to get help as fast as possible, why not run to a neighbor as opposed to driving five minutes to the LCSO?

Did she shower or change clothes? Reports indicate Winter McLemore left the dispatch at 10 p.m. and was found at her sister’s home at 10:35 p.m. What transpired during that 35 minute window?

Would access to her vehicle be allowed? Was Winter’s vehicle searched or inspected? Did she find the GPS she alleged Tranum tried to place in her van? Where is it?
These questions are not to imply any wrong doing on the part of Winter McLemore, but seem appropriate for a thorough investigation. However, there is no indication any of the questions were asked of her.

- Public records still remaining to be inspected. The County Record requested a report of all calls in and out of the LCSO and all radio traffic between the hours of 8 p.m. ET on April 4 and 10 a.m. ET on April 5. All that was provided were calls in a 22 minute window from 11:26 p.m. to 11:48 p.m. April 4, as well as three and a half hours of dispatch traffic with deputies. Video footage outside the dispatch was provided, but could not be viewed on either a Windows or Mac computer. We will continue to pursue these items until all evidence has been reviewed to our satisfaction.
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#1 MG Smith on 05/03/12 at 10:59 AM [Reply]
Thank you for doing a more thorough investigation. This is fairly rare. The media are usually more interested in reporting what they are told than investigating. You, however, are asking questions everyone has been asking, and it is definitely your responsibility to do so. Thank heaven for someone brave enough to take on this task, and I encourage you to keep asking the questions and getting the facts. Someone needs to.
#1.1 A. Nonamus on 05/03/12 at 12:12 PM [Reply]
Well written, well investigated, raising many important questions. Good research on the Ruger, but that also begs another question: LCSO claims the gun went off under his leg after he fell on it. However, a semiautomatic pistol will jam under the best of circumstances. This one was supposedly under the thigh of a very large man. How could the ejected brass get out to make room for the next shell? How could the slide operate properly? Did the slide action leave a mark on his shorts or leg? Anyone who has ever been "bitten" by an improperly held semiauto knows what I am talking about; it leaves a mark.

Another concern: they stated earlier that they checked Winter's *clothes* for gunshot residue. Clothes can be changed, especially after nearly two hours since the shooting, with over half an hour at a sister's house. What about her hands? They can retain residue even if washed. Were they tested?

Please keep asking these questions until we get all the answers. If there is nothing to hide, then just let it out, and we can all relax and quit wondering and worrying about stories and statements that just don't add up.

Fair, honest, and open law enforcement are the hallmarks of civilization. Anything else is frightening to the mere "citizen" who is under their power.
#1.1.1 A. Nonamus on 05/03/12 at 01:49 PM [Reply]
Meant to say: And yet the officer's statement is that the gun was cocked and had a cartridge in the chamber, which indicates that it fired cleanly and reloaded itself with a full racking of the slide. Again, how is that possible if the gun was between the floor and the thigh of a large man when it fired? Tranum was well over 200 lbs, I'd guess more like 235.
#2 Anonymous on 05/03/12 at 11:24 AM [Reply]
LOL
#3 Anonymous on 05/03/12 at 11:25 AM [Reply]
Its hard to believe anything thats in paper considering the sources...lol...
#4 janice mcdonald on 05/03/12 at 11:26 AM [Reply]
Were any pictures taken of her showing marks or bruising where she was hit and choked? I thought that was always done in domestic abuse cases?
#4.1 Anonymous on 05/10/12 at 02:09 PM [Reply]
The poor girl went to the funeral with brusies on her neck and a big black eye that for sure wasnt something that was made up.
#5 puzzled on 05/03/12 at 12:33 PM [Reply]
It would be very difficult to get me to leave my kids in a house with a madman. It's possible she knew he was dead when she left, and knew there was no risk to them. But there's somthing else that fits all of this better. Here's what I think happened:

They get in a verbal fight. He becomes violent. Eventually, he begins choking her. By the pictures, and statements above, there were "guns everywhere". In the struggle, and in complete fear for her life, she gets ahold of a gun, and begins shooting at him. Multiple shots are fired (be some accounts I've heard 7) some missing wildly, some hitting. After being hit, he realizes his predicament and grabs for the gun. He wrestles it from her. Perhaps now he realizes just how bad things are. He tells her to leave. Since he now has the gun, she obeys. She runs out and drives off, and then the neighbor hears a final shot.

It's the only scenario that fits with an actual suicide. Otherwise, we have a *second* vehicle driving off after the final shot (maybe it *was* the other neighbor, but we sure need to know!), and things get *really* interesting...
#6 Just Me on 05/03/12 at 12:44 PM [Reply]
Kudo's to you Kelli Peacock Dunn! You have more investigative skills than the local authorities. Please keep up the stellar work in digging for answers in the horrific homicide. I am sure both families need more information on the nature of how Mr.McLemore left this world. We all gripe at the world of politics and the good ol' boy system. Here is an excellent example of both.... right here in black and white. You can't argue with the facts provided as they were documented by sworn members of society, to serve and protect. Sounds more like they are only serving what interests may be of their own benefit. Stay strong in the work you do Kelli Dunn.....and know that some people really aren't fooled by this cover-up.
#7 Anonymous on 05/03/12 at 12:59 PM [Reply]
Great investigative story, maybe this will open some eyes. Why can't those sworn by law uphold the standards they are sworn to? A lot of people see nothing wrong with the way LCSO is handling this investigation. How would this be handled if the role was reversed? Tranum would be in jail and accused of murder seeing that Winter's family was first on scene and removed evidence. No one is blaming Winter, people only want the truth and to know that law enforcement is doing their job without prejudice.
#8 UmMMM on 05/03/12 at 01:05 PM [Reply]
Excellent reporting. WCTV news should read this.
#9 Anonymous on 05/03/12 at 03:31 PM [Reply]
Why didn't FDLE confiscate her van? If she left a scene where her husbnd supposedly shot himself, the victim that was supposedly abused and sat in the van there had to be some evidence transfered onto the seat of her van that she drove to the LCSO.
#9.1 Kathy S. Johnson on 05/08/12 at 04:33 PM [Reply]
To your question of "why didn't FDLE confiscate the van?" FDLE was NOT in charge of the investigation - Sheriff Donnie Conyers was, until Willie Meggs and the Governor were persuaded, by family members, that the case needed a new set of eyes.

To the other "anonymous" - Just how does the media "misconstrude"? In these trying times, with the Good Ol' Boy System running rampant, as it has done for many decades, it IS up to the media to investigate and review - and NOT swallow what's put before them, hook, line and sinker. Kelli did not "glorify" this tragic situation. She did an absolutely wonderful job with her reporting - all of it backed by FACTS, not fantasy.
#10 Anonymous on 05/04/12 at 09:15 AM [Reply]
It is not up to you, "the media" to review evidence. The media sucks and will misconstrude anything. I guarantee if it were one your your family members, you wouldn't be glorifying this tragedy. I am so over the media.
#10.1 A. Nonamus on 05/04/12 at 12:23 PM [Reply]
The media, in this case, is merely asking the same questions that absolutely everyone else (except the family, naturally, who can hardly be blamed for their feelings) has been asking. I've yet to talk to a single unrelated person who believes there's not more to this than is being officially said, and it has nothing to do with anything the media said, and everything to do with the version of events as presented in every paper in town, and quoting the official sources.

Face it, this is a very....odd....supposed string of events to swallow. A person who supposedly suicides by firing seven shots, most of them wildly, only hitting themselves in random places, before taking a difficult angle shot to the head. Unreasonable explanations of how modern firearm could go off during and after the event. A wife who lets herself be beaten and choked, with guns within easy reach and doesn't defend herself. A mother who leaves her kids in the house with a madman, and doesn't even bother to dial 911. Cars sold immediately after the event, before FDLE could process them. Missing time before key evidence is collected. Statements by law enforcement that are an exaggeration, at best, of witness statements. Possible second vehicles driving away, but uninvestigated. Failure of law enforcement to be forthcoming with simple things from the time of the event (what good are phone logs from 11:26 when the crime happened at 9ish?). A crime scene trampled and altered by nine deputies for over two hours before FDLE shows up. Many other inconsistencies and lapses of both judgment and investigative care. And, oh, by the way, an investigation lead by two of her uncles! That is the most inexcusable of all. It's a legal, moral, and ethical breach.

There may indeed be reasonable explanations for all of this. But if there are, then the answers need to be given quickly, freely, and with complete transparency if we are ever to trust the law enforcement in this county again. But so far, all that's been given are exaggerations and evasions. The family can certainly be excused for wishful thinking, but the rest of us want to know.

Let's hope FDLE can find the real answers and clear all this up.
#10.2 Truth in LC on 05/04/12 at 02:13 PM [Reply]
Good job County Record. We know the Liberty Journal would never have printed this, as they are in with the good ole boys
#10.3 Anonymous on 05/07/12 at 08:49 PM [Reply]
Amen
#11 Anonymous on 05/04/12 at 02:10 PM [Reply]
I am not dismissing the fact that this is a strange case. However, the media has their own way of "storytelling."

I wonder how much information was left out of the above story?
#12 Curious in Liberty Co on 05/04/12 at 04:48 PM [Reply]
Thank you for posting this. Doesn't look good on our sheriff's department for things to be done like this. I say we need to remember this come election. What if it were your loved one Liberty county? Let's not let things like this happen again.
#13 Just Me on 05/05/12 at 12:00 AM [Reply]
A. Nonamus-- thank you for sharing the same insight as the rest of us. I, too, have the same thoughts and questions about the obvious botched investigation. I am not from Liberty County, and I do not know any people from that area. So, I am not favorable to one family or the other. This story is truley tragic, and it really needs to have every avenue explored. I can say that for one thing I do know... The children WILL grow up with questions and they will hear rumors, they will not escape that. The children WILL resent their mother, if not their entire family when they are grown and able to really understand what happened to their father. Regardless if in fact this was the worlds first and only 7 bullet botched suicide, the children should in the very least be shown the respect to have all of their questions (and in time, they will have these questions) answered and done in a thorough non-partial investigation. If I (a complete stranger) have sooo many questions, how exactly do you think the children will feel as they grow up with this story being the legacy of their father? It will happen, the kids will not always be so naive, they will grow up and search for answers for themselves. Such a sad, sad story. I am sure the family of Mr. McLemore has an unbearable sickness to their hearts. May God be with all that have been affected. People do care about you, even though our pathes have never crossed.... we have been touched by your tragic story.
#14 Maria martin an I dont care who knows on 05/07/12 at 06:49 AM [Reply]
First, I would like to say, "What a tragedy" my prayers go out to all parties involved who loved and knew "COACH". Being a non native of the area, I do see so much prejudice and good-ole'boy mentality in Liberty and Calhoun Co. and who has the money and who does not!! We are not blind,we see favoritism all around us. Who gets more jail time,who gets less? Who does not see it?? Who gets a slap on the hand and who gets the book thrown at them? Bottom line.... It is very sad there is no equal treatment for everyone. Anywhere here, in either county. I see county rivalries and family rivalries every day. One day everyone will get an eye opening JOLT. Will anyone be shocked? Stop bashing!! Each other, the paper and your fellow brothers and sisters. These 2 counties could prosper, if only people would unite as a whole,to insure the well being of everyone, instead of what they can put in there OWN pockets!! let them investigate, as it should have been done properly in the first place. Forensics science is amazing,and even after a sale of a vehicle, or the cleaning of a crime scene, the truth can be found; if, there were any discrepancies. If it was my child, family member ,friend or loved one, I would want the best investigations for him/her. Please stop with the , LOL's and snide comments. this is about someone's loved one, friend , confidant, and child.It's not about YOU!! get over yourselves and let the people have what they want.
#15 Anonymous on 05/08/12 at 12:32 PM [Reply]
Most of these questions are answered in the liberty journal article from April 20, 2012. Check it out. We need to wait until the final reports are given before stirring things up. Miss Dunn sounded as though she was thorough, but after reading the liberty journal article, it looks like she left out a lot of pertinent details. Let's get all the facts before we publicly question someone's character.
#15.1 Kelli Dunn on 05/08/12 at 05:46 PM [Reply]
Specifically which "pertinent details" are you referring to, Anonymous?
#16 Anonymous on 05/08/12 at 10:42 PM [Reply]
Anonymous I AGREE with you! Isn’t Keli MEDIA? Since when did MEDIA become an INVESTAGTOR? Times really have changed since my time living around Liberty/Calhoun County. Is the brother paying you off for this? Or is it really coming from your heart to know what really happened that night in the McLemores home? Why didn't you go sit down with the wife and see what she is going through during your nice little write up's in the paper EVERY WEEK! I’m not even around the small town but myself is SICK of seeing this every week. Let the Sheriff Office and FDLE handle the case and you just do a follow up once EVERYTHING is released. My heart goes out to all family involved in this hard time but you have to be making it harder for them! DONT YOU THINK? What about her children? Don’t you think her 10yr old can read your paper? Wouldn’t you think about the children involved? We all had questions on this case but as Anonymous said the Liberty Journal answered most of the questions and had the statement from the wife. Did you ever put in your paper what the wife said? Did you see the wife's face? Maybe you should of took a picture of her and posted it! As I said before my heart goes out to everyone involved but you should really think about finding a new subject your paper will sell either way!
#16.1 Kelli Dunn on 05/09/12 at 09:09 AM [Reply]
In response to Anonymous: Yes, investigative journalism is very common in the media and is, in fact, the responsibility of the media in a case such as this. There have been many questions raised about how the investigation was handled that need to be answered. As the media, it is our duty to hold government agencies - including the Sheriff's Office - accountable to the citizens. Our forefathers fought for the freedom of the press and we will continue to exercise that freedom. If there are questions - even tough, uncomfortable questions - they need to be asked and answered by the agencies involved. We have made attempts since this story began to contact the wife and she has not responded to requests for an interview. Yes, we have seen all the crime scene photos, including photos of the wife, and we have heard her recorded statement with investigators. Our newspaper covers many subjects. However, we will also continue to cover this story until all questions have been answered. No, we do not accept payment from anyone on news coverage. As for your question about children reading a controversial newspaper article, we would leave that option to a responsible parent or adult whether to allow a child access to a story they felt was inappropriate. Thank you for your interest and taking the time to share your comments.
#16.1.1 questions on 05/11/12 at 06:32 AM [Reply]
who picked up the children - what time and where were they sent - what about all the guns all over the house - aren't they supposed to be locked up with 3 small children in the house and last who allow her to go to her sisters house before being interviewed
#16.1.2 Freedom of the Press on 05/14/12 at 12:10 AM [Reply]
You are 100% right, Kelli!!
#17 Kathy S. Johnson on 05/09/12 at 09:45 AM [Reply]
Isn't it strange that so many people have opinions, but hide behind a screen name or ANONYMOUS? If you believe in something, with so much passion, then why are you afraid to post your REAL name? Are you a family friend or family member? Were you ever the feature of a news article with those God-awful mugshots? It's been said, time and time again: Don't shoot the messenger. Kelli has not fabricated anything that she has written. She made a public records request and was furnished most of what she requested. Upon further review of the public records received, a thousand more questions have come up. Kelli is thorough in her reporting, all the while being sensitive to the feelings of others. If you can't handle the tough questions and the tough responses, then don't read the articles. No one is forcing you to read anything. Concerning the suggestion that a grieving family member is paying Kelli to continue her research and reporting, nothing could be further from the truth and is a lame attempt to cast doubt on the integrity of The County Record. I am proud to work with Kelli on getting to the truth of this shabbily investigated tragedy. Trust me on this one: I have a great deal of experience dealing with botched investigations in Gadsden, Jackson and Leon Counties. Liberty County doesn't have a lock on this poor excuse for an investigation. BTW, did investigators find out just whose LOUD TRUCK was leaving the scene, after the final shot was fired into Coach Mac's brain?
#18 Anonymous on 05/09/12 at 10:06 AM [Reply]
I am "dunn" with this article. I mean really, i can't even believe anyone would say, "As for your question about children reading a controversial newspaper article, we would leave that option to a responsible parent or adult whether to allow a child access to a story they felt was inappropriate."

Kids can and will gain access to things unbeknownst to us and if you are a parent you know this. I dont care how "responsible" you are.
#18.1 Kathy S. Johnson on 05/09/12 at 03:17 PM [Reply]
Well, maybe the kids will start asking some questions, since there is no record of them being interviewed by anyone. Are you firing off the same whiny statements to the television stations that have covered this tragedy?
#18.1.1 FAMILIES ARE FOREVER on 05/11/12 at 10:45 AM [Reply]
Kathy you are a poor excuse of a human being. Would you want your grand children interviewed in such an aweful tragedy? As a grandmother whose always so caught up into her grandsons baseball I'd think you'd think of the kids and what this has done to them, but no you just keep it going and going. You don't even know Klenton...he's a nut bag!!!! Ask him how often he saw Tranum or the girls. You were at Chi's games...how many times did you EVER see Klenton at one of Tranum's games...since he loved to coach you'd think a good brother would attend...NEVER DID HE!!!! Ask Klenton about the lawsuits he's filed on his own Dad and brothers. Why don't both you and Kelli look into the man you are so involved with all of a sudden. You'd find that he loves the spotlight and all you two are doing in fueling his fire. He is all about himself!!! He's just like both of you...never once thought about the girls...his very own nieces. You put your nose where it doesn't belong ALL THE TIME!!! Why don't you sweep around your own back door before you get so involved in someone elses life you know nothing about. I've always been nice to you, but I have lost all respect for you as a human. You need to get a real job and that way you may not have so much time to be all over Facebook and these horrible websites. I've had enough of you and the media. People like you prey on those that are having difficulty in their lives. Guess that makes your miserable excuse of a life better. As far as Kelli....your paper and you make me sick!!! NOW POST THIS SINCE YOUR SO INTO THESE INVESTIGATIONS!!!!!
#18.1.1.1 Kelli Dunn on 05/11/12 at 01:41 PM [Reply]
The reporting of this story is not about Klenton. It's about getting to the truth, no matter what that truth may be. In fact, everything that occurred could be EXACTLY as the spouse described. However, there were clear issues with the handling of this case and there are questions that need to be answered. Everything reported has been based solely on information provided to the newspaper by the Liberty County Sheriff's Office. The facts are the facts. It is my job to report those facts. Your insults toward myself and Kathy Johnson, as well as comments about other McLemore family members, have zero to do with this article and illustrate a lack of professionalism on your part. Insults will never keep Kathy or myself from doing our jobs. The reassurance we have received from the law enforcement community has been overwhelming. Trusted professionals in that field agree...we are right on track with our reporting.
#18.1.1.2 Kathy S. Johnson on 05/11/12 at 02:35 PM [Reply]
Dear FAF, I would reply to you personally, but since you hide cowardly behind a screen name, it makes it difficult. But a quick check of your IP address, that pops up on your comments, by The County Record should confirm who you are. I can only presume that you are one of two Bristol lassies who have lost a great deal of weight lately (that "Go, Go Fast" diet is something else - but watch out, it tends to rot your teeth from the inside out) and who have recently deleted me as a friend on facebook. For the record, I have a REAL job and what I do with my spare time is none of your business (so don't look for any more photos of your children posted on facebook or featured in The County Record). How do I know if you've "always been nice" to me? Do I give a rat's a** if you've lost respect for me "as a human"? I'm proud of my "miserable excuse of a life", as you've so intelligently written (doesn't that phone of yours have spell check?). I continuously sweep around my own back door. Do you? Fought over any rec ball coaches lately? Or have you matured? Why does a newspaper asking questions make you so uncomfortable? Got something to hide? Got something to confess? Maybe another hit of that diet aide might do the trick!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry about the exclamation points - my typing fingers must be suffering from the same spasms as yours. Love those IP addresses! The Internet is a wonderful tool.
#18.1.1.2.1 Freedom of the Press on 05/14/12 at 02:44 PM [Reply]
You tell 'em Kathy! Couldn't agree more!
#18.1.1.2.2 Pinky57 on 05/16/12 at 10:45 AM [Reply]
What a great comeback.Isn't it funny how those that live in glass house's are the first to throw rock's.It's nice to see somebody stand up to these coward's.
#18.2 Kim on 05/10/12 at 04:59 PM [Reply]
Ditto to what Ms. Johnson said. Also, what about the drug dealers that are arrested or the sexual abuse cases in the news. If your kids can read that and you aren't shielding them from those topics, there's no reason to shield them from this one, except for your own biases. It's called parenting. If you know your kids are reading the newspaper (YEA!!) then you have a conversation with your kids, "Wow, that story was pretty intense. What did you think?" Do it with my kid all the time. We have a great relationship and I've taught him some important lessons over the years. He's 14 and he knows right from wrong. He knows who's running for President. He knew who the Republic candidates were before a nominee was selected. He knows what they stand for. Use this story and others as teaching tools for your kids instead of shielding them from life. This is why so many of them don't make it as adults....they don't know how to form a thought for themselves.
#19 Sam on 05/16/12 at 09:56 PM [Reply]
I still.. cant believe he's gone.. Im ready to just find out the truth.. so we and Coach mac can be at peace.
#20 Daniel fisher from wewa on 05/03/16 at 11:14 PM [Reply]
Justice for his brother Will Mclemore
#21 Emily Hood on 05/04/16 at 11:09 AM [Reply]
This is a poorly investigated case.I know everyone is ready to find out what really happened. Im not saying that it WAS a homicide but there is a great possiblyility. Great job Mrs. Peacock, And may Coach Mac rest easy we all miss him dearly.
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