The Grim Sleeper Serial Killer Case

For more than two decades, the Los Angeles Police Department worked to solve a series of 11 murders that occurred between 1985 and 2007 that were linked to the same suspect by DNA and ballistic evidence. Because the killer took an apparent 14-year hiatus between 1988 and 2002, the media dubbed him the Grim Sleeper. Here are the current developments in the trial of Lonnie Franklin Jr. Judge Blocks Defense DNA Evidence Nov. 9, 2015: A proposed witness for the defendant in the Los Angeles Grim Sleeper case is not qualified to testify as an expert, a judge has ruled. Superior Court Judge Kathleen Kennedy said the testimony of a so-called DNA expert could not be used at the upcoming trial of Lonnie Franklin Jr. Lawrence Sowers was prepared to testify that some of the DNA found at the crime scenes of victims attributed to Franklin belonged to convicted serial killer Chester Turner instead. Judge Kennedy ruled that Sowers woefully failed to meet the generally accepted methods of the scientific community in the area of forensic DNA analysis. During a week-long evidentiary hearing, Sowers buckled under fierce cross-examination by Deputy District Attorney Marguerite Rizzo, who challenged him on his education, his calculations, and errors in his findings. When Sowers began to change his finding during the hearing, Franklins defense attorney Seymour Amster asked the judge to postpone the hearing. I do not feel comfortable, Amster told the judge, representing Mr. Franklin at this moment with Dr. Sowers on this case. An obviously frustrated Judge Kennedy denied the request. I’m not suspending this proceeding, Kennedy said. We have been in progress on it for days and days and days and days and days and we’re going to finish it. Franklin is scheduled to go on trial Dec. 15 on 11 counts of murder and other charges. Franklin Questions DNA Evidence May 1, 2015: An attorney for the accused serial killer known as the Grim Sleeper believes DNA evidence in the cases of two women his client is suspected of killing belongs to another serial killer already on death row. Seymour Amster, attorney for Lonnie Franklin Jr., told the court that an expert hired by the defense connected DNA from two of the cases to Chester Turner, who was convicted of killing 14 women in the Los Angeles area in the 1980s and 1990s. At a pretrial hearing, Amster told the judge that the defenses case will revolve around the DNA evidence. He said his experts finding will produce lingering doubt in the minds of the jurors. Prosecutor Beth Silverman called the defense DNA findings outlandish. She said Turners DNA has been in the system for years and if any of the DNA evidence in the Franklin case was Turners it would have produced a match a long time ago. This guys taking it [the DNA] and doing his own abracadabra, Silverman told reporters, and coming up with a conclusion that is outrageous. The defense had requested DNA profiles of everyone who committed a violent felony during the 1980s and 1990s. Judge Kathleen Kennedy denied the motion, calling it a fishing expedition. Grim Sleeper Trial Date Set Feb. 6, 2015: Nearly five years after a suspect was arrested in a series of Los Angeles murders known as the Grim Sleeper case, a trial date has finally been set. Superior Court Judge Kathleen Kennedy said jury selection will begin June 30 in the murder trial of Lonnie Franklin Jr., who is accused of killing 10 women and one man from 1985 to 2007. The setting of the trial date came after members of the families of victims in the case spoke out in court demanding a speedy trial. The family members were able to do so under the provisions of a new California law, known as Marsys Law, which is a voter-approved bill of rights for victims of crime. The law allows family members to address the court and demand a speedy trial. Those who spoke during the hearing blamed Franklins attorney for the delay in justice, saying he has been dragging his feet. Prior to the passing of Marsys Law, it was up to the discretion of the judge if victims families were allowed to speak at court hearings, parole hearings, and sentencing. The prosecution also blamed the defense for the delays in the case. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said Judge Kennedy has failed to hold the defense to deadlines. Franklins attorney, Seymour Amster, said it was the prosecution who was responsible for delays because they have not turned over evidence in the case for further DNA testing. Amster said a defense expert found DNA from another man and three of the Grim Sleeper crime scenes and wants to run tests on more pieces found at the scenes. There are rumors that Im trying to delay this thing, he said. Im really not. Im a strong proponent of do it once, do it right. Previous Developments 'Grim Sleeper' Evidence Legal, Judge Rules Jan. 8, 2014: DNA evidence that linked a former Los Angeles garbage collector to at least 16 murders was obtained legally, a California judge has ruled. Judge Kathleen Kennedy ruled that DNA from Lonnie Franklin Jr. could be used at his trial in what is known as the Grim Sleeper serial killer case. Death Penalty Sought for 'Grim Sleeper' Aug. 1, 2011: Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a California man accused of the serial killings of women in a case known as the Grim Sleeper murders. Lonnie Franklin Jr. is facing charges in the murder of 10 women and attempted murder of another. More Victims Linked to 'Grim Sleeper?' April 6, 2011: Investigators in Los Angeles believe the Grim Sleeper serial killer, already accused in 10 murders, may be responsible for eight additional deaths. Police are looking for the publics help in identifying three possible victims of Lonnie Franklin Jr. from photos they found hidden at his home. Grim Sleeper Pictures Provide Few Clues Dec. 27, 2010: Suspecting more victims in the Grim Sleeper serial killer case, the Los Angeles Police Department released to the public 160 photographs of women found in the possession of the main suspect, Lonnie David Franklin Jr. Although many of them have been identified, none have turned out to be victims. 'Grim Sleeper' Suspect Pleads Not Guilty Aug. 24, 2010: The man accused of killing ten women in South Los Angeles in the Grim Sleeper case has entered a not guilty plea to 10 counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Lonnie Franklin Jr. also faces special circumstance charges making him eligible for the death penalty in California. Arrest Made in 'Grim Sleeper' Serial Killer Case July 7, 2010: Using DNA from his son to identify him as a suspect, the Los Angeles Police Department has arrested a man suspected in 11 serial killings going back to 1985. Lonnie Franklin Jr., who once worked as a police garage attendant, was charged with 10 counts of murder, one count of attempted murder with special circumstances of multiple murders. Police Release Sketch of 'Grim Sleeper' Nov. 24, 2009: The Los Angeles Police Department has released a sketch of a man they suspect in at least 11 deaths since the 1980s in hopes of tracking down the serial killer. The suspect is known only as the Grim Sleeper due to the fact that he apparently took a 14-year hiatus. Reward Set for 'Grim Sleeper' Serial Killer Sept. 5, 2008: Los Angeles detectives hope a $500,000 reward set by the city council last week will produce some new leads in the case of a serial killer they believe is responsible for 11 deaths over a two-decade period. All of the victims, 10 women and a man, were black and were found near South Los Angeles.

The Country Of Belgium An Ambitious King Of The Conquest...

In 1876, no more than 10 percent of Africa was under European rule, but by 1900 more than 90 percent was controlled by a European country. Belgium was about as strong as the three less dominant Western powers of Portugal, Italy, and Germany, but was able to manipulate people, prices, and circumstances to level itself with those major powers above it such as Britain and France, who worked together to draw out their own maps of the â€Å"dark continent† to prevent conflict in the midst of the conquest of Africa. Europeans had been travelling to and trading with this mysterious land for centuries, but had never attempted to conquer the area beyond the ivory and golden coasts until prompted by both great sins and great opportunities. While most†¦show more content†¦In the 1840’s, a British missionary and explorer named David Livingstone made the trek across the blank spaces intricately decorated on his map of Africa and thoroughly documented who and what he experie nced. Not only did he discuss the variety of life, but the variety of cruelties, as well. Particularly focusing on the Arab and African slave trades, Livingstone’s detailed account of his adventures became the hot topic of European conversation, as slavery had been banned in most of Europe by this time. In an underpopulated continent like Africa, a group’s population was what mattered and the leader’s influence was key. Because it was population that seemed to represent a group’s power, the slave trade was dominant and focused on the control of influence. The political leaders of the West though, specifically King Leopold II of Belgium, were attentive to the details regarding the natural and human resources this land offered. Because several different European countries all wanted to control much of Africa, European and US leaders met in Berlin, Germany in 1884 to decide the fate of the continent. These leaders were able to transform the rage of Europe into support of

Strategic Planning Focus and Cost Leadership

Question: Discuss about the Strategic Planningfor Focus and Cost Leadership. Answer: Strategic Planning In 1980, Michael Porter developed a model of basic approaches that has so far had an influence on current thinking in strategy formulation (Ries Trout, 1986). He is the first individual to highlight the significance of opting for and concentrating on one of the three main alternatives, namely differentiation, focus, and cost leadership. Cost leadership is all about an organization getting ahead of the competition by lowering their operational costs beneath those of its rivals. Here, the organization strives to find ways of reducing costs in their organization so that they can offer products at the least possible cost than their rivals (Allen, 1977). According to WCSs global head of consulting services, Kirk Strawser emphasized on the need for the organization to focus more on the companys cost leadership. By developing the WCS cost leadership, the organization would go very far in establishing its own identity, developing its own model for global delivery and committing resources to scale up. Because many customers prefer paying a lower price for their products and services, WCS can gain more audiences and become the cost leader in its industry (Abela, 2006). It might be argued that by lowering their costs, the organization will also lower the value of their products. This is not always true. Research has indicated that many organizations have so far had much victory fulfilling the responsibility as cost leaders while at the same time offering products that consumers desire and acknowledge. One of the main benefits that WCS could enjoy when employing leadership in developing its own model for global delivery is that once they are recognized as a cost leader, it will be hard for new companies to enter the industry and be aggressive (Abela Murphy, 2007). This is because they are more likely to be smaller and struggling to figure out lower operating costs and effectiveness. By engaging in cost leadership strategy, WCS will be seeking to bring together low per-unit profit with large scales to be profitable. A good illustration of an organization that has successfully implemented cost leadership is Wal-Mart, which has utilized this approach to grow into the largest organization globally. It is, therefore, important for WCS to take points from other successful organizations that have managed to use cost leadership to their advantage. Strategic Planning WCS was indeed focusing its strategy on branding and positioning, product differentiation from its rivals and competitors. Product differentiation simply refers to the creation of products that are unique, desirable, and different from its competitors. So far, WCS has concentrated on innovation in search of growth. Organizations that combine cost leadership and product differentiation, aim at luring potential customers (Porter, 1980). Employing cost leadership does not necessarily mean charging the minimum prices in the industry. It simply means charging low prices comparative to other organizations competing within the target market. Product differentiation, on the other hand, requires WCS offering special features that satisfy the demands of a narrow market (Ries Trout, 1986). Some firms use product differentiation by focusing their efforts on specific sales channels, such as selling over the Internet only, while others target specific demographic groups. WCS are considering the i mplementation of higher-level advisory services to complement their IPO services and world-class IT, to meet their customers demands. There has been much discussion in the recent past about the significance of a positioning strategy being a component of the marketing plan. Product positioning is commonly utilized as a marketing communications tool to reach potential customers in an already crowded marketplace (Allen, 1977). Businesses that do not have enough resources aim at establishing a position in the market by pursuing numerous positioning strategies. WCS is currently uniquely positioned to assist clients in laying out the plan for capital effectiveness, strategic cost reduction, and improvement of customer experience in transformation related programs (Abela, 2006). The most appropriate positioning strategies tend to put emphasis on a companys and products strengths, focusing less on weaknesses. WCS has so far taken the necessary steps to establish its position in the industry. The organization has managed to identify its rivals in its market, learn as much about the rivals as possible, and determined how it might establish a distinct position based on its individual marketing attributes. In turn, WCS is now focusing on strengthening and establishing a brand identity designed to affirm that position within its industry (Abela Murphy, 2007). It has also made an effort of influencing consumer perceptions based on price, distribution, product, and promotional components of the marketing mix. Branding requires ongoing efforts to pass on a consistent image to potential customers through all organizational activities, from product attributes to the organizations service. Strategic Planning A global delivery model refers to the most favorable set of processes, quality procedures, and end-to-end methodologies, with resources and high value skills available externally or internally (Porter, 1980). This allows an organization to make the most of the value of their solutions while minimizing the general cost and delivery time of their IT services. By reexamining its global delivery model, WCS was in a better position of driving down costs and hastening implementation of strategic initiatives, and able to compete victoriously in the global economy. The companys special client immediacy model providing for local resources to deliver the quick feedback and local accountability required for success is among its global delivery approach (Ries Trout, 1986). WCS aims at engaging with potential customers who do not have transactional history with the organization. Today, many marketers are experiencing difficult challenges while advocating for website and infrastructure across the world through one team. That is why it is important for companies such as WCS to maintain their websites optimally to ensure they are operational enough to offer better customer experience (Allen, 1977). WCS was reexamining the global delivery model because though it functions effectively with the IT sector, complications tend to arise with the marketing teams, especially when customer experience must be enhanced by the hour. It also took into consideration the various steps involved in employing an effective global delivery model. Defining the engagement model is the initial step which allows an organization to develop flexibility (Abela, 2006). It has proven to be quite successful given the right set of processes. Marketing in todays digital era requires integration with tools and competence in gathering information in addition to deriving insights. Reexamination of the global delivery model is quite significant in that it represents a global presence that enables WCS to react quickly to changing customer needs. Given the diverse workforce in many organizations global delivery model brings down cultural distinctions (Abela Murphy, 2007). To this effect, WCS is planning on hiring young bright MBA graduates from top Indian business schools, offer them training for a year as analysts in India by referring them to consulting teams, and alternate them worldwide on live meeting. Strategic Planning To be successful in their engagement with potential customers who have no transactional history with WCS, the organization needs to come up with a strategy for long term perspective business relationships. Research has indicated that victorious organizations tend to spend more time with their clientele beyond the initial buying transactions, providing worth and establishing commitment and alignment (Porter, 1980). Furthermore, customers acknowledge knowing that an organization expects to be held accountable for their victory once the sale is complete. Notably, a salespersons inability to conduct business the way his/her customers want can destroy long term relationships. One of the main reasons why customers always come back for more of an organizations products and/or services is because of their relationship with the organization. Aiming to be close to their customers is the key strategy for long term perspective business relationships for WCS. Superiority before, during and after a sale requires long term approach which in turn results in continuity, understanding and trust (Ries Trout, 1986). WCS needs to realize that when good service is experienced by its customers, they are more likely to conduct business with them again. Repeat business and referrals are a great way of enhancing an organizations reputation and establishing a positive image when customer anticipations for services are met. Therefore, soon after the initial delivery has been made, WCS sales team should call to find out their customers are experiencing any issues with their products. Not only will these customers see that the organization is honest in its approach, but will also make them feel safe in terms of utilizing its products and services. WCS should make an effort of continuously improving its business in terms of speed to market, reduced costs, flexibility, and customer satisfaction and value. References Abela, A. (2006). Marketing and consumerism. European Journal of Marketing, 40 (1/2). Pp. 5 16. Abela, A., Murphy, P. (2007). Marketing with integrity: Ethics and the service-dominant logic for marketing. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 36(1). Pp. 39 53. Allen, T.J. (1977). Managing the flow of technology. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Porter, M.E. (1980). Competitive advantage. New York: Free Press. Ries, A., Trout, J. (1986). Positioning: The battle for your mind. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Position paper on Lament for America by Earl Fry

America has being a super power for a long time after the fall of the Roman Empire. The country has not only been powerful economically, but also politically. However, a critical analysis of the issues that the country is facing especially in the current century indicates that its power is declining. In the book ‘Lament for America’ by Fry, the author clearly illustrates that the super power is on the decline.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Position paper on ‘Lament for America’ by Earl Fry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The situation has been caused by various factors such as the effects of globalization, problems and challenges within the borders of United States as well as the stiff competition arising from other countries and nations within the European region. The signs of decline have already been evident in the first decade of the twenty first century. As much as anyone may wa nt to be optimistic, there is no doubt that the issue of America as a super power will be history. With that background in mind, this paper strongly illustrates that it is true that America is on the decline as illustrated in the book ‘Lament for America’ by Earl H. Fry. As much as the challenges facing United States are from without, studies indicate that there are a lot of domestic problems which are affecting not only its capability to influence other nations but also the country’s ability to support its population and provide a better and comfortable life to the present and the future generation. The economic situation in United States is troubling bearing in mind that the country has always been recognized as a super power in the past. For instance, United States is leading in terms of the government debt. The United States’ public and private sector borrow seventy percent of the world’s savings. Although the private sector is growing tremendou sly, the huge government debt becomes a real obstacle to any type of development. Analysts project that the problem may become worse because during the last three decades, the government debt increased by twelve times. Although United States was the largest creditor after the First World War until 1980s, it is the largest debtor country currently. The citizens, corporations and well as the government have been living far beyond their means and that is why the external debt is on the increase[1].Advertising Looking for report on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The popularity and the importance of the United States dollar is a major contributory factor to the United States popularity. Dollar has been a major currency in the world for long time although Euro and Yean as well as the Swiss franc are replacing it. It is clear that currently, the United States dollar is the chief international currency since it accounts for about sixty percent of the central bank reserves. However, analysts project that in the next decade, the reserves will fall to less than fifty percent. Most the United State’s competitors like Brazil, China and Russia are in the forefront pushing for diversity in the monitory system. Due to such issues and increased government debt, it is clear that it is difficult for United States to remain as a super power. It is the duty of each nation to provide health care to all citizens irrespective of their economic status. As studies of Fry indicate, it is true that United States health care is almost the most costly system in the world and worse still, it lacks equity. Further studies explain that compared to other western countries in the world, United States spends twice as much on health care only. On the same note, it is important to point out that though America spends twice as much, many people in the country lack any medical cover, while those that are already covered lack f ull cover. Due to lack of medical cover, many Americans die every year after succumbing to various sicknesses. While most of the countries western regions spend around twelve percent of their Gross Domestic Product on health care, United States spends around seventeen percent. Families in United State spend more on healthcare more than on any other need. Health care costs have been increasing consistently and as a result, it is expected that the trend will continue in the future decades. Most of the private companies that are operating in United States have been evading provision of medical cover to their workers. In addition, some of the companies have been shifting their operations to other places where the health care is more affordable like Canada. In that case, it is clear that the situation in America will continue to become worse. It is easier to argue that the situation can improve but as the studies of Fry[2] illustrate, viable solutions would only have been applicable abou t two decades ago. Therefore, while focusing on the health care only, it is clear that United States is declining daily and the situation is becoming worse. Moreover, the viable solutions may not be of much help currently, or they may take quite some time before they are implemented.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Position paper on ‘Lament for America’ by Earl Fry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As highlighted in the introductory part and contrary to the views of the majority, America is poorly prepared to support its population especially them that are expected to retire in the current decade as well as in the subsequent decades. Studies indicate that a quarter of the population in the United States was born from the year 1946-1964[3]. The same studies illustrate that the same population is expected to retire in the current and in the following decades. The situation clearly illustrates that the obligations of the programs that are meant to take care of the retirees like the Medicare and Social Security will increase. Although the increased spending of the benefit programs like food stamp and health care are worsened by the economic recession and may reduce once the economic improves, spending by Medicare and Medicaid may not be affected positively. The problem is worsened by the high life expectancy, which ranges from 80 years for women and 75.4 for men. Initially, life expectancy was much lower but due to various reasons, it is on the increase. As a developed nation, America ought to be prepared to take care of the aging population. On the contrary, no program has been put in place cater for the same. Such a situation will continuously deplete the savings, a situation that will contribute to the decline of the country as a super power. Globalization has many benefits in many countries as it has in United States. However, disadvantages of the same are present in most coun tries of the world. To begin with, globalization leads to interdependence not only among states and countries but also among business corporations as well as among different societies. Due to that, domestic affairs are seriously affected by decisions that are made in foreign countries. For instance, United States depends so much on the petroleum products from other countries and the same has a great effect on its industries. In addition, globalization calls for increased international interaction between various countries. Such activities and engagements are serious disadvantages to a super power like United States. For instance, studies of Fry [4] indicate that the government debt of United States was doubled during the time of the George Bush administration. In the view of the fact that United States was actively involved in solving some of the international problems, the money spent on defense increased greatly[5].Advertising Looking for report on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Consequently, foreign countries like Japan and China hold more than half of the public debt after buying various instruments of debt like bonds and shares. Such situation is very dangerous to a super power like United States because the economic status is highly dependent on countries that buy the country’s government debt. The upcoming competitors like China and Japan are challenging the economic and the military power of United States. The economy of China is growing very fast and if the trend can continue for two decades, it can surpass the economy of United States. European Union, which has twenty-seven states, is also becoming stronger, politically and economically. In addition, there is a high possibility that Euro can replace the dollar. Countries like Japan and Brazil are also becoming stronger economically as well as countries from the South East Asia. If such countries can continue with such trend, they will get a voice in making of the international decisions and w ill eventually challenge the international standing of United States. The study has indicated that it is true that United States has been a super power for many years. However, as Fry [6] illustrates, there is a high possibility that the future generation will know a poorer nation and not an economic giant. This is because its economic and political power is on the decline. As much as anyone may want to disagree with the book ‘Lament for America’, reading through the text indicates that valid reasons are used to project the decline of the United States. A critical analysis of issues pertaining to globalization, competitors as well as domestic problems of United States indicates that the current trend is not promising at all. In the view of the fact that implementing changes is not only a long process but also a lengthy process, it is clear that the decline is inevitable. Works Cited Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010. Print. Paterson, Thomas, et al. American foreign relations: a history. Since 1895, Volume 2. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2009. Print. Footnotes Paterson, Thomas, et al. American foreign relations: a history. Since 1895, Volume 2. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2009 pp. 181. Print. Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010 pp.26. Print. Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010 pp. 33. Print Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010 pp.28. Print Paterson, Thomas, et al. American foreign relations: a history. Since 1895, Volume 2. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2009 pp.. Print. Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010 pp.2. Print This report on Position paper on ‘Lament for America’ by Earl Fry was written and submitted by user A1mee to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.