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Marc Lester / Zuma Press file
Airman 1st Class James Thomas, 24, is is shown being arraigned May 9 at the Anchorage Jail.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The mother of a slain Air Force airman says she hopes the man indicted in her son’s murder has enough compassion to admit to the crime.
James Thomas, 24, was indicted by a grand jury Friday on one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder, as well as one count of first-degree robbery and six counts of evidence tampering in the slaying of Senior Airman Clinton Reeves, also 24, NBC station KTUU of Anchorage reported.
Judy Davis, Reeves’ mother, told KTUU from her home in Kansas: "I just hope James has compassion and admits ... I mean, just tell the truth and tell the story and that way we don't have to, you know, Anchorage doesn't have to go through a trial. I don't want him to prolong this, just admit it and then, you know, be done with it.... but I know in real life, it doesn't work that way."
See the original story at KTUU of Anchorage
Reuters file
Senior Airman Clinton Reeves is shown in this undated photo released to Reuters on May 10, 2012 by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Reeves' body was found last month in a roadside ravine after he had been missing for 20 days, police said. He had been the subject of a citywide search after he failed to show up for work at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on April 23. His body was found near a road in the Anchorage suburb of Eagle River.
Thomas was previously identified by police as a "person of interest" in Reeves' disappearance and authorities had said he was one of the last people to see the airman alive.
Thomas was charged last month with the six counts of evidence tampering over actions that prosecutors said included the disposal of bloody clothes, towels and a blood-stained couch.
The indictment accuses Thomas of killing Reeves on April 19 during a robbery.
Thomas' bail for the new charges was set at $100,000, said Anchorage Police Lieutenant Dave Parker. Thomas, in jail since his May 8 arrest on the evidence-tampering charges, is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday on the new charges, Parker said.
Investigators say Thomas lied about the case, first denying any knowledge and then saying he came home on the night of April 19 to find a bloodied Reeves on his love seat.
Thomas allegedly burned clothing he said was bloodied while cleaning his home, disposed of the love seat at the Club Apartments in South Anchorage and drove Reeves’ rental car to Mountain View, where it was later found.
The Anchorage Daily News reported that Reeves, according to his parents, had gotten a check for more than $4,000 from an insurance company after a wreck totaled his vehicle. He was looking for a new one the weekend he vanished, they said.
Thomas is assigned to the Air Force's 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Reeves was assigned to the 673rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, the Air Force told the Anchorage Daily News.
Reuters contributed to this story.
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Just admit to it, you big weenie!
Another US military murder story this week? What's wrong with these deranged gov't-trained killers? We're told they're all heroes by the corporate news outlets, the Congress, and WH.
Kudos to you for compassion and making sure that you don't paint all airmen with the same brush.
@ DOU44,
Go fug yourself. That's about the only ass you get anyway.
My son is stationed in Anchorage. Most of the his fellow service people were incredibly upset over the loss of this young man. Many took part in the search for him. They showed compassion, integrity, respect and, lastly, reverence for-during-and after the search for the lost airman.
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska with a population of over a quarter million people. Sadly, (as with all populations) none is perfect. We always get a few bad pennies, service or civilian makes no matter. Actually, our service-oriented population everywhere is probably the most peaceful, law-abiding group of people one can find. Like I said, not all are perfect, but if I had my druthers, I think I would prefer living around our military folk much more than I would the civilians in the rest of the world.
To the family and friends of Clinton Reeves, please accept my condolences on your loss.
Zapper,
I know first hand how hard service members take the death of one of their brothers or sisters in arm. It is even harder for them with a senseless death such as this. I pray for all of them....it hurts deep. My family and our country mourns with the Reeves family and everyone affected by this. I thank God they found his body. I hope this gives the family some peace.
For those that loath the military (obvious by your posts)....you are clueless. Having the opportunity to see so many young men and women serve their country so very proudly has made me love my country even more. I feel sorry that some people will never have the opportunity to know how that feels. If you don't like the war they are fighting...take it up with your Commander in Chief. They only follow orders.
Many of you that post negatively about service members are probably parents of kids that are regularly getting high while living in your basement or while at college. My son gets tested on a regular basis and if he were to test positive...guess what? He's out of there! If he gets a DUI or any other NJP's...he cannot reenlist. If he fails to show up for formation....he's in BIG trouble. If he loses something...HE has to pay for it. If he makes a mistake....it goes on his record and he is in BIG trouble. If he fails to perform...they have ways of dealing with that. If he falls asleep while on duty...well, don't even want to know what they do to them. They have zero tolerance. These guys are held to such a high level of accountability and that is why they perform at the levels they do.
People that say the military of today only takes the ones that have no other choices really sound like idiots........honestly.
There are soldiers/veterans who are heros who we as Americans owe, but I get so sick of politician pandering to ALL veterans as if they are ALL heros and we, Americans, owe them! Many have jobs just like other Americans while they are in the military. Here is an example of another a soldier who is NOT a hero and Americans owe him nothing.
I could not agree more Jen..so sick of honor them honor them all the fanfare etc..this is not the military of our grandfathers and great grandfathers where the men served with pride and no expectations..this is a govt society of a lot of misfits and losers who had no option but to join for they couldn't get hired anyplace else most likely. I don't owe my freedom to any of these knuckleheads..I owe it to the many men of many years ago who fought..not these loose cannons
and we still risk our lives so that you have a right to be a moron.
Well, NavyQMCS, I am sure that peeing on Afghanis certainly made our lives safer. As did ridding Iraq of all those massive WMDs that Saddam had all over the place. And we don't even need to mention abu Ghraib.
It is very true that this guy is a killer. But it is also true most of our soldiers are decent people just trying to do their job. And certainly, the guys who got bin Laden are heroes, as are the people who provided the support structure and the intelligence that made it possible.
But in general, your risking your lives hasn't made the US any safer. That is the sad truth, whether you like it or not. If you have problems with it, take it up with your Commanding Officer. Please don't expect gratitude from us.
Navy: Thanks. You did it in your time as I did in mine (Viet Nam).
Byron Raum: I invite your attetion to Matthew 7; entire first paragraph. You preume to judge the behavior of others without appaently having an understanding of what they endured before beig put on "page one." Therefore shalt thou be judged as an ingrate who doe not deserve to have the freedoms and safeties that thou enjoyest. Believer me, we don't expect your gratitude; just be careful that you don't get trampled as we go about our business.
Sh@t happens in war during the heat of battle. You give an 18 year old weapons and a license to use it. Would you rather us take a few pictures or maybe cause them some humiliation, or take them prisoner and then cut their freaking heads off on video? Then we could be just like them. We have done some things that by the standards we espouse, have been inappropriate, but nothing on the level of the Tali or Hajjis. You have murderers in all walks of life and society, from the very rich to the very poor. Painting a portrait of all military men/women as cold blooded killers and robots shows your utter lack of respect for the freedoms they help keep secure.
And as for the comment about great military fathers and grandfathers; if you think that they never did anything morally reprehensible during their battles or firefights, then you live in a fantasy world. If you have never had lead flying at you from down range by someone intent on killing you, then you don't know what you are capable of to keep your team and self safe. Our job is to make the enemy die for his country, not the other way around.
Jen, Sheila, Bryon - your are entitled to your opinion, but it is only that, just an opinion with no knowledge nor anything demonstrated about the truth. Do you have any experience of what happens in the Military, or is this "coffee shop" talk?
There are so many that have given, but you sorry chits only talk; you have only words, but absolutely with no substance.
How do you convince yourself that you have a clue about the real world?
Shiela, in regards to your post:
You obviously don't know anything about the military of today. We have so many men and women serving our country proudly. NO they do not let just anyone in. As a matter of fact, it is harder to get in today than many years ago that you remember (I am assuming you are pretty old). Military recruits are heavily screened, but so are doctors, teachers, priests, and a lot of other professions. Guess what honey...they sometimes get the occasional weirdo as well. How about the trauma surgeon that just killed his girlfriend? How about that astronaut (the woman) that stalked her lovers girlfriend and drove in a diaper to go kill her @ss.....yeah that was a good one. Think about how much psych screening is done on an astronaut.
Point is, the world has some crazy people in it....sometimes they go into the military. Please don't disrespect all military personnel for a few bad seeds. They protect your grumpy old ass!!!!!
BTW....my son is one of them....a US Marine and very proud of it. He had plenty of options. I bet he scored higher on the SAT than anyone you know. He turned down scholarships...academic and athletic ones to serve his country. The truth is, he is a trained killer and pretty good at it. But, he is no loose cannon. You better be glad someone has both the balls and the brains to do what he does. Go back to sitting on your sofa drinking coke and eating Twinkies. Think of him while you are eating your Twinkies......he will be running his butt off keeping in shape to defend our country. How ironic?
The version of the draft should be in place to make these pansy azz, spoiled loudmouths have some experience in the military. I doubt they would last long without their mommies and junk food.
@realitystinks101-- please thank your son for me, for his service. My son and your son are two of a kind. Both had opportunities at home, but they CHOSE to do service for their country (and, therefore, us.) They were not drafted, they volunteered. (This in no way disrespects those who were drafted, it's just another time and world.) People tend to forget that our service folks work very hard at their jobs. They have taken on a huge burden, and they should NEVER be disrespected for their efforts.
You were very correct in saying that a bad apple turns up once in a while. Sadly, it gives everyone in uniform a bad name. A small percentage of any population will be of the evil sort. It happens. On the other hand, I truly wish that our news agencies would report on the GOOD that so many of our military personnel do. Most do not know that not only have our sons volunteered to serve in our military, they also volunteer by helping the Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H, their religious organizations, soup kitchens, donating time helping in hospitals, reading to children in libraries, and on and on. They really make an effort on all levels of community and society.
I sincerely hope that the trolls on this vine realize that they are allowed to write what they do because our kids are out in the real world making sure that they have every right to do so. Maybe one day the little light will come on, maybe not. The important thing is so many of us do know why we should give them our respect and admiration. Unfortunately, we are another man down, murdered by one of his compatriots. Like I said, it happens; but it's just a bad apple that has caused this tragedy.
Hey MSNBC-- report some of the good stuff, it really is worth writing and reading about.
To all the negative commentors on our military I post the words of philosopher John Stuart Mill. "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling, which thinks that nothing is worth war, is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so, by the exertions of better men tan himself."
So for those who think freedom is not at stake, at least thank those who are brave enough to go and fight for our way of life!
The bad apple that commited this crime will rot in prison for the rest of his miserable life! His actions do not reflect in any way upon the rest of the men and women serving our great nation!
There are saints and sinners in every facet of society, including the military. Try not to get your world view completely from the corporate-owned media. Maybe observe, think, and conclude for yourself.
Does it even matter at this point? Most people are damned because they obviously go out of their way and put forth the energy and effort to be so. God help these people if that is even possible, but God please protect the innocent that continuously get harmed at their hands.
Airmen are not trained killers...go do your homework. Most of us fly desks, aka admin type positions. Also, there are many soldiers/sailors/airmen/marines involved in todays wars that are hero's. When you are in the military, you dont cease being a person. People kill, whether a civilian, military, alien, exc...As to Sheila's (389xxxxxx) comment to the military being nothing but losers, i find your statement to be nothing short of hilarious. When I got out the military I had many companies (and still do) knocking at my door to offer me many different types of positions. I had discipline, was mature (much more mature than some of these dimwits coming straight out of college who still just want to party), and understood the importance of having a job. I didnt realize it took a real brainiac to get into college these days. Also, unlike many people in my age group and younger, I dont feel entitled to everything. If I want something I have to work for it. Thats what the military has taught me (and many other valuable lessons). Obviously, Sheila, you've never had the privilege of serving your country otherwise you would have never made such an asinine comment against the men/women serving today.
@Sheila Anne Cobb,
"Airmen are not trained killers...go do your homework."
I would beg to differ on that point. I have worked with ParaRescue, ( PJs ), on many occasions. They are some high speed righteous warriors. On par with any of our other SpecOp units. They also have one of the longest qualification schools of any service, (2 years). Not only are they trained to save lives, but to take them in the line of duty if needed and they are good at their jobs.
Any of you PJs out there, the beers on me if we ever meet again.
I suggest you get a camera and witness what the training of these guys is. I don't think they would let you. Of course, they are trained killers. The key is whether they are able to understand the difference between whom and when to kill . These lines get murky under stress and duress or perhaps greed and fear. When you play with fire, accept one every now and then. My guess is the girls who join a non-combat situation may be excluded but the marines for example are specifically trained for one on one killing. They know all the tricks.
Alumette.....my son is one of those Marines you speak of. Think of how many have had to kill and how many have killed once back here in the states? And I might point out this particular article did not even involve a Marine.
I assume you are probably pretty nonathletic and not one to be confrontational (just a wild guess). Fortunately for you and the rest of us, these guys are. They are heavily trained to kill, but they are also trained for mental and physical constraint beyond your comprehension.
Why would anybody kill another over a lousy $4000, and if they did where would it be spent anyway(especially at an outpost in the middle of nowhere). What I'm getting at is "how dumbed down is the airforce to have a member like this"? Is it another religious quota issue, or what?
Why would anybody kill a convenience store clerk for $ 40.00 in the cash register? Unfortunately, that is the world we live in, where a persons life is worth less than a full tank of gas. This sure is a fugged up place, isn't it?
Just for your info, Elmendorf-Richardson is rather large. I've been there when I was with the 25th Inf. Div.
people kill over nothing. Who knows what triggers that killing instinct ? military are trained to kill on a professional level. I would guess for these guys, it may be easier to reach that spot and not being able to stop . It may be like opening and closing a door. Some doors get stuck half way in between. Good luck for the mother of the dead man in terms of getting an answer. I don't think she will get one.
*****louie... you are dumb. No really***** and (alumette) Thomas was a crew chief on aircraft and Reeves was in Logistics. Nothing in their A.F.S.C. says anything about being trained to kill on a professional level. Get a clue and do some research before you post you knob..
Yeah Rams....I think they probably rode the short bus.
where
Your ignorance is amazing!
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, adjacent to Anchorage, is the largest installation in Alaska and home of the Air Force's Headquarters, Alaskan Command (ALCOM); Alaskan NORAD Region (ANR); Eleventh Air Force (11 AF); and the 3rd Wing (3 WG), as well as the Army's U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK); the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (4-25th ABCT); and the 3rd Movement Enhancement Brigade (3rd MEB).
JBER's host unit is the 673d Air Base Wing (673 ABW). Its four groups, the 673d Logistics Readiness Group, 673d Civil Engineering Group, 673d Medical Group and the 673 Mission Support Group, provide the backbone support for more than 12,000 service men and women and their families on the joint installation
There are some crazy people in the world.
Screw veteran mental health benefits and other humanitarian aid! We want more tax cuts for corporations and more bailouts for Wallstreet!...
and illegal immigrants, gays, Hollywood parties and what everelse will get obama a vote.
Gotta love the judicial system. Four counts of murder (1 first and 3 second degree). How many times can you murder the same person? But, back to what appears the topic of the moment. All this dumping on service members is ridiculous and hurtful to the folks you're talking about. I'm old enough to recall how Vietnam vets were treated immediately after returning from war; the war wasn't their fault but they were burdened with the blame. I blamed them, but, at this late date in my life, I'm ashamed of having done so. Keep in mind that most service members serve and only a few don't.
Look at that winner, LOL. What a world we live in, kill a buddy over 4g? nice tatoos bro.
Oops...meant "most service members serve well and only a few don't".
The facts is a small percenatge of soldiers/veterans served in combat or for that matter even near combat. Again veterans who put their lives on the line, Americans owe; but I am sick and tired of all veterans being grouped together as if they are ALL heros. And for those who come back with the statement and say well Veterans Serve Their Country, well so do teachers, doctors, truck drivers, etc etc... and if you want to say ALL veterans are heros, what about Timothy McVeigh?? was he a hero, he certainly was a veteran, or lets blame his actions on the military, the goverment etc...we, Americans, have become a country of blame so I suppose Timothy Mcveigh was a victim, and when he blew up the Oklahoma Federal Building with innocent people including CHILDREN, it was not his fault, it was due to his time in the military...
Yo are right Jen. I am a veteran. Besides this kid was Air Force. Not everyone in the military has been deployed to Iraq of Afghanistan. Many of those who have do not see combat since they serve in support roles outside.
The PTSD claim is getting thin when so many of these characters did not serve on the front lines like the true warriors and heroes.
Looks like he could be Obama's son.
I do not even want to think what the United States of America would look like at any time from today to 230 years ago had we not had a military of any sort. Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy. All have their part in keeping the U.S.A. safe. There are bad people everywhere. And the fact that some of you want to bash the Military. Well it is your right but SHEILA-38 I am sure if America was invaded you would be the first to seek us out for help. You owe everyone, past, present and future. I would like to tell you to shut up but it is your right as an American to flap your lips. And BYRON, you say it is not safer here in America, If the Military was not here now or in the past you would either be eating food from Asia everyday or have a turbin on your head. So keep talking it lets everyone know what kind of person you are not.
you are a horrible useless piece of human waste