VERNON J. GEBERTH, M.S., M.I,.S., BBA, FBJNA Lieutenant Commander, N.Y.P.D. (Ret.)
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P.H.I. INVESTIGATIVE CONSULTANTS, INC.
This Consultative Report is based upon reports and materials provided by The Topeka Police Department through Detective Richard Volle to the undersigned to review and evaluate in connection with a Double-Murder Investigation that is being conducted ~s a Cold Case Invf:stigation:
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INVESTIGA Tl''E ASSESSI\1ENT AI~D CONSUt,T'/tt'K'l'/E REPOJ{T TO.P EKA POLICE DEPARTMENT Topeka, Kansas Double Homicide KAREN HARKNESS MICHAEL SISCO
F/W 53 Years-of-age MIW 47 Years-of-age
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CASE FACTS: The bodies of Karen Harkness and Michael Sisco wer~ discovered in Karen Harkness's home at 2231 Westport Square, Topeka, Kansas at approximately 1400 Hours on Sunday, July 7, 2002. Both victims had been shot multiple times wi_th a .9 mm weapon while sleeping in bed. There were several shell casings recovered in the crime scene. Harkness's vehicle wa:s in the g3JClge and Sisco's vehicle was parked in the driveway. Karen's father, Harold Worswick, discovered the bodies. Harold \Vorswick, and his wife Betty, along with Carol Engler (Michael's mother) and her date Douglas Wohler had gone to the Harkness home to meet Karen and Mike for a pre.,arranged luncheon date. They arrived at approximately 1350 Hours. There was no answer at the fTont door, which was locked. Harold sent his wife Betty around to t!te back of\he house to see if the cQuple was on the deck. Betty notked that that the gate was slightly ajar and that the back screen door was insecure. At ibis time The Worswick's entered the home. They called out to Karen and Mike to announce their presence. No one answ~d. Harold then went down the stairs to the basement, where the bedroom was located. When he turned on the lights he saw the nude body of his daughter, Karen sprawled fac~ down on the bed. He felt her leg, which was cold to the touch. He picked up some clothing and covered her body.
CRIMINAL AND FORENSIC INVESTIGATIVE AND CONSULTATIVE SERVICES Post Office Box 197 • Garnerville, New York 10923 • Tel. (845) 429-0205 • Fax (845) 942-5774
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In the opinion of the undersigned, as ~m expert in murder investigation, and based upon the various reports, which I have reviewed and analyzed, I conclude that Dana Chandler, who was described by her ex-husband as a "Psycho bitch" is an extremely dangerous person and highly capable of committing murder to satisfy her personal need for revenge. This Double-Homicide was a Personal Anger Retaliatory Homicide, which is the type of murder committed by someone who knows or has been in a relationship with the victim. It is a personal crime motivated by anger, jealously and revenge. This crime was premeditated and calculated by the offender, who had previously stalked her victims and knew when and where they would be. Dana Chandler planned the time, method and place for the murders and was extremely careful not to leave any physical evidence. Dana Chandler attempted to conceal her tr¡avcl from Denvet¡, Colorado to Topeka, Kansas by purchasing two 5-Gallon gas cans and gasoline so she would not have to stop to purchase gas. She purposely did not receive or make any phone calls from 1515 Hours on Saturday, .July 61h till Sunday July 7111 at 1920 Hours to prevent being located in and/or near the crime scene and she constructed an elaborate alibi to attempt to create the impression that she was in Colorado at the time of the murders. The Topelca police investigation has basically discredited Chandler's alibi. Although the authorities, at this time do not have hard physical evidence, to link Dana Chandler to the crime scene, there is an abundance of circumstantial evidence as enunciated within this report, which would lead a reasonable person to conclude that Dana Chandler is the one, and only person who had the motive, means and opportunity to have committed these murders. -'
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Vernon J / Geberth, M.S., M.P.S. HOMI.(2:1DE AND FORENSIC CONSULTANT Date &'Report: March 6, 2007
THIS CONSULTATIVE REPORT WAS PREPARED FOR THE CITY OF TOPEKA POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST IN A COLD CASE INVESTIGTION AND IS CONSIDERED CONFIDENTIAL NOT FOR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OR RELEASE.
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