Callita: Thanks so much! I truly was wondering! :O)

There are those who indeed have very long lists in public records that seem to have no ethics or morales with decent conscience, and are overwhelmingly self-serving. What's worse, they believe others think the same way, or should. But being a jerk or cruel or mentally or emotionally challenged/frought isn't in iteself a crime. It just so happens that the perps of such violent crimes are this way. There does seem to be a sort of Jerry Springer Guest type of mentality (ie; finger) that shows up in thier character. And always the decent, nice or at least much less offensive person pays for that way of thinking. When a restraining order is applied for, someone is being 'bullied' and afraid of being victimized. Only when something tragic happens is when it is brought to our attention and realized. There are others out there, right now, who harbour the same potential. I'm related to one that has over 75 records, who's own mother applied for a restraining order. Anger-Issues, Delusional Thinking, Pathological Lying, Emotional Outbursts... this guy lost control when he probably had very little control to use, or found the situation beyond his capability to deal with in a civilized manner. These types of people need something before they do snap, and there's no rating system to say they're apt to boil over and explode beyond an informed person looking up thier records on ccap. This is, of course, in my own opinion. MY CONDOLENCES to the family, I pray the child will be well taken care of by capable family.

Superdave, how is this:

I just want to tell all you poster's to stop talking besmirching the reputation of the father of this child. He is a good man. I've known him for 12 years and I've seen him with his child and he is not just doing this for attention or for the money. Come to terms with reality people. If you were placed in this situation what would you do? The same thing There is my point. I love you brother and Erica will be missed dearly. Damon you are in my heart. You are a sweet little boy and soon you will be with your daddy and you will be able to see Michael again and you'll be able to meet my little man. You will love him. OK, just one question. I have a child and a criminal record. You posters are saying that I am an unfit parent because you are saying it about this little boys father. Darn it you guys make me so angry, putting it mildly. If I need to say this again I will not be so kind. I love you brother and the whole family is wishing you well on the custody trial. I am predicting a victory for you. Shoot, I'll even testify for you and what a wonderful parent you are. I love you. Peace to you Amanda White. Erica I miss you and love you. Damon, keep your head up. your comprehension of the term may not be clear now, but one day you will understand.

Could someone please translate the previous comment into standard English? Thank you.

i just wanna tell all u bs stop talkin crap bout the father he is a good man ive known him for 12 yrs ive seen him with his child n hes not just doin this crap for attention or 4 the money get real people if it was u what would u do the same thing theres my piont i love u bro n erica will b missed dearly demon u r in my heart u are a sweet lil boy n soon u will b with ur daddy n ull be able to c micheal again n ull be able to meet my lil man ull love him ok just 1 question i have a kid n a rap sheet for criminal crap so u guys say im an unfit parent cuz thats what ur sayin bout this lil boy father dang u guys just p me off n im puttin this in a nice way make sure i dont send a message to u guys cuz it wont b as kind as this 1 is well yea luv ya bro n the whole fam wishing the best on the custody trial i know ull win crap ill go on stand n tell the judge how good of a father u r luv ya peace out amanda white jws sista n erica miss ya n luv ya n damon keep ur head up even though u might not know what that meens but ull get it 1 day

i was a personal friend of the father. the worst thing for that child is to go with the father! He wants the money for himself, i think. Kyle is a piece of trash in my eyes. I knew the mom too and she was a very sweet girl and didnt deserve this. I have had past dealings with the law were they did nothing to protect me from threats of bodily harm. im glad to see they could get out of their car for once! I personally have had to pull the fatheroff of his girlfriend last summer and kick him out. when he had his son damen he made his gf take care of damen.

i can't beleive he did that.. he took my firend and hurt her son.. he deserves to die not be in prison.... may you rest in peace erica we love you!

Shopiereduh: Probably not a good time to start women-bashing, try to remember the content of the article before you start your ranting.

My son is damons half brother...james doesn't do anything to support my son i doubt he does anything to support damon

ty so much justcurious

AaaaaHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I told you - the website is a scam - look up the DADDY who is begging for money to help raise his son. Domestic abuse, disorderly conduct, restraining order, child support, eviction (while he lived with the defendent),operating while revoked, worthless checks,bail jumping, child support. There you go all you people who have been bashing me for pointing out the obvious. You want him raising your kids - better yet send him some money!

I honestly don't know why my comment keeps on getting removed i'm not against funds for the family as long as they go to the deserved person....i'm only trying to let unsuspecting people who donate to damon's fund whats really up
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I just want everyone who is considerin donating money to damons fund to give it to the grieving family and not damons fater.....His last name is secor and he has spent time in jail himself for the same type of thing..... I should know i'm one of his victims....He's been in jail for domestic violence i know this for a fact....I am also the mother of his seven year old son that he has not supported...James is just fishing for money because he doesn't work...He will not use that money for his son...and i hope the courts will see his record and keep him from getting custody...damons been through enough he doesn't need anymore trauma....DON'T TRY TO DENY THIS J.W. YOU KNOW WHO THIS IS AND YOU KNOW I'M TELLING THE TRUTH

damon's fund is a fishing scam the last name is secor he has been in jail for domestic abuse and he has a 7 year old son that he doesn't support

OK people, I'll say it again- the website begging for money is a scam. Damon's father needs to put up his last name and the last name of all these "uncles" and everyone can take a look at their records on CCAP.

OMG CAN ANYONE ELSE UNDERSTAND THAT GIBBERISH?

WHAT DID THAT KID THROW?

THAT PORE BOY NO CHILD SHOULD HAVE TO GO THROW WHAT THAT KID DID... BUT LOOK I KNOW THE FATHER OF THAT CHILD AND TO BE HONEST, ITS NOT BEST TO LET THE FATHER HAVE HIM,THE FATHER CANT TAKE CARE OF HIM SELF LET ALONE A CHILD.... SO MAYBE IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BEFOR THAY LET THE FATHER HAVE HIM..

hannah,
Many of the parents out there have no clue that their teens cleavage hanging out is wrong! Remember, we're in the post modern era now. There's no moral absolutes anymore so to the new intellects, anything goes. Sad scenario but it's true. I agree with you, let's tell the parents it's not okay! Question to you....you've heard of "deaf ears" right? If the parents don't know right from wrong, how do you tell them??

OK - I have NEVER seen a website set up by non-family members asking for money for a child who apparently has a dad to support him. I'd like a little more info about the dad - like what is his name?

I can handle dreaming about the jerk's finger. It's his ugly face that is making me nauseated.

Kleej: touche, touche. I also never thought there'd come a day where one could call the editor of a newspaper a pigheaded dope :p I do agree however that there is far too much nudity and profanity in the media in general and do concede to the slippery slope using a photo such as this creates. However, there's bigger fish to fry in this case.

Darius: I am very sorry for the 5 year old you know. That is what makes this ENTIRE event so sickening and core rattling!!

momof5, there was a day when plastering a picture of someone in a newspaper with his middle finger up was unheard of and thought to be impossible and would never happen. That's the point here. Now that this barrier has been broken, what's next? Nobody ever thought that cursing and nudity would ever grace a TV set in our living rooms either, but, guess what....??? Anything that sells is acceptable to the media. It only sells because it becomes acceptable to the people that once held principles and morals to a standard. The bar has been lowered and with that, our generations of children suffer! You may not want to see a picture of a penis on the front page of a paper, but, you may as well prepare for it because one day it's going to happen because it'll become acceptable as well. No morals, no accountability, no limits! The American way today..... God help us.

I see your point, momof5 and trojanvirus, but I know of a 5 year old girl who is a friend of Damon's (the 5 yr old who witnessed this tragedy) that has had nightmares about the guy who did this, and he's always got his middle finger up in her nightmares. I personally don't see how it was necessary, his actions showed all the disrespect that we needed to know about. I believe that picture was a tool to sell papers, and it did cause additional damage to some of the kids who saw it. All of the talking that is being done with her about the entire situation, and there's been plenty, won't fix that. I'm afraid she'll think of this every time she sees the middle finger put up in that manner, and she'll see THAT many more times in her school career, I'm sure. But I do see your point. There are certainly more important issues in this case than that picture, but the picture is worth being addressed, especially to those of us with young children.

Kleej: that is the most assenine attempt at logic I've ever seen! Your penis is a PRIVATE part. Your finger on the other hand (no pun intended) is out in open for all to see all day, every day. Besides, private or not, I would not care to see a picture of a penis on the front page. Eww. So not attractive!

And--I'm just wondering: are there really people out there who are more worried about "what will Junior think" when he sees the newspaper at the checkout stand than what this monster did and thefore advocating awareness about dometic violence. "If "Junior" saw this picture/article, take the opportunity to let him know that it isn't ok for his bff's mom to "trip down the stairs" so often.... And , btw, puhlease--Junior is eyeing up the sugary temptations that are strategically placed at the checkout--not the drab grey and black icky newspapers!

For everyone throwing out the "NIE" card: how little faith we have in our trained PROFESSIONALS to deal with such a sensitive subject and material. I'm sure there isn't a teacher out there who said "now, boys and girls, if you look down here, this picture is of a disturbed man raising his middle finger to a police officer. This is called flipping someone the bird, kids. Neat-o, huh?"

It is what it is. Like it or don't. But, it is time to move on. Focus on what positives can come from this, what help the Ostenson family needs from their community and what we ALL can do to make sure there isn't another bird picture. Why? Because we've all become more intune with the warning signs and knowing who to call for help BEFORE the only help available is from the 911 dispatch center.

I love the movie where they make New York City a prison with 100' walls and they just dump all the dumb@$$e$ like this jerk in there to fend for themselves! Man I wish they would make two of them cities. One for trash fools like this one & the other for all the illegal aliens that are screwing up our country & selling drugs that are screwing up our minds.

Yah, he is. It will be interesting to see if he responds to all of the complaints about that picture.

huh: Scott Angus is a pigheaded dope! I would love to hear his logic behind printing that picture. Actually, I wouldn't! It's the same old story. He's right and everyone else is wrong. It's all about what sells.

I, personally, have contacted Scott Angus. This picture does not belong in the paper. If it has to be in the paper, it surely shouldn't be on the front page. This is the only place I saw it. I am sure it was elsewhere, but I didn't see it. Yes, Kids are exposed to this is a paper that is delivered to schools. It does not belong in schools!

Trojan..agreed. What you are suggesting is that people handle the situation like adults! Easier said than done in this society if you know what I mean. As far as boycotting the gazette, I did that a long time ago. I'll use this public site until they start charging people for it and I'll boycott this too! As you can tell, I've grown to be very anti-media these days! I don't blame the media for alot of the problems in today's world, I blame people like me who have allowed it to influence me in the past....the key word is, PAST! God bless!

Thank you darius.

I think the Gazette NOW realizes that their picture is very controversy and if they could redo it, I'm sure they'd either choose a different picture or blurr out the middle finger.

I saw that somebody had left a comment about how the middle finger gets blurred out on reality tv shows, which is true, therefore you'd think that a newspaper would do the same.

The fact that the middle finger picture was printed, I feel was necessary, as it shows Kyle's character. Yes, maybe they should have put a black rectangle over his finger, but what's done is done. I think the next step for parents is to talk to their kids, let them know that this is a bad man, and that they're not to repeat his actions (flipping the bird.)

I don't think that boycotting the Gazette is necessary (somebody had mentioned it). It's not as if they're printing questionable pictures or material day after day. Instead, anyone who seriously has a problem with the picture should handle it in an ADULT manner and *talk* (not yell) to whoever is in charge of it.

trojan, I see your side as well. I'm just having a problem with the public part. These newspapers are sitting right on the racks by all the checkouts with that big picture on there and many people, young and old, who who usually not even pay the newspaper any mind are lured to this negative garbage through the sensationalism tactic that the media uses. Why not at least blot out the finger? It still get't the message across. At least the young people in those checkouts wouldn't see what they don't need to be seeing. Again, I see your side and it holds alot of water too!

This is copied and pasted from one of harleyrider2006 comments:

I talked with Damon's father and the visitation will be next thursday @ 9 am with the funeral proceeding @ 11:30 @ Bethel Baptist Church off Mt. Zion.This is such a tragedy for Damon and Eric's family and Damon's father.My thoughts and prayers go out to all you.God bless.I knew both the victim and the suspect and Damon's father.

I tried the website cannot get in to ask, has anyone heard of when or where the funeral will be and who is handling it. I would like to send a card and a little help with expenses.

Regarding the middle finger, "Right back at you gazette." Newspapers in education with that pic on the front page.

Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved in this event, especially the children.

I personally feel that the picture with Kyle Hicke flipping the bird WAS necessary. I feel that it shows how he had no respect for the law or for his actions. Obviously his disrespect has also been shown on his court records and through all of the events that occurred that day, but this picture is a reminder of the lack of respect he has.

As for kids seeing it, I can maybe see the issue of little, little kids seeing it, when they're at the age of imitating everything they see and hear. Other than that, I personally don't really see an issue with it. My mom had taught me at a young age that there are certain things that adults are allowed to do and say, but not kids. She taught me that if I ever started saying or doing those adult things, I'd be in a lot of trouble. My mom was very open with things that occur in LIFE and I was already prepared for this type of behavior rather than being "shell shocked."

i am sorry for the family members of this young lady this is horrible. These forums has been and always will be a place where the people around these communties voice their opinions and debate with each other, sometimes people do not like it sometimes people do but coming on here and blasting everyone who is also stunned and saddened by these events is not going to do anything, and really if you are going to be upset by these forums it is better off not to read them, you also need to remember that some of us posters who you are getting angry with are the same posters who have and will be donating to your family to help out with Damon. Again I am truly sorry for your loss

www.DamonsFund.synthasite.com

It says the funds are for Damon (not Erica's funeral) and helping to raise him, but there's also an email address on the page where you can direct any questions to.

marinab, what an awesome thing to do! We need more people out there with that mindset.
God bless you!

momof5, I just know that my son and daughter do have live insurance through their jobs as for me my employer doesn’t offer it. So my first thought was the cost of a funeral is so high and something that the family should not have to worry about at this time. A friend of mine lost her husband and with all the hoops, she had to go thorough just for a funeral seems so sad for anyone to go through. I guess if we can find out where and when the funeral is I could send money in a card.

momof5, you're right it won't bring Erica back. However, using your logic, what if the man had flashed his penis at the officers and it made the front page? Would you have the same stance on people bringing up the unnecessary photo that the gazette printed in the paper? Those days are coming as well. It's a clear cut example of how principles have been eroding away slowly but surely everyday. The Gazette is no different than the other Corporate media CLOWNS who will stop at nothing to sell more newspapers.

Marina: I was wondering the same. Maybe Kasey or some of the other family members could let us know if a fund for Erica's funeral expenses has been set up or if such a thing is necessary.

And, does anyone know how Hicke's daughter, Phoenix, is doing? Her life is changed forever too.

If you have such a problem with "the bird" picture, take it up with Scott Angus. Don't post it on here. You people who are carrying on and on about ONE picture from a VERY horrific and tragic event are the ones desensitizing OUR children. Teaching kids to focus on trivial matters rather than expanding their horizons to look at the BIG picture, is not a very becoming trait to pass on to future generations!!

Was the picture not front page material? Maybe. But, will bellyaching about THAT bring back Erica? Ease the pain for her family, friends and little Damon? Prevent future domestic violence tragedies? NO!!! Focus on what REALLY matters, please.

PS-NBC 15 and WISC TV 3 also showed the "bird picture" during their newscasts of this story. Where is the public outcry over that?

This comment goes to all the people out there who dont get the damn info rite...... im her brother and i have ALL the correct info so dont post anything that aint true and dont post anything that we dont wanna see or anything disrescpectful

This is a sad time for this family. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you and especially to the little boy that experienced this. my nephew went through kind of the same thing but he was 4. He is 11 now and he don't remember his mom being shot in front of him. It is hard to understand why someone would do this alone in front of a child. Time will ease your pain eventually. I pray that your family gets justice unlike mine did. Damon remember the good times with your mommy and hold them tight to your heart and never forget her voice for that is what is important! God be with you lil man!

why dont you complain to your self about that because im sure my family dont wanna hear about stupid stuff like that just because you dont like it dont get on here and complain..
I LOVE YOU ERICA AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

i think that middle finger is no dift than the gazette posting those words on there. they wouldnt do that. they would delete any comment we type that says what the finger means. it was inappropriate in my book. there were enough good pics to run with.

funny huh. last week im discussing the logic behind legal heroin and this week im blastin the gazetter for that pic. ha.

I think that the "middle finger" photo on the front page of the Gazette is sensational and gives this murderer inappropriate attention. Just what we DON'T need to be doing. I am glad I picked up the paper yesterday and not my young children. Yes, they will encounter this in their lives, but I am distressed to see that they would encounter images like this on the front page of our paper - a paper that is supposed to be printing news, not distasteful images.

LATIN, you are so right. I am middle aged and when I was a little girl, as I said before I grew up with violence, and I also used to babysit for a couple that when they would come home from their evening out, the man would beat the living day lights out of his wife. I whitnessed him choke and hit her more times than I care to remember. And they did these things in front their kids and me the babysitter like no big deal. And then the next day, the wife just carried on, maybe with a few black eyes and bruises, but stayed right there. And that was TERRIBLE then, and it is only getting worse!! I can totally relate to what children of domestic abuse go through, the good thing is, at least in this day and age, there are people WATCHING for these signs. When I grew up, nobody talked about it, so at least we have that going for us.

FLYING....AHMEN! Me too! It is up to us as parents to discuss and EXPLAIN things in the media, without OUR emotions getting involved, just the facts. My kids are NOT going to be sheltered nor have been from all of the evil in the world. I would much rather go to my grave knowing I helped them understand everything I possibly could. That way they won't be shell shocked when the real world hits them.

HUH...
YES, I WANT THIS IN THE PAPER,
YES, I want ALL to see this! It opens up MUCH to be discussed, and learned, re: values, morals, etc... I am GLAD my kids asked me about this, and questioned it. Most kids see MUCH WORSE on tv, EVERY night! If questioned, and discussed, there is no harm here. Kids are much smarter than we all think, and I for one am sure, they want to know the REAL story, not the one "made up", to protect them from life as it is.

I think that since this problems is all over america there needs to be something i don't know what right at this moment but this problem is getting worse not better and america is suppose to be a place that is better to live in that any other place in the world, but when you get down to it with all of these family murders it is not better it is almost worse

I can not believe The Gazette would print a picture with a man extending his middle finger at the camera on the front page above the fold for kids to see in the stores and schools. All NIE supporters should speak up. Do you want this in your schools?

"What he did to his family is unforgivable. The face of evil can be pretty ordinary."
(((((((((((
i just copied the above statement out of an article on the fox news of a highly paid accountant who killed his family monday in maryland. EVIL is the right word.

i was going off the "white trash" remark and this does not have anything to do with race, or wealth which was the point i was trying to make that saying he is white trash has nothing to do with this because people are killing their families like it is no big deal every day. It is sad and scary and seems to becoming worse instead of better, even our smaller towns that used to be peaceful are having to endure this painful thing. It makes it so scary that you have to go home every day and thank the lord that your family is safe today and no trajedy has come into your household.

I agree with hannah.

This man's *actions* are what made him trash, not his race, religion, income, etc.

Here is an example, Think Michael Vick. Now wouldn't you clasify him as "trash"? He is rich. Wouldn't you classify Howard Stern as "trash"? He is rich. And by golly there were two different races too! Stop it. When you go on and on about these perceived racist remarks, it just makes it worse. Flick it of your shoulder and move on.

Trash is trash.
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like i said before you can't just say that "trash" are the only people doing this, this is happening all over the country to all kinds of people, rich, white, poor, black, hispanic, so to just say he did because he was trash is not the truth. i don't know why he did it but i do know that this has become the normal thing to do these days, people seem to think if something bad happens with their loved on they should just take out the whole family. It is sad it is scary

My comment was not racist. If it makes you feel better ommit the word "white" then. Trash is trash.

i have to say i was a little shocked that they did not blur out the hand gesture but at the same time it really does show you that this man has no care in the world what he does to other people and that he needs to be behind bars for the rest of his life, and i think printing that picture will show the people who want to sympathize with criminals that he deserves no sympathy what so ever

I first want to extend my sympathy to the family and the 5 year old son. No one should ever have to be a victim of such violence. However, I am surprised there weren't more posts regarding the Gazette's poor judgment in printing the front page photo of Hicke. First of all, the Gazette played right into his hands. A man like Hicke wants to be glorified by a photo like that. He obviously wanted to have the attention on him. Secondly, if you watch reality TV or other programming, they blur out someone giving the finger. It is unacceptable and disrespectful to show such a gesture, even in the news media. I am aware that the editors claimed to have made a tough decision about printing this photo and they felt that the picture tells the story. Unfortunately when I first saw the photo I thought "why would the Gazette print such filth? and I had negative opinions about the Gazette...then I set my attention on the story. The photo didn't tell me the story the printed word did. Words were enough to describe the scene and you had a second page you could have used for the photo, if you are so determined it was necessary. I am sorry but I just cannot condone such poor judgment. I understand if someone would like to ban your publication, however, you are our local news source and you do have an appeal. Our country and community needs to get back to common courtesy and decent behavior. We spend way to much time drawing attention to sub-grade conduct. The story needed to be told, but could have been done in a better manner.

a life was lost, a child left motherless, and someone has to pull the race card out. does it matter what race this person is? is amazes me how people are not ashamed to show how low their intelligence level truly is. shame on you diplomat for making a racist remark.

Thank you

Here you go...this was posted earlier.

www.DamonsFund.synthasite.com

I also would like to know if a fund has been set up not only for her child but the expense of her funeral anyone know anything yet. I cannot afford alot but I will try to donate one of my paychecks if I cannot do a whole paycheck I will donate half now and half later.

I saw a post somewhere for some sort of trust fund to be started for her son. Can we also pool together and help with some sort of housing or couselling, etc? I own rental property in Janesville, but unfortunately I have no vacancies otherwise they would be there now. Rent free for as long as they needed. I realize that hard times are upon us and very few have extra cash let alone enough to make ends meet, but few are suffering so much as this child and her family. Let's put all differences aside and come together as a community.

Oh my! That poor little boy. What is this world coming to? I'll be very disappointed if Hickle gets anything less then life in prison. My condolences to Erika's family and friends.

That is a racist remark, diplomat. You should try that with some of the other races and see how far you get. The lefties would string you up, or at least deafen you with their whine.

This is a shame, a terrible thing to happen. This scumbag is a multiple time felon, dating back nearly two decades.

He is a scofflaw, a criminal scumball with a violent record. It is too bad that the death penalty is not available in Wisconsin. It is too bad there was no three strikes law, it appears that he had at least three felonies against him.

White Trash behavior at its finest. We should put these animals in a zoo.
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this is not even a true statement how many articles are out there about upper class people and their whole family being killed by the father, there are a ton, this is not just limited to one class of people.

White Trash behavior at its finest. We should put these animals in a zoo.

my condolences to all of her family and friends,my prayers for her child. may this pig rot in the same hell he has caused for all involved. i hope that gerald urbick or tom white are the proecuting ada"s on this case,they are the to best at the court house, they both are relentless,alot of people who have dealt with them and hate them and that is the reason why, because they do their job.i do hope this man dont walk with a few years in prison.but we will see.

I still am in SHOCK by this, Erica used to work for me for McDonalds in Janesville, and we are all just in complete shock. My prayers go out to her family, exspecially her son, I know how much she loved him. I hope he gets the best counseling he can get, I am sure he is going to need it.

The use of "alleged"...

Please realize that the presumption of innocence is NOT to protect scumbags, it is to protect us -- the innocent -- in case we are accused of committing a crime.

Honey, you are right, your sister, Erica didn't deserve this, and I am so sorry your heart broke today. I pray for you and yours.

FRELNC, thank you for saying everything you did. I chose to deny this man any of my energy thinking terrible thoughts about him or saying anything terrible about him. His judgment will come, and my involvement and waste of energy will make no difference. He has already ruined enough lives, I am not going to let him ruin my spirit as well. My only hope is that he doesn't ever see the world without a barrier ever again.

I think he should have been shot when he went back past the house because she did nothing wrong to be shot like that and he should rot in hell and i'm sorry about the language but i feel the need to say this because Erica was my sister and she didn't deserve this.
R.I.P. ERICA I LOVE YOU AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

Wow! :( This is terrible. Just terrible. How devistating for this poor little boy. The sad thing is, I am sure this isn't the first time he saw his mommy hurt. A man with so much rage was probably abusive before today. I am praying this little boy is sheltered in the arms of love. This is just unbearable to imagine what this child faces in the days, months and years to come. Such a shame. I pray for his healing. :(

Very well said frelnc.

I think we need to dispense with the rhetoric about Briarmoon and get back to the real issue here - the reality of murder as a consequence of domestic violence and the tragedy of a shattered child.

This is about a self-styled arbiter of right and wrong who killed a woman because she wouldn't submit to him. He destroyed her as casually as swatting a fly - in front of her child. This wasn't an act of temporary insanity or rage - although I'm sure he was plenty angry. It was premeditated murder - plain and simple. You don't take a gun with you when you are attempting to reconcile with someone. You take it because you're prepared to use it.

This is classic domestic abuse stuff. It's an unalterable fact that in cases of on-going domestic violence the most dangerous time for the woman is when she stands up for herself and says no. It's been documented countless times - books have been written about it - whole lines of psychological and psychiatric research have affirmed it. It's part of the paradigm that is domestic violence.

It's possible - even likely - he's still telling himself his actions were appropriate - even understandable and rational. He may never come to appreciate the gravity of his actions. He may be exactly what he appears to be - an emotionally immature and self-involved person with no self-esteem, a bloated sense of entitlement and no respect for women. When his victim said no she took back her own power. He couldn't control her any longer. So to reassert his dominance over her - to "fix" it - he killed her.

Even this sick twist deserves a fair trial, and it's possible in the end he won't get the sentence we all feel he should. But we won't know the outcome for years so I think we need to focus on what is possible - what we can do as a community. While the killer eats, sleeps and watches television in a prison that you and I pay for, we all need to focus on helping the surviving victim. Janesville is a community of very good, very strong people. I believe we all need to do everything we can to help this one little 5 year old boy.

As for the killer, we can only watch and wait and pray that in the end the full weight of the law will fall on him and justice will be served.

"This ain't the garden of Eden.
There ain't no angels above.
And things ain't what they used to be.
And this ain't the summer of love." -BOC

Great pix, Gazette (glad your photographer didn't get shot or run over taking them)! Find a way to link this story in some way to HEROIN (it shouldn't be hard, I'm betting) and you've got a winner. But don't forget to do a lot of follow-up come Mother's Day about how society and police and government (and God) failed these people, victim and perpetrator alike, as no one should ever be responsible or accountable for their own choices and actions in this enabled, entitled, civilization of pathetic dependency.
Where's Minority Report's PRECRIME Unit when you need them?
(SHHHH! Don't any body even think about mentioning the "4th-ward" -- errr ... sorry, Freudian slip -- I meant to say the "4-WORD"!)

Yes, it is sad that this child is scarred for life after seeing his Mommy shot to death in from of him. I pray that he, and the kids from the murder-suicide (the Albanian family just west of 5-Points), get the needed help after what they witnessed. It is never too young or too early to help a child, no matter the situation!

Thank you, gina51! I know that there will be someone who will use the Hotline because they learned of it from this situation. Domestic abuse stinks. It seems to be getting all to common.... how sad.

This The child's Uncle <Kyle was not his father> <i am a brother to Damon's father> For anyone looking to post to the family you can go to www.DamonsFund.synthasite.com
DamonsFund@comcast.net
Our prays go to his grandmother for her loss today as well as All of Erica's Family and Damon's. God Bless Their Family.

gina..., in a way what I said is appropriate but it was not my intent to begin a long drawn out thread on that subject. So this is my last post along those lines. I even hope I'm wrong about what she'll do and say about this matter. We'll see. You could have made your point without defending B'moon. I find it odd that you did.

gazettfan This still has no relationship to this tragedy. Trying somehow to relate this to Andreah is completely beyond me. I'm sure you don't know Andreah personally. You're just another one who wants to jump on the band wagon to crucify her. Leave this thread to whats relevant . We don't need your little digs. It belongs on another page.

OK, can we drop "B'moon" for now? Making her part of this story just because she lives nearby is the kind of thing SHE does. Thanks.
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The gun is physical evidence. "Circumstantial" evidence is, for example, cell phone data showing someone was in the area where the crime took place. There is nothing inadmissible about circumstantial evidence by itself.
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I hope he does rot away in a prison cell. It would be necessary to prove intention (e.g. preparation) to make it a Class A felony conviction requiring life imprisonment. A Class B conviction (heat of passion -- second degree murder) has a maximum sentence of 60 years.

Two Words.... Death Penalty!

gina..., I know her well enough to know that she claimed that Chrislaw, or whatever his name is, was framed. She had an insane idea for the basis of the "frame-up." She also claimed her brother was set-up and that's how he got shot while burglarizing a doctor's house. She also says things like: There's a cop stationed at Wilson solely to drive down real estate values in the Fourth Ward. (The people of the Fourth Ward want that cop at Wilson.) How can YOU or anyone else not know her?: She's a publicity hog.

Bravo tenze. It amazes me sometimes when things like this happen what people focus on. Things are in the works for a fund. A child has lost his mother and no child should have to witness what that child saw today.

What this all boils down to is a young woman's life was tragically taken at the hands of a monster. He is a pathetic excuse for a man, let alone a human being. I am confident justice will be served and that her son (not daughter) will get the best help our community can offer him. He WAS NOT the son of this evil man, they had no ties except the fact that his mother had relations with him at one time or another. I think the community needs to come together, stop discussing irrellavent circumstances and deal with the issue on hand. This little boy not only lost his mother, his soul provider and protector, but he witnessed this brutal attack! Let's reach out to this family and see to it that he is placed in the best hands possible so he can recover and heal from this tragic event. I knew Erica and though I only spoke to her briefly in passing, I mourn her loss and pray for her family. She was a human being, a mother who tried her hardest to raise her son the best way she knew how. Nobody deserves this, no matter what their situation! Let's focus our attention on her and her son and not this maniac who deserves ZERO recognition!

Thoughts and Prayers to the family. Bravo to the police departments.

I thought it was odd to put that particular picture of her on here. I'm glad it's gone. The pictures of her and her son on her Facebook page are better. Thanks to whoever put the link up.

gazeetefan:
i also live around the corner from this tragedy. What does Andreah Briarmoon have to do with this?? Do you even know Andreah ? Why would you even relate anything this horrible to anyone that had nothing to do with it. You should be ashamed of yourself.

... and the State Crime Lab will generate the ballistics data to prove that the bullets were fired from a particular gun... all part of the PROVING beyond a reasonable doubt that he is guilty.

hannah...

> i dont get the term allegedly..... <snip>

It is a legal term!!!!! NO ONE IN THE UNITED STATES IS GUILTY OF A CRIME UNTIL PROVEN IN A COURT OF LAW. Innocent until *PROVEN* guilty is the law of the land. (It would be slander / libel to declare him guilty before a trial.)

> that gun on the highway will prob be circumstancial.

No. He likely has gunpowder residue on his hands or clothing; if the gun that was found was his, his fingerprints are on the gun. If it is a legally owned firearm, then the registration number of the gun should be under his name.

Think first... :)

To the people upset by the photo(s)... I hope that you do not also shield yourselves and your children away from the ugly realities of this world... Would you rather discuss such evils with your children and teach them your values or would you rather they find these things on their own and without your moral compass to guide them?

yeah an that pic is on the front of the paper too. cant wait til the kid(mine not me:) goes to school and shows the teach what he learned by reading the paper today...:)

Many thanks to the Janesville department for all they do to keep us all safe! This person should have never been free to live in society. But, as we all know, there are so many more out there. Once again, I ask for prayers for his child that is left behind. I will continue to pray that life will get better with him gone, it shouldn't have taken an innocent life to get him behind bars though.

He's another O.J. He won't beat the rap though.

It happened right around the corner from B'moon's house and very close to her newest shack problem. Expect some crazy story from her about how it's part of a conspiracy to make the neighborhood look bad.

Or click here:

http://gazettextra.com/photos/galleries/...

Click on "View Gallery" under the first pic above to see the "the finger" pic.

Anybody know where this guy worked? I need a job!

Hannah, "allegedly" has to be used because in this country everyone is innocent until proven guilty, even if there were a hundred witnesses...go figure

So, does this mean this idiot goes to the same prison as that Krystal Hart idiot who killed a guy by drinking? Both are dumb choices that result in the same outcome. Send them to the deserted island to take care of each other!

frusion - I totally agree that the picture of the suspect flipping the bird should not be on the front page of the Gazette - maybe on the inside but not out there for kids to see.

bostonbill- did biggirl commment yet?

haven't seen her yet..should i save her some time..with the innocent until proven guilty speal she'll no doubt toss out there!! or wait..they boxed him in..isn't that entrapment???..

I was driving around aimlessly near the Job Center while this was going on? Scary!

Send the idiot to the same deserted island that all the other abusers get sent to so they can abuse each other and not us!

Great job Janesville and Rock County police. You did what you had to do to protect the rest of us and you stopped a guy that really didn't have much to lose. Had you not stopped him, imagine what more he could have done before being caught. I thank you.

Spiff:lmao

Frusion: oh.ok. I guess I'd be more worried about trying to convey to my children that it is not ok to hurt or shoot someone because you are upset with them or ellude the police than teaching them the morality of flipping the bird--in a blurred picture nonetheless. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

And, I don't always agree with much of what the Gazette does. Mr. Angus and I have shared words many a time. However, to compare them to tabloid sleeze seems a little premature and unjust and is an example of sensationalism at its finest!

nice thought hannah..hanging himself..to big of a wuss..or he'd have put the gun to his head instead of tossing it out..

momof5: You rock!

I hope the cops busted that finger when they yanked him out of the truck!!

ChsMkr... How old are your kids that you think that is an appropriate photo? You make me think you are a parent that lets your kids see or do whatever they want because you figure they see worse things anyway so what's the difference.

I agree with some of the others. That photo is for a sleaze tabloid. There is no reason that needed to be on the Gazette front page.

I cannot believe some are bellyaching about whether or not the police should have chased him, shot the truck tires out or rammed his vehicle as they did. They did what they did and I applaud them for that. No matter what they wouldve done, there'd be jerks on here saying it was wrong!

To those of you up in arms over the picture of the suspect giving the bird: GET OVER YOUR PETTY SELVES!! A young life has been lost and a 5 year old little boy just witnessed his mother being shot (to death). If you ban the Gazette over that, I sure hope you ban nearly ALL television shows in your home as well. SpongeBob is one of the most disturbing out there. But, alas, I digress. There is a family on Academy Street that will never be the same and surely wish this trivial banter was the greatest issue they face in the upcoming days, weeks and months ahead.

Thank you to the COURAGEOUS officers throughout Rock County who apprehended this scum.

Thank you, Gazette, for continously updating this story. I personally found a *little* humor in your photo of the suspect: shows how disgruntled and disturbed he really is. I'd much rather see that than a photo of Erica on a stretcher or something more gruesome. Loved the photojournalistic approach to these photos!

Rot in hell doesn't seem adequate or strong enough for the shooter.

To Erica's family, and especially her son, I do not know you but my heart aches and is weeping for you right now!!

6 Disorderly Conducts
4 Batteries
2 bail jumping
Drug paraph, RECKLESS driving, felony fleeing, criminal trespassing, incescent exposure, hit & run, forgery......PLUS those dismissed and driving without a licenses!!! And he's 37 (i think) years old?! Model citizen.

I love it when someone say's they aren't going to read the Gazette anymore and that we should all ban together...you know you will see them post again!

Police rammed the truck to take him into custody, Acting Police Chief Dave Moore said.

Moore said the suspect sustained minor injuries.

"That was a deadly-force situation, to ram that car. Our community was at risk," Moore said.

Apparently this means the community wasn't at risk when the police chased him through Janesville, down to Beloit and back up to Janesville again. Way to think and act swiftly!

I don't know if this is going to be removed, but judging from what I am reading online about this guy, he shouldn't have even been driving.... 4 driving after revocations???

ame8736 - I guess it was all of the disorderly conducts and battery charges that caught my eye. Even if many charges are traffic related breaking the law is still breaking the law. He's obviously not been a real product of society by any means. Had he been intimidated at any point in his life he wouldn't have just taken a life AND risked so many others on this day.

Great picture on the front of the Janesville Gazette????? I think everyone should ban together and quit reading this taboid!!! The Editors used VERY POOR judgement printing this picture for all school age kids to see... yes POOR JUDGEMENT! Kids are desensitized enough why put it on the front page of a newspaper... kids read this is in our schools!!!!!! I did not even read the article. I WILL NOT be reading the Janesville Gazette any more!

If that photo is the worst your kids see, you must give them a very sheltered life.

Why are we glorifying this guy? Suppose the picture of him giving the cops the finger will be on the front page of the Gazette. Guess Gazette website just became a banned website for my kid's.

i AM NOT DEFENDING THAT JERK BUT MOST OF THE THINGS ON http://wcca.wicourts.gov/simpleCaseSearc...... ARE TRAFFIC RELATED.

Thought and prays go out to her family, friends and her child. That poor little boy, to witness something like that.

Prayers go out to the victim's family..

Again did not think my comment was offensive I apologize to all. And for his child and family this is very sad.

daniele7869 - Make sure you have a big "moose catcher" on first. I'd hate it if you bent some metal.

This is such a horrible situation. Kyle has a beautiful child that needs all of our prayers. Her world is completely changed forever. She is another innocent victim of this crime.

lynda, Just type in ccap and follow the instructions. Then you type in the name of a person, And the county when it shows up. You can find court records on that person.

lynda-
http://wcca.wicourts.gov/simpleCaseSearc...

danielle: What is ccap? I would like to look it up. Thanks

...I mean that in a purely journalistic sort of way.

Great photos.

That comment is now removed but I read it earlier before the umpteen number of updates. Yes, it *was* very sad.

Everybody needs to understand that this guy doesn't deserve to escape the problems he has made for himself through death. I know WI doesn't have a death penalty and I think it should stay that way. Rotting in a cell until he takes his last breath is more punishment. God will judge him after he pays his dues to the physical world as well. I personally think the death sentence is doing the convicted a favor.

What's really scary is if you ccap him you can't believe the record this jerk has. Maybe he'll finally get it all back when he's locked up. Although - I like the idea of seeing him walking down the street while driving my Tahoe....

How someone could identify the caliber of gun used by the sound it makes is WAY beyond me... Musta' learned it by watchin' CSI or sumthin', huh?

I live on Center 3 blocks from where this happened.. I am praying for the family of the girl. I heard and seen all the police cars and the truck go by my house this morning. They were flying, and it was quite scarey. I just don't understand why things like this happen. I hope the suspect is charged to the full extent of the law. God help the family.

The whole thing is horrible- and I hope it was NOT in front of her 5yr. old...I pray that was not the case!!!

I think the picture should stay, that way everybody knows who he is.

Remove the photo of "the coward" who shot and killed this woman in front of her son! How disgusting to have his picture on here!!!

Funny, I was standing there the whole time and I don't remember people scattering and screaming for their lives like the article claims. Nice spice up though.

Janesvillean- The photo at channel3000.com is showing the truck is nose to nose with a county squad and there is a Jvl squad sitting behind the truck with a crumpled hood and bumper.

I say leave them on in case he makes bail, I would love to see him walking across the street.

I really hope the news is wrong, but I am sure it is not, I hope that SOB gets the worst sentence ever my prayers for all the family. Too bad, they got him because now they could take target practice and it would not bother me none.

nbc 15 is reporting that she is dead here is the link: http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/4343...

BostonBill, biggirl usually doesn't wake up until after noon...she'll be here shortly to defend the criminal and bash the cops.

All I have to say is to bad the police did not take target practice. My god in front of a child hope he gets his. I hope she is going to be ok and the child needs to be checked out also.

Another example of a sick man who choses to kill the woman instead of just getting on with his life. Too often we see this happen. It's too bad this woman wasn't able to get into a shelter. Woman should take any threat seriously. Call the hotline if you feel threatened. There is help available in our community for woman in dangerous situations. This happens too often. If you feel really threatened call 911. Our shelter here in town provides a safe environment with counseling for women who are abused and their children. Don't wait until it is too late.
The number for the Abuse Hotline is: 608-752-2583 or
800-750-7990.

If your BF or husband is violent or is making threats please get help. This is happening way too often in our community.

The 5 year old is Ostenson's.

I wonder how long it will take for someone to start defending this clown and his behavior.

Who does the 5-year old son belong to? Ostenson or Hartin?

They edited the article from when it first came out. It was only a paragraph then.

Wow! What a sweetheart of a guy! Another creep that needs to go bye-bye.

I heard sirens in all directions. It sounds like the cops had their hands full, but fortunately he ditched the gun and it did not become a standoff situation.
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I see from the photo that at least one of the Beloit squads had a ram bar, but I don't recall seeing any on Janesville squads. Do we know who did the deed? I know from countless cable clips that it looks easy but remains fairly dangerous.

The story originally said it was a red truck. It was blue. It has been corrected.

Scott W. Angus
Editor

I not only.. almost got hit by this truck once but twice..its a dark blue truck ...thank you to the police officer that jumped out of his car to worn me as I was sitting at a stop light on center and kelloge ...if he had not I would not have been able to get out of the way in time..Im sure at the speed he was going I would have been hurt really bad or worse

The perp shoots somebody, then flees at high speed endangering countless innocent lives. It qualifies as a miracle that nobody got hurt, other than his original victim. This would be a good situation for the “suspect” to get shot while fleeing/ resisting arrest. Multiple times.

"The suspect drove a blue pickup truck to Beloit at speeds reaching 90 mph, according to reports radioed by pursuing officers." That is what I read in the article. I didn't see anything mentioned about a red vehicle.

coyote: What a statement,too early in the morn. to think straight??

The guy must be telling everyone that they are #1 LOL

It's a Chevy, man. Nothin good ever comes from GM.

The article states the chase was in a red pickup truck, yet the truck in the top picture is dark colored and the truck in the bottom picture is blue...?