Identity (11 page)
Authors: K. J. Cazel
The morning sun brought warmer weather to Chicagoland. The melting snow caused notorious viaducts to show signs of flooding. Residents along the Des Plains River heard the familiar announcement that their property could be in jeopardy.
Tom arrived at Carole's at 9:17 a.m. When Carole opened the door, he could smell fresh coffee brewing.
"Just in time," Carole invited Tom in.
When they reached the kitchen, Sarah was sitting at the kitchen table waiting for the coffee to stop brewing.
She looked up and smiled. "Hi Tom."
"What brings you here today?" Carole asked.
"Well, two things. First, I wanted to make sure Sarah didn't go against my wishes and go into work. She and I are going on a trip to her house."
Sarah looked at Tom and asked, "Why?"
"Your husband left the house this morning. Steve has been keeping an eye on him. I need to get into that house to see if there is any evidence that could help us."
"Don't you need a warrant?"
"Not if you're with me. It's your house."
"I'm sure Helena would let you in."
"Helena?"
"She's been my housekeeper since I was a teenager. She lives there. If you tell her that I sent you, she'll let you in."
"Well, we've been watching the house the entire weekend. Rodney left Saturday morning and returned Sunday afternoon. We don't have sufficient evidence for a warrant to find out where he's been. I can say for certain we didn't see any other activity at the house after Rodney left. Could Helena be on a trip?"
"I don't think so. She's from Europe. She said all her family were dead. She didn't have any family here. I was her family. She’s always been there for me and never took a vacation, even when I was away at school."
"As you can see. there are some questions that need answering. I think it's best that you are with me."
When the arrived at the front drive of Sarah's house, she remained in the car, dreading to get out. Tom came around and opened the door.
"I'm here, you don't have to worry."
Sarah slowly got out of the car and headed up the stairs to the front door. Since she didn't have a key, she rang the bell and waited. Helena didn't answer the door. She pressed the doorbell again yielding the same result.
"I don't understand."
"Let's try the back door."
The two walked around to the back door. Sarah cupped her hands around her face and looked in. There was no activity in the kitchen. It was as spotless as model home.
Tom looked at Sarah. He could she was contemplating something. "Come with me," Sarah gave a quick wave at Tom to follow as she headed to the back of the garage. When she reached the back of the garage, she reached down and picked up a large black rock. She reached in the hole and found a plastic bag with a key in it.
"That interesting," Tom smiled.
"When I was younger, I had a habit of losing my keys. Once I put a key down here, I never lost it again." Sarah gave a light laugh.
The returned the kitchen door and entered the house.
"Helena," Sarah called. Sarah led the way down the hallway from the kitchen to Helena's bedroom. She poked her head in. The room was completely empty. There wasn't a stitch of furniture. Helena was gone.
Sarah turned to Tom, "I don't understand."
Let see the rest of the house. Sarah again led the way. When she came to the front entryway. She stopped cold. Tom bumped into her. She looked up the stairs. "I can't."
Tom took her by the hand, squeezing it. "I'm here."
They slowly ascended the stairs. Tom looked around for any evidence that would be helpful. Like Helena's bedroom, the staircase was spotless, not one spec of dust could be seen. When they reached the landing, Sarah looked at the statue on the small table. "That should be in the library."
She continued to the door to the master bedroom. She paused with her hand on the doorknob. Taking a deep breath she turned the handle and walked in. Her eyes scanned the room. The room looked different without any of her belongings. She walked around the room and again pausing when she opened the walk-in closet door. Rodney's clothes completely filled both sides of the closet. Sarah's clothes were gone. She backed out of the walk in.
"Wonder what he did with my jewelry?" It was a rhetorical question "Let's get out of here."
They left the master and headed down stairs. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Sarah looked at Tom. "After you."
Sarah led Tom to the entrance of the library. As she entered, she looked to see whether any changes were made here. Other than the statuette that was now upstairs on the table on the landing, the room remained unchanged. Sarah paused in front of the large wing chair. "This is where Rodney found my father."
"Rodney found your father?"
"He said he tried CPR, but father must have been dead well before he arrived."
Tom shook his head. His mind was working. 'Helena? Sarah's father? Helena? The other women?'
Carole and Sarah arrived at the Law Office of Harrington and Associates at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday. The receptionist greeted Carole who was a frequent visitor to the firm that represented abused victims.
"You can go right in. Michael is expecting you."
When the entered the office, Michael Harrington greeted them and introduced them to his associate, Peter Rowe, and the private investigator, Roger Smith. Once everyone was seated,
Michael started, "Mrs. Williams, Carole has briefed me on your dilemma. This is a highly unusual case. Most legally alive cases are because a person was reported as missing. In your case, you were never missing. Someone evidently has impersonated your death. It isn't going to be easy. It may take some time and cost."
"I understand. The police are also working on the premise that my husband committed this crime against me to gain complete access to my assets."
Sarah handed Tom's CPD business card to Michael, who in turn gave it to Roger.
"Okay, first we are going to petition the court to turn over the death ruling. Once we file, I'm afraid the press, who watch these filings at Cook County, will be at your doorstep. Your company is very prominent in Chicago. I'm sure your husband's attorney will file an injunction against our petition.
"Meanwhile, I want you to give Roger the names and relationships of any relatives and close friends who can verify your identity."
"I'm afraid that I have no living relatives. I was an only child and parents who, too, had no siblings. The closest person to me was Helena, my housekeeper. She was always there for me after my mother died."
"Great. Roger will meet with her."
"That's a problem. Right now, I don't know where she is."
"Well, give Roger any information you have on her. He's very good at finding people. Also, we will need the name of any doctors or dentist. What about your secretary?"
Sarah closed her eyes. "Unfortunately, she was only with me a short time before she left. Paul Hendrix, the company attorney, has been with the firm for the past twenty years. Maybe, he can help."
"Roger will meet with him privately. Hendrix is in a precarious position. For now I'll get the paperwork started. We'll be in contact when the filing is made."
Sarah and Carole left the office and headed up Adams Street to Berghoff's restaurant.
***
At the precinct Steve handed a missing report that was faxed in from NYPD.
MISSING PERSON REPORT
Amber McLean, 32, white female reported missing by her employer, Whitehall Fashions. Ms. McLean is 5' 6" with red hair. Ms. McLean last seen February 28, 2013 at the Renaissance Hotel. Contact Detective Snyder, NYPD, at 917-555-1212 with any information
.
***
Tom read the report. He made no comment as he strode over to the white board. He erased the 'Victim 3' and replaced it Amber's name.
"I'll contact NYPD and have the overnight Ms. McLean's dental records. Then, let's go over to the Renaissance as see what we can fine out."
A month later Sarah and Carole arrived at the Daley Center Courthouse before 10:00 a.m. After processing through security, they took the elevator to the third floor. Outside Room 318, Michael Harrington, Peter Rowe and Roger Smith were waiting for them. After greetings were made, Michael informed them that Rodney and his attorney were already in the courtroom.
"I thought this would just be us asking the judge to declare me undead?" Sarah asked.
"That was before your husband's attorney filed the injunction. We figured they would. It appears that your husband wants you to remain dead. Let's go in.”
"Sarah and Carole followed Michael into the courtroom. Peter and Roger followed behind. Michael indicated for Sarah to sit at the table on the left side of the judge's bench. Peter came around the table and sat on Sarah's left. Carole and Roger sat in the visitors’ seats. Carole looked around. Peter leaned over to her and told her that most of the visitors were news reporters with their cameramen.
Rodney sat quietly on the right side of the aisle. His attorney was shuffling through paperwork, occasionally turning to Rodney and whispering some comment.
The court reporter sat in the front waiting for the judge to enter from his chambers. When he entered, the bailiff called the court to order. "Here ye, here ye, the court is now in order. Judge Hoffman now presiding."
"We are here today to hear a petition to declare Sarah Williams legally alive. In response to this petition, Rodney Williams has filed an injunction to cease this preceding declaring that Sarah Williams has been declared legally dead and that the plaintiff is an impostor. As agreed upon earlier, this is a bench ruling. Are the attorneys ready to present their case?"
"We are your honor." Michael and Rodney’s attorney answered in unison.
"Will the plaintiff please call your first witness?"
Michael called, "Dr. Lombardi." The officer in the back of the courtroom opened the door and Dr. Lombard came down the aisle taking his seat in the witness box. He took the Bible and gave his oath as the bailiff instructed.
Michael approached the witness box.
"Thank you Dr. Lombardi for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here today." Dr. Lombardi nodded his head acknowledgement.
Michael continued, "You were Sarah Williams dentist for the past fifteen years."
"Yes."
"I'd like you to look at Exhibit A. Are these Sarah Williams x-rays that you took at her exam March 2012?"
"Yes."
"I'd like you examine Exhibit B. Can you determine if these x-rays are identical to Exhibit A?"
Dr. Lombardi took both Exhibit A and Exhibit B from Michael. He sat there for a few minutes as he reviewed both sets of x-rays. Finally, the doctor replied, "Yes, I would definitely say that these are matching x-rays."
"And, how did you make this determination?"
"Well, there are matching crowns on Tooth 4 and 5 and one implant where Tooth 16 should be."
"Your honor we like to state that Exhibit B are dental x-rays taken of our client, Sarah Robinson.”
“I object. It hasn’t been determined that the plaintiff is Sarah Robinson.”
“Sustained.” Judge Hoffman gave a light bang with his gavel.
Thank you Dr. Lombardi."
The judged asked, “Does the attorney for Mr. Williams have any cross examination?"
"We do your honor." He approached Dr. Lombardi in the witness stand.
"Dr. Lombardi, can these crowns and implants be duplicated in another individual?"
"Yes, but..."
"That's all I wanted to know. I have not further questions of this witness."
The judge asked, "Does the plaintiff's attorney have any further questions for the witness?"
"We do your honor." Michael stood up in front of his table and asked, "In response from the defense's attorney question, could you be more specific as to why you believe these x-rays are for the same individual?"
"Certainly. If you look at Tooth 16 that is the implant, I can see that the gums have completely healed around the tooth. This process can take anywhere from 6 months to a year. This doesn't even include the fact that in preparing a mouth for a satisfactory implant and subsequent crown can take a minimum of six to eight months.”
“So we're talking a minimum of one year for the complete process."
"Yes."
"Thank you Dr. Lombardi. That will be all."
"Do you have any other witnesses?"
"Yes, your honor. We'd like to call John Campbell."
Again, the guard opened the doors and the Funeral Director entered the courtroom. Once he was sworn in, Michael began his questioning.
"Mr. Campbell, you are the Funeral Director at the Campbell Funeral Home."
"Yes."
"Did you on received a call from Mr. Williams on October 5th from Italy?"
"Yes. He informed me that Mrs. Williams had died in an automobile accident, and that her remains would be arriving at O'Hare. He indicated that the casket would be ready for pickup on the October 9th. We arranged for the memorial service on October 12th.”
"When the body of Mrs. Williams arrive, did you inspect the paperwork?"
"Yes, it is standard procedure when we received a body. The signed death certificate must accompany the body."
"Did you check the contents of the casket?"
"Yes."
"Could you tell us what you saw?"
"The body did match the death certificate. It was a young woman approximate 5'6" with red hair?"
"Could you see the face?"
"No, the face had been badly burnt.
“Mr. Campbell when there is a fire associated with an automobile accident, is in usual to identify the victim by facial recognition?"
"No. The medical examiner would also verify the victim with dental records."
"Were there dental records included with the paperwork you received from Italy?"
"No."
"Thank you that will be all Mr. Campbell. Your witness."
Rodney’s attorney approached the witness.
"Mr. Campbell, how many death certificates and bodies have you had privy to in your career from Italy."
"This was my first one. I have had some from England, Germany, France and several from Eastern Europe."
"So, you would say that you are unfamiliar with the procedures of the Italian Medical Examiners."
"Yes. But, most European Examiners..."
He was interrupted by the Rodney’s attorney, "That will be all. Thank you. Mr. Campbell."
The judge looked at Campbell and excused him. The judged asked if there were any other witnesses.
"Your honor, we'd like to call Roger Smith."
Roger was sworn in and took the witness stand.
"Mr. Smith, you are a Private Investigator hired by our firm."
"Yes."
"You were asked to find any information which could prove the identity of our client to be Sarah Williams. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Could you tell us what you found?"
"I found a I-600 document that contained Mrs. William’s fingerprints."
With that statement, the news reporters perked up their heads to listen more closely.
"You honor, we would like to present Exhibit 3 and 4. Mr. Smith did you take the fingerprints of our client and is that Exhibit 4?"
"Yes."
"That will be all Mr. Smith."
Rodney's attorney rose and approached Mr. Smith.
"Mr. Smith when were these fingerprints in Exhibit 3 taken?"
"They were taken according to the document January 2008."
"Isn't it true Mr. Smith that when fingerprints are taken for adoption purposes they are only valid for 15 months and that new fingerprints must be taken after that time?"
"Yes."
"That's all they questions I have for Mr. Smith. Your honor."
The news reports were keying in on their iPads. It was obvious to them that there were reasonable doubts about the validity of the fingerprints.
Michael glanced back and could see that the effects of the last question had an impact on them and probably the judge as well. Now, was the time for his last request. He stood up and faced the judge. Sarah was unaware of what action he was about to take.
"Your honor, the plaintiff request that the body buried in Sarah Williams grave be exhumed."
Rodney's attorney immediately stood up. "I object to this exhumation. This would put extreme stress on my client and a desecration of his wife's grave."
The news reporters were again keying into their iPads. The case was now becoming sensationalizing and would be on the evening news. Cameramen and reporters left the courtroom to get ready for the exodus of the participants leaving the room.
Michael looked at the judge to see if he could read his face. He could tell that this was no longer a case of proving someone legally alive but possible fraud and homicide.
"Gentlemen, I would like to review the transcript of the proceedings. We will resume at 2:00 p.m. You are dismissed until then."
***
When the judge entered at the 2:00 p.m. Everyone stood up anxiously awaiting for the judges decision. Michael had never before requested an exhumation. He knew that it required a lot of documentations and could prove to be costly. And, the outcome may not be favorable. He looked back at Carole in the visitors’ gallery. She smiled and nodded her head in reassurance that he did the right thing.
The judge looked at the courtroom. Every eye was on him. He was either going to enhance his career or ruin it.
"It has been decided by this court that the body in the Sarah Williams grave will be exhumed and examined based on the dental records provided." He struck his wood mallet and got up and left the courtroom.