A DEMOCRACY TOWN HALL: Aaron Foster Update/ Man acquitted of 1981 murder sues St. Paul over job loss

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Sunday, November 22, 2009

Aaron Foster Update/ Man acquitted of 1981 murder sues St. Paul over job loss

Please click onto the COMMENTS for the story.

68 Comments:

Tribune said...: Alleging racial discrimination, he says he was suspended without pay and the city didn't reinstate him.

By PAT PHEIFER, Star Tribune

Last update: November 19, 2009 - 9:12 PM

Aaron W. Foster Sr., who was acquitted in July 2008 in the 1981 death of his girlfriend, Barbara (Bobbi) Winn, has sued the city of St. Paul for racial discrimination.

Foster, 57, who is black, said in the lawsuit that he was suspended without pay from his job in the St. Paul Police Department property room after he was arrested and charged in November 2007.

"White employees ... faced with criminal charges have been suspended with pay, pending trial," according to the suit, which was served on the city last Friday.

The lawsuit goes on to say that Foster resigned from his job "in order to obtain funds to defend himself in the criminal action." After his acquittal, he sought to be reinstated, and, although the city claims to have put him on the reinstatement register on Oct. 1, 2008, he was never informed of that and he never got his job back, the suit said.

The city's "failure to reinstate [Foster] was because of his race," it said. The lawsuit asks for lost wages, damages of mental anguish, front pay and other damages "in excess of $50,000."

Foster's attorney, Paul Iversen, did not return a call seeking comment Thursday.

City Attorney John Choi said simply, "We've received the complaint, and we'll respond accordingly."

Police spokesman Sgt. Paul Schnell said as a matter of policy, "we don't comment on active litigation."

Foster has never talked publicly about Winn's death, which happened in her Maplewood townhouse.

After the Ramsey County attorney's office declined to charge Foster in 1981, Winn's family fought long and hard for him to be charged and ultimately tried in the case.

The case was reopened in 2006 by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. A grand jury indicted Foster in November 2007 on charges of third-degree murder.

Winn, 35, was trying to break off her relationship with Foster and had asked him to move out. She came home as he was packing and they argued.

Only the two of them were in her bedroom when she was killed with a single bullet from Foster's gun. Foster said she shot herself. Her family, including her three children, who were 15, 13 and 12 at the time, has maintained he killed her.

When the case went to trial, several pieces of evidence as well as statements Foster made to police at the time were suppressed. The jury acquitted him on July 23, 2008.
Winn's family was devastated. "He got away with it," Patty Bruce, Winn's sister-in-law and the family's spokeswoman, said at the time.

Pat Pheifer • 612-741-4992; 1:05 PM
Bob said...: This law suit is a joke! Racial discrimination? BULLSHIT! Behavioral discrimination is more like it!

Aaron, have you ever pondered that maybe there is a large number of citizens who have the opinion you got away with murder? Have you any clue at all that possibly folks you worked with are very uncomfortable working around you?

Somebody within local politics has decided it is in the best interest of the city's image not to bring Foster back. KUDOS!; 1:41 PM
Anonymous said...: Ha Ha !
Just small things compared to what the Winn Family abstained after the death of Barbara Winn.
We didn't expect the Judge or the Prosecutor to do their jobs, if they did then it would show how Officer Bill Finney was involved in a murder cover up for his friend Aaron Foster.
As they both conspirer about the crime, that make ex st.paul's police chief Bill Finney
a conspirator to murder of
Barbara Winn, at that point the
Family lost the Love and Caring that only their Mother could provide.; 2:17 PM
Anonymous said...: Yeah the courts were wrong twice! The citizens know better!
We should just lop of the judicial branch whenever they don't rule in lew of public opinion.; 2:30 PM
Aaron Foster IRS said...: Perhaps the Winn Family can reopen the Case on newly discovered evidence, pending What Judge will hear the Case, Where is Aaron Fosters lawyer Earl Gray?

http://stpaulpolice-rico.blogspot.com/; 4:51 PM
SPIF Dann Dobson said...: From: Dann Dobson Date: 05:28 UTC S

There is a whole sub-text to the Aaron Foster story, that needs to be told
and I hesitate to do so, because it slanders both Bill Finney and Aaron
Foster, but it needs to be told because it involves Ramsey County Sheriff
Bob Fletcher and one of his leading apologists.

Here are the facts behind the Aaron Foster story.

Back in 1981 Aaron Foster was present when his girlfriend, Barbara (Bobbi)
Winn, died of a gunshot wound. Foster claimed her wound was self-inlficted.
As the Pioneer Press wrote a few days ago, "After the Ramsey County
attorney's office declined to charge Foster in 1981, Winn's family fought
long and hard for him to be charged and ultimately tried in the case.

The case was reopened in 2006 by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. A grand
jury indicted Foster in November 2007 on charges of third-degree murder."

What the Pioneer Press failed to include, was that back in 2006, when the
Foster investigation was reopened by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department,
after lying dormant for 25 years, Ramsey County Sheriff, Bob Fletcher, was
in a heated race for re-election against former Saint Paul police chief,
William "Bill / Corky" Finney.; 5:18 PM
Dann continued said...: Bob Fletcher needed something against Bill Finney in order to win
re-election. He eventually won by less than 1,200 votes out of half a
million cast.

But back in 2006, Fletcher announced with great fanfare that his office was
re-opening the Foster case. There were allegations that a young patrolman
named Bill Finney had interfered and had covered up for his friend Aaron
Foster. On top of that Aaron Foster was then working in the St. Paul Police
Department property room and may have started his employment under Chief
William Finney.

Ed Caffey in this group, made these observations back then:

"This cold case would have never come to light again if it were not for the
fact that Sheriff Fletcher was locked in a tight political race with Chief
Bill Finney. It is Chief Finney's relationship with the man that Sheriff
Fletcher has determined is guilty of a crime which is at the heart of the
matter. I do not know the accused, I have never talked to Sheriff Fletcher
personally, and have spoken to Chief Finney casually one only one occasion.
But I can smell politics pretty easily, and the press conference and
indignation of Sherrif Fletcher today reeked of the stench of political
retribution.

http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/stpaul-issues/messages/post/79cmSrAhonGjDq3L7lFO8k

The Foster case was a two-fer for Fletcher. He could look tough on crime,
reviving a cold homicide, while slandering his opponent. The case stank so
badly Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, claiming there was a conflict
in interest, refered the case to the Anoka County Attorney.

The Anoka County Attorney, based on the Ramsey County's Sherriff's new
investigation, indicted Foster, but a jury didn't buy the facts. Foster was
quickly acquitted.

But Fletcher had achieved his goal. He blasted Finney, won re-election and
who cares if a life or two was destroyed in the process.

I wanted to obtain some articles for people to read and just "googled"
"Aaron Foster" and "Pioneer Press". I found that the individual most loudly
accusing Bill Finney of misconduct, was none other than the man who
re-started this discussion in this forum, John Krenick.; 5:20 PM
Dann continued said...: Also, for at least the last 3 years, John Krenick has repeatedly attacked
both Bill Finney and Aaron Foster in this group. In the closing days of the
2006 Sheriff's race Mr. Krenick attacked Bill Finney no least than 13 times,
once calling for him to drop out of the race for sheriff.

Finney needs to drop of the race for
Sheriff http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/post/3bNzzykvdBCV3NPOoPnA2F -
St. Paul Issues Forum http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/stpaul-issues
http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/stpaul-issues/messages/post/3bNzzykvdBCV3NPOoPnA2F

Back in 2006, after Fletcher announced he was re-opening the Foster case, in
the closing days of the Sherriff's race, John Krenick posted a vicious
attack on Bill Finney in this group.

Ramsey County Sheriff - Integrity does
count http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/24ACDO9Wbi9gyrhvS82ZLK
*From:* John Krenik http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/johnkrenik *Date:* 2006
Oct 28 17:08 UTC

http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/stpaul-issues/messages/post/24ACDO9Wbi9gyrhvS82ZLK

Similarly, John Krenick has repeatedly attacked Aaron Foster in at least 20
messages in this group, first calling upon Mayor Coleman and Chief
Harrington to fire him, before he was even indicted.
Call for the immediate action due to grand jury investigation Aaron
Foster http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/6X6AXeKi5mcvTaGOODzBKO

http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/stpaul-issues/messages/post/6X6AXeKi5mcvTaGOODzBKO

My seven requests of Mayor Chris Coleman and Chief John Harrington are only
prudent steps that should have been enacted immediately when Mayor Coleman
and Chief Harrington were first notified that Anoka County was holding a
grand jury proceeding involving city employee, Aaron Foster. These seven
items are . .; 5:25 PM
Dann continued said...: 1. I am formally calling on St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Police Chief
John Harrington for a full investigation of Mr. Aaron Foster and his fitness
to serve the citizen's of St. Paul in his current position as a civilian
employee for the St. Paul Police Department. This call for investigation is
based on the convening of the grand jury in Anoka County in relation to the
Barbara Winn death investigation and Mr. Aaron Fosters involvement in her
death and Mr.Aaron Fosters past abusive behaviors that he has exhibited at
the St. Paul Police Department.

2. I am formally calling on Mayor Chris Coleman and Police Chief John
Harrington to immediately suspend or reassign Mr. Aaron Foster to a
non-police department assignment during this grand jury murder
investigation.

3. I am formally calling for an investigation of Mr. Aaron Fosters past
display of inappropriate behavior while he was employed at the St. Paul
Police Department as described in, Ann Bebeau, et al v. City of St. Paul, et
al lawsuit. Mr. Aaron Foster's display of highly inappropriate behavior on
numerous occasions is very troubling and has already resulted in one
lawsuit being brought against the city of St. Paul, (Ann Bebeau, et al v.
City of St. Paul, et al). This pattern of inappropriate behavior exhibited
by Mr. Aaron Foster is also supported by the testimony of several St. Paul
police officers in the above-mentioned lawsuit. The city lost this lawsuit
and this has cost the city of St. Paul a judgement of $19,838.40. This is
not including all the attorney fees for the City of St. Paul.

Sincerely,
John Krenik
Highland Park, St. Paul, Minnesota

Then after Aaron Foster was indicted, Krenick posted in this group:
Aaron Foster, Finney's friend indicted for
MURDER http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/post/2e24JUe7BvC3lIn8BTM32G

http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/stpaul-issues/messages/post/2e24JUe7BvC3lIn8BTM32G; 5:26 PM
Dann conclusion said...: For over 26 years this case was not brought before a grand jury because of
the connections and actions of one and/or several of Aaron Foster friends.
The indictment of Aaron Foster yesterday has sent a powerful messages, 1. It
is NOT ok to hit your wife or girlfriend, as this is domestic abuse. 2. You
cannot hide forever. 3. The truth eventually comes out. 4. You cannot look
the other way if your are a law enforcement officer and your friend is
abusing women. My many thanks to the men and women of the grand jury who
looked at the facts of the case and were not swayed by political connections
or politics in their decision to indict Aaron Foster.

Now it will be up to another jury to decide if Aaron Foster is guilty or
not. We must celebrate that this case was even reviewed by a grand jury in
the first place.

My many thanks to Bob Fletcher, Bill Snyder, Maplewood PD and Patty Bruce
for their tireless efforts to bring the murder of Barbara Winn to justice.

Over a year ago, I posted information on this topic on SPIF. I provided
citations and information that had been reported on in the local media. One
particular individual on SPIF, who has great authority downplayed my
information, he publicly questioned my facts although I had provided him
with many citations and facts about the case both on-line and off-line. This
individual stated my motivations were political, but I was only going after
a murderer and corrupt city officials who abused their office for personal
gain.

Still he would not hear or believe what I had posted as he let his political
feelings get in the way of the truth. All I ever wanted was for this case
to be reviewed by a grand jury and leave the political connections out of
the case. The grand jury reviewed the FACTS and saw that there was enough to
charge Aaron Foster with murder. This is something that should have been
done a long time ago, but was delayed by actions of a one particular
individual.

Because I posted this information on Aaron Foster on this forum (SPIF), many
things have been done to my family and I. From dog poop being left in my
truck, to eggs thrown at my car to a recent incident that almost caused
great bodily harm and is being currently investigated. This latest incident
was the result of my investigation about a particular individual. Political
cronyism is alive and well in St. Paul. My asking question about a
particular individual has touched a sensitive cord I guess. Some on this
form have emailed asking why I have not posted in recent weeks, now you know
why.

I love dearly, but it also needs some cleaning up. Aaron Fosters case is
only one of many that are being looked into presently.

The leadership of St. Paul needs to look into these illegal activities and
put their personal political relationships aside, something they have failed
to do in light of all of the information. For far too long these political
relationships have prevented justice from being served and this has to stop
NOW.

Sincerely,
John Krenik
Highland Park, St. Paul, Minnesota

Not content to slander Bill Finney in 2006 and help destroy Aaron Foster's
life, it appears that Mr. Krenick still wants to kick Aaron Foster while he
is down and slander his attempts to get his job back. A job he was removed
from for a criminal case designed to help Bob Fletcher win re-election.

Dann Dobson
Summit Hill; 5:26 PM
SPIF Patty Bruce said...: From: Patty Bruce Date: 11:25 UTC Short link

Mr. Dobson,
I read your post, concerning the recent developments, concerning Aaron Foster.
As a general rule, I do not engage in debates about the case on public
forums/blogs. In this instance, however, I am compelled to respond to your
comments. Please keep in mind that I read your comments objectively. So, I do
hope that you will do the same when you read mine.

I'll start by letting you and the readers of this forum know that some of the
facts you cite are misguided.

Therefore, I believe that some clarification is in order.

You stated:

"What the Pioneer Press failed to include, was that back in 2006, when the
Foster investigation was reopened by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department,
after lying dormant for 25 years..."

First, and foremost, The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office did not "re-open" the
case. The case was re-opened by Maplewood PD in 2002. Maplewood PD sought
assistance from the BCA. AFter reviewing the case, the BCA advised Maplewood
to leave the case open. The fact that Maplewood failed to refer the case to
Ramsey County for charges, in 2002, has been a subject of heated debate, among
the few people who would prefer to think that Barbara was not murdered. So, I
think it is very important to note something that many people do not know about
Maplewood's 2002 investigation. The "investigator" who reviewed the case had
no experience, whatsoever, in homicide investigations. She was, in fact, a
"Patrolwoman". When my family learned this little known fact, during the
trial, we were both angry and insulted, considering that Maplewood PD does have
a Homicide department with "real" homicide investigators. Yet, they assigned a
patrolwoman to the case...

In 2006, a St. Paul Police Officer complained to Sheriff Fletcher, and wanted
to know why a murder suspect was allowed to have a gun permit. I think that
most reasonable people would agree that the Sheriff had no choice but
to follow up on the complaint, as the officer did ask a very legitimate
question.; 5:29 PM
Patty continued said...: For many years, prior to the St. Paul officer's complaint, it was common
knowkedge that Foster was Finney's friend, and that he was suspected of
murdering Barbara. However, very few facts about the case were known by
anyone...including her name.

Sheriff Fletcher read the file, and after doing so, gave the file to Bill
Snyder. He asked Bill Snyder to read the file, and to let him know what he
thought. Bill Snyder read the file. He then took the file to another
investigator and gave him the same instructions Sheriff Fletcher gave to him.
Both Bill Snyder and Gary Gibbs concluded that Barbara had been murdered. As a
result, and upon the recommendation of both Bill Snyder and Gary Gibbs, the
Sheriff's Office began a long overdue "re-investigation" of the case.

You claim:

"Bob Fletcher needed something against Bill Finney in order to win re-election.
He eventually won by less than 1,200 votes out of half a million cast."

Really? Mr. Dobson, I would find it hard to believe that you have ever read
the file. I, on the other hand, have read every report and seen every
photograph in the file. Until the Sheriff read the file, he had no way of
knowing that Finney attended Barbara's autopsy. My family complained about
this fact, in 1981 (did you know that Finney knew that Barbara was dead before
we did?) But, our complaint was directed to Maplewood PD, not St. Paul. The
fact that Finney attended the autopsy was never included in the rumors that
floated through the Saint Paul Police Department, after Finney hired Foster in
1998. In fact, there were no rumors about the case (at SPPD), until Finney
hired Foster. Nonetheless, the only part of the rumor, concerning Finney, was
the obvious...that he and Foster were the best of friends. That, in and of
itself, implicates Finney in nothing whatsoever, and would hardly give Sheriff
Fletcher the slightest preconceived notion that he would have something on
Finney if he "re-opened" the case.

Having said that, I think few people have ever considered the other side of the
coin, concerning Sheriff Fletcher's decision to re-investigate the case.

Remember, Sheriff Fletcher had no way of knowing that Finney had attended
Barbara's autopsy, until he read the file. Once he learned the facts of the
case, he had only two options available to him. He could assign
investigators to the case, as he did. Or, knowing that he would come under
political attack for investigating the case during the election campaign, he
could have, simply, handed the file back to Maplewood PD and declined to
investigate. By taking the case, he upheld his duty as a top law enforcement
official. On the contrary, had he

declined to investigate, after learning the facts of the case, he would have
been guilty of malfeasance, because the fact that Finney attended Barbara's
autopsy does not change the facts of the case! In the latter instance, I would
be the first to agree that he would not have been fit for office. But, whether
you like him or not, Bob Fletcher made the correct decision, by reinvestigating
the case.

For some reason, you thought it proper to cite Ed Caffey, although You failed
to post the date on which Mr. Caffey made this statement. But, I will assume
that Mr. Caffey made this statement after the joint press conference with my
family, since it is the only press conference that took place with Sheriff
Fletcher:

"...I do not know the accused, I have never talked to Sheriff Fletcher
personally, and have spoken to Chief Finney casually one only one occasion.
But I can smell politics pretty easily, and the press conference and
indignation of Sherrif Fletcher today reeked of the stench of political
retribution."; 5:30 PM
Patty continued said...: That press conference had nothing to do with political retribution! First of
all, the election had been long over, by the time that press conference had
taken place. I am not criticizing Mr. Caffey's statement...he is entitled to
his opinion, and without knowing what was happening behind the scenes, I
understand, to a certain degree, how one could conclude that the press
conference was mere grandstanding. So, to help others to better understand
what sparked that press conference, I will share some details that very few
people are aware of, to date.

That press conference was put together because my family was very upset, as we
believed, at the time, that Anoka County was dragging it's feet, hoping the
case would just go away. The day before that press conference, I received a
very disturbing phone call from an assistant Anoka County attorney (because the
issue was cleared up by the Anoka County Attorney, I will refrain from naming
the person I spoke with).

He asked me if I knew anything about the opinion rendered by a medical examiner
whom Dateline NBC had consulted. I told him that, although I did not know the
details, I was aware that Dateline NBC had consulted a medical examiner and
that the medical examiner had given an informal opinion (which was murder) but,
the ME had not conducted an official autopsy review. The prosecutor told me
that he wanted Dateline NBC to give him the information about that medical
examiner and his opinion, and he wanted me to tell the Dateline producer to
hand the information over to him. I told him that I was in no position to
dictate his demand to Dateline NBC. He, then, explained that he would "take all
steps necessary to force" NBC to hand over the information. So, in response, I
asked him a very logical question: "Wouldn't it be much easier to have your
own medical examiner conduct an autopsy review?" His response was, "well, that
would cost money!"

I do not think it is necessary for me to describe the anger I felt, after
hearing those words...but, the result was that press conference. The press
conference was about our perception of the Anoka County Attorney's office.
Finney's name was never mentioned by Sheriff Fletcher nor by my family, during
that press conference. It was reporters whom brought up Finney. And, they
directed the question to Barbara's very emotional sister. She
responded with approximately 6 very honest and heartfelt words.

Also, unlike Mr. Caffey, we have, obviously, met and had many conversations
with Sheriff Fletcher. We, my family, know and can feel what is and has been
in Sheriff Fletcher's heart about this case, since 2006. Some things in life
cannot be, simply, explained away. Likewise, some things cannot be faked.
Concerning Barbara's murder and its investigation, or lack of, we had the wool
pulled over our eyes far too many times, to let it happen, again. So, I can
say, without a doubt, that there was nothing disingenous about the motives of
Bob Fletcher's decision to reinvestigate the case. Moreover, it was not Bob
Fletcher who brought the Finney factor to the media. It was us who did so! Do
you think, for one moment, that we wished to see Finney become the next Sheriff
of the County that we live in (or any other county, for that matter)? Do you
not think that we wish to see Finney held accountable for his actions? We do,
and among many of his unethical and unprofessional actions, we will continue to
do what we can to ensure that he is charged, criminally, for the perjury he
committed at Foster's trial (believe me, we have evidence that has not been
published, and that cannot be refuted).; 5:31 PM
Patty continued said...: You claim:

"The case stank so badly Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, claiming there
was a conflict in interest, referred the case to the Anoka County Attorney."

Did Susan Gaertner tell you that she thought the case "stank so bad..."? You
know, to date, even we have never had a conversation with Ms. Gaertner, though,
for quite some time we attempted to. We did, however receive a letter from
her, in response to our request. Nowhere in that letter does she say the case
stinks. It does state, however, that it would be an injustice to Barbara if she
handled the case. On one occasion, after we received her letter, Ms.
Gaertner's secretary called me. We were holding a vigil, and I sent invitions
to every City official (from the Mayor on down
to the City Council). I sent invitations to all Ramsey County Commissioners
and elected State officials, as well. Not one of the above invitees came to
the vigil. And, not one of them bothered to call or write to tell us they
would/could not attend the vigil. That is...with the exception of Susan
Gaertner, via her secretary. Pretty powerful, wouldn't you agree? But, to
ensure that I did not misinterpret her gesture, I just might consider asking
Ms. Gaertner to meet with me in the near future.

Mr. Dobson, I think the most disturbing statements you make are below:

"Not content to slander Bill Finney in 2006 and help destroy Aaron Foster's
life, it appears that Mr. Krenick still wants to kick Aaron Foster while he is
down and slander his attempts to get his job back. A job he was removed from
for a criminal case designed to help Bob Fletcher win re-election."

You, also, state:

"The Anoka County Attorney, based on the Ramsey County's Sherriff's new
investigation, indicted Foster, but a jury didn't buy the facts. Foster was
quickly acquitted." And, you go on to say, "But Fletcher had achieved his goal.
He blasted Finney, won re-election and who cares if a life or two was destroyed
in the process."; 5:31 PM
Patty continued said...: Did you happen to read this news article in which the jurors were interviewed
after the trial?

"Jurors in Aaron Foster trial say they thought he did it but the evidence
wasn't strong enough to convict"
By Emily Gurnon

Article Last Updated: 08/06/2008 11:58:02 PM CDT

Or how about the juror's guestbook entries on Barbara's website?

"juror Minneapolis, MN, USA 07/29 I hope this will give you some idea of why
we decided what we did. We never thought that Aaron was innocent, but we
couldn't prove guilt by the information we had at the time. I love you guys and
please know that Barbara is looking down on you all! "

"juror Minneapolis, MN, USA 07/29 I continue to pray for your family and
please know that unless Aaron begs for his Creator's forgiveness, he will one
day be judged far worse than he was last week."

"juror Minneapolis, MN, USA 07/29 I was a juror on this case as well. I am
sorry that we could not have come to a different verdict on this case so that
you all could finally have some peace. We did the best with the information
that was given to us."

" Minneapolis, MN, USA 07/25 If you had looked over at the jury box as the
verdict was read you would have seen many of us in tears because we so badly
wanted to put it to rest. I am sorry for the way it ended but we had to
follow the law and not our hearts.

" Minneapolis, MN, USA 07/25 To the Winn Family, I was a juror at the state vs.
Aaron Foster trial. Our Statement of not guilty was not to say that Aaron didn'
t murder Barbara. We all believed in our hearts that he did it but could not
prove it and therefore had to say not guilty. "

While you accuse John Krenik of serving as a "leading apologist" for Bob
Fletcher, one could easily discern that you are one for Foster and Finney. Mr.
Krenik posted 13 things on the internet about Finney? So, you might want to
let Mr. Krenik know that he has a lot of work to do if he wants to catch up to
me, as you probably noticed on google.

Kick Aaron Foster while he is down? A life or two was "destroyed" in the
process? Really? Not once do you mention that a human life was lost, so I
would imagine that it is safe for me to assume that you have never considered
that the lives of Barbara's 3 children were destroyed when her life was taken,
and she died face down, as her daughter cradled her head in her lap. Do you
hate Bob Fletcher so badly that you can overlook a murder and a tragic
miscarriage of justice? Do you hate Bob Fletcher so badly that you would
consent to a $50,000 + payout to Aaron Foster because he resigned from his job,
and filed a lawsuit because the City has not hired him back?

If you were to see what my family and, literally, every law enforcement
officer, from multiple law enforcement agencies see, you would understand that
this case should have been charged 28 years ago. Had it been, things would
have, undoubtedly, turned out much differently. You would, also, understand
that Aaron Foster never deserved to work at the police department, because he
is contrary to its very mission! Whether you wish to believe he is guilty of
murder, or not, there are many other very well documented actions committed by
Foster while he was employed at SPPD that would disqualify him from employment
at the department.

We will appear at every public City meeting, beginning with Wednesday's City
Council meeting, concerning this lawsuit. If his case is not thrown out of
court, my family will be in court when Foster's case is heard. And, if...by
chance...he wins the lawsuit, we will sue him for wrongful death. We will not
allow Foster to get away with murder, and then get paid for it with tax payer
dollars. You see, according to Minn. Stat. 573.02, there is no statute of
limitations for "an intentional act that constitutes murder"!

By the way, the article you cited was not published by the Pioneer Press. It
was published by the Star Tribune.

Sincerely,
Patty Bruce; 5:32 PM
SPIF Dann Dobson said...: From: Dann Dobson Date: 15:16 UTC

After I read Ms. Bruce's post below I decided that I needed additional
information regarding this case, before writing or commenting further. This
is what I wrote her.

Ms. Bruce -

First, let me say I am deeply sorry for your lose of your sister.

I will be the first to say that there are facts that are deeply disturbing
in the death of your sister.

Rather than debate this matter any further publicly, I would like to sit
down privately with you to discuss and review the case. I promise to
approach this with as an open mind as possible.

I will neither say nor post anything further publicly until we meet.I hope
you will allow me this opportunity.

Dann Dobson; 5:33 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.; 6:20 PM
Anonymous said...: Thank You Patty Bruse.

Bill Dahn; 6:25 AM
CityAgendaAaronFoster25Nov09 said...: Please investigage and get the File no ofr Case, try to have item 2 pulled off Consent Agendahttp://stpaul.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=37&event_id=119; 8:16 AM
Anonymous said...: I thought Dobson's response was pretty classy. These issues always are a little different in theory than when you have to talk to someone who is hurting.

JMONTOMEPPOF

Chuck Repke; 9:28 AM
AaronFoster S&C said...: City is cooperating S&C Aaron Foster as pdf attach: transposed at www.scribd.com/sharon4anderson

http://www.scribd.com/doc/22993922/Foster-Summons

Filed on twitter and facebook No File no or Filing Fee, contrary to MS609.51 Stimulating Legal Process to Threaten the Citizens of St.Paul; 2:21 PM
Anonymous said...: I bet Eric thinks Dann Dobson is a classy guy too...

Maybe you two boobs could petition the state Bar to reinstate your hero on the basis of his smoove social skills!; 4:49 PM
Summons and Complaint said...: STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
AARON W. FOSTER, SR.,
Plaintiff,
v.
CITY OF ST. PAUL,
DISTRICT COLXT
SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Court File
SUMMONS RRCEIVED
(CIVIL)
Defendant.

TO: THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFEND,WT(S):
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the attached Complaint of the plaintiff that is hereby served upon you.

You are required to serve a copy of your Answer upon
plaintiffs counsel, WILLIAMS & IVERSEN, P.A. 161 1 West County Road B, Suite 2 08, St Paul,
MN 55 113, within twenty (20) days after the servlce of this Sumons upon you, exclusive ofthe day of such service. If you fail to serve your answer w~tbinth e time and manner set forth above,
judgment by default will be rendered against you, without further notice, for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

Rule 114 of the General Rules of Practice for District Courts requires that the parties to
this action participate in alternative d~sputere soiution. itematived ispute resolution involves, without limitation, the following: adjudicative processes such as arbitration; evaluative processes such as early neutral evaluation; facilitative processes such as mediation; or such other form that
the parties may agree upon.

The method for selecting a process and advising the Court is set forth in Rule 11 4 of the
General Rules of Practice for Distict Courts.

WILLLAMS & IVERSEN, P.A.
Paul W. Iversen 193707
1611 West County Road B, Suite 208
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55113

STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
AARON Mi. FOSTER, SR.,
Plaintiff,
v.
CITY OF ST. PAUL,
Defendant.
DISTRICT COURT
SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Court File
COMPLAINT
(CIVIL)
JURY TNAL DEMANDED
COMES NOW plaintiff, and for his cause of action, claims and alleges as follows:

Plaintiff, Aaron T. Foster, Sr., is a resident of the City of St. Paul, County oCRamseyj
State of Minnesota.
Plaintiff was an employee of defendant and employed within defendant's police department as a property clerk.

Plaintiff was an employee as defined in the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minn.
Stat. fj363A.03, subd.15.

Defendant, City of St. Paul, is a municipal corporation established by a City Charter adopted pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the State of Minnesota, and is defined as a home rule charter city pursuant to Minn. Stat. $410.015.

Defendant is an employer as defined in the Minnesota Human Rights Act, V1 \i/nI' n.
Stat. &363A.03, subd. 16.

FACTS

Plaintiff worked for defendant in its police department for approximately 14 years.

In November of 2007, plaintiff was arrested and charged with a felony related to a case that had been closed without charges being filed in 1981.; 6:50 PM
complaint continued said...: 8.After his arrest, defendant suspended plaintiff withouz pay.
9. In order to obtain funds to defend hlmself in the criminal action, plaintiffresigned his
employment with defendant.
10. White employees of defendant faced with criminal charges have been suspended with
pay, pending trial.
11. Plaintiff was acquitted of the charges against him in June of 2008.
12. Plaintiff sought reinstatement by defendant and submitted a request for placement on
reinstatement register after resipation on October 1,2008.
13. While defendant claims to have placed plaintiff on the reinstatement register and notified
plaintiff of this fact on November 3, 2008, plaintiffnever received any notification that
he had been placed on the reinstatement register.
14. Defendant alleges that plaintiffs placement on the reinstatement register was only
effect~veu ntil November 13, 2008.
15. Plaintiff was not, in fact, reinstated by defendant during the period he was on the
reinstatement register.
16. Defendant's failure to reinstate plaintiff was because of his race.
COUNT 1
RACE DlSCRZMlNATlQN
MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT
17. Plaintiff hereby repeats and realleges each and every matter set forth in paxagraphs 1 - 16
above, as if set forth f~lllyh erein.
18. Plaintiff, an Afncan-American, is a member of a protected class under the Minnesota
Human hghts Act.
19. Plaintiff has suffered adverse employment actions by defendant.
20. Defendant's stated reason for its adverse einployrnent actions against plaintiff were mere
pretext for race discrimination.
21. As a direct and proximate result of defendant's wrongful conduct toward plaintiff,
plaintiff has suffered damages from loss of income that he has not yet been able to
replace fblly, despite diligent efforts to do so, mental anguish, attorneys fees and other
damages recoverable under the Minnesota Htunan Rights Act, all in an mount to be
determined at trial in excess of $50,000.
COUNT 2
WCE DlSCRIMINATlON
42 U.S.C. $1983
22. Plaintiff hereby repeats and realleges each and every matter set forth in paragraphs 1-16
above, as if set forth fully herein.
23. The actions of defendant deprived plaintiff of rights secured by the Constitution and laws
of the United States, including the right to be considered innocent until proved guilty and
the rights secured by 42 U.S.C. $ 198 1 to have equal rights to make and enforce
employment contracts.
24. Defendant deprived plaintiff of these rights because of his race, in violation of 42
U.S.C. $1983.
25. As a direct and proximate result of defendant's wrongful conduct toward plaintiff,
plaintiff has suffered damages from loss of income that he has not yet been able to
replace fully, despite diligent efforts to do so, compensatory damages, attorneys fees, and
other damages recoverable under 42 U.S.C. $ 198 1 a and $11 983, all in an amount to be
determined at trial in excess of $50,000.; 6:55 PM
conclusion said...: WHEREFORE, plaintiff prays for relief as follows:
A. Damages for lost wages, compensatory damages, mental anguish damages, front pay,
and other damages in a reasonable sum to be determined at trial in excess of $50,000:
B. Costs, including reasonable attorneys fees incurred in pursuing this action; and
C. For such other and further relief as the Court deems just and equitable in the
premises.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The undersigned hereby acknowledges that costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney and witness fees may be awarded pursuant to Minn. Stat. fj 549.21 1, Subdivision 2, to the party against whom the allegations in this pleading are asserted.

WILLIAMS & IVERSEN, P.A.
Dated

Paul W. Iversen 193707'
161 1 West County Road B, Suite 208
St. Paul, MN 55113
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
651-848-0280l; 6:58 PM
Bob said...: There is copy errors in the summons and compliant.; 7:01 PM
Anonymous said...: Swiftee,

I don't have much against Dan, except his entire stance and suit on the RNC actions.

He made some statements on this, then heard from Winn's sister, and made a classy move by restraining from arguing this settled case any further.

This story is about Foster being suspended without pay when other SPPD employees who have been under investigation and others accused stayed on payroll. The SPPD/City will probably argue the status of employment between non-union civilian employees and police officers. And yes, if he can show white employees who were accused of capitol crimes remaining on payroll and he didn't, then he has a case.

Bob, even if he did get away with murder, the government institutions have to follow the law. The law says not enough evidence to convict of murder. I'm not sure he would have lasted too much longer there anyway. Its a tough atmosphere when you're on the outs.

So, uh Swiftee you're wrong. Again.

Eric; 7:07 PM
Anonymous said...: Chuck, Eric and Aaron Foster all must go to tea sipping dfl parties where they can rub elbows with their own kind and talk about how great the party is and how we have the money to make a "change" in the political seen.
Thank You
g o p; 7:08 PM
Bob said...: Eric, you make a good point. Unfortunately legal beagle fans of the town hall are telling me Foster may have a case.

I for one will be outraged if the city settles with Foster.

The city has forced the plaintiffs in the fair housing lawsuits to spend 100's of thousands of dollars to proceed with their lawsuits. It has made it very difficult for some to seek justice.

Choi's office could, and should prolong this case through the courts, financially forcing Foster and Iverson's law firm to abandon this suit. This would be a form of "moral justice"!; 7:51 PM
Anonymous said...: (ignoring swiftee's 'nothingness' to this conversation).

Bob,
Delaying the case will only cost them more in the end and keep it in the news making Foster possibly sympathetic to some. Right now, his acquittal is still in the headlines, in a few months, he'll just be Former City Employee.

Settle of pay now, get this over with. 'Moral Justice' will come later. Part of it has already come down, no matter what, he doesn't work for the city anymore.

I think the real discrimination goes back to 1981 when a black woman was murdered and the number one suspect was seen holding the murder weapon at the scene of the crime. The city of Maplewood and Ramsey County appeared to be less than determined to solve this. I wonder what other investigations and cases were going on at the time.

Eric; 8:41 AM
Barb Winn Aaron Foster said...: Check out www.justiceforbarbara.com copy of current complaint; 2:48 PM
Anonymous said...: Eric will stick up for a man that could of killed his girl friend, just because he's black.; 4:24 AM
Anonymous said...: Eric will stick up for a man that could of killed his girl friend, just because he's black.

His girlfriend was black too. I'm pretty sure her being a black murder victim had something to do with the sloppy handling of this case.

In 1981, if a black man would have been accused of murdering a white woman and was caught with the murder weapon (which he owned), had a history of beating her, and was the only other one at the scene of the crime- I have little doubt things would have turned out different than they did.

However, this has nothing to do with that. His lawyers are stating that "White employees ... faced with criminal charges have been suspended with pay, pending trial" and they have proof.

If they have names and dates, then they have a very good case. Any lawyer will tell you that. Also, he's suing the city, represented by our city attorney who is of Korean heritage, and the police department represented by the Chief who is black. One of whom I'm very good friends with and the other I'm a good acquaintance of. Why would I side with Foster? I'm not. I'm siding with the law.

Eric; 6:44 AM
Anonymous said...: Eric
Your not such a bad guy.
You said a murder victim, and Aaron said she shot herself.
Maybe the truth will come out, and if they pay Aaron one penny we will all be down on the city like flies on shit.
This isn't the only blog to bring the out. E Democracy would be nice to show how the Democrats are covering for murder.
What's New with the criminals in St.Paul's City hall.; 7:10 AM
Anonymous said...: "Maybe the truth will come out, and if they pay Aaron one penny we will all be down on the city like flies on shit."
-
However, this has nothing to do with that. His lawyers are stating that "White employees ... faced with criminal charges have been suspended with pay, pending trial" and they have proof.
If they have names and dates, then they have a very good case. Any lawyer will tell you that.
---
"E Democracy would be nice to show how the Democrats are covering for murder."
-
Huh? There are Democrats all the way around on this one. Also, the murder case was a Ramsey County and Maplewood botch job.; 7:22 AM
Anonymous said...: The flies are all over city hall now.
Before the 2010 election we'll see some democrats that might be hiding some under handed deals, Obama said their will be change.; 7:02 PM
Anonymous said...: nothing to do with anything especially the topic. There are no elections in 2010 for anyone in city hall.

try to stay on topic.; 9:12 PM
Bill Dahn said...: The city's "failure to reinstate [Foster] was because of his race," it said. The lawsuit asks for lost wages, damages of mental anguish, front pay and other damages "in excess of $50,000."

Pay Mr. Foster

Then pay Bill Dahn and the others that St.Paul screwed in many ways.
Seen like St.Paul Government has been getting away with murder from the day St.Paul became a city 1849? till now.

How much was Barbara Winn's life worth?
There is no money that can replace what Aaron Forster and Bill Finney covering the tracts of a murder.

Pay Back are HELL

Why is the city ducking out on the RICO SUIT ?; 8:08 AM
Anonymous said...: Bob,

Did you see this?

http://www.slideshare.net/Sharon4Anderson/transcript-20aug09vandenortha092031

Sharon Anderson posted this and Bill Dahn's name is also nemtioned by the judge several times.

Thanks Bill and Sharon you have now made my Thanksgiving complete.; 12:26 PM
Judge Vandenorth v. Bill Dahn said...: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=Judge+John+Vandenorth+MN&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

Judge John Vandenorth's of 1932 Princton St.Paul, Complicity in the "takings" of Car's Property, while He does not PAY ANY ROW ASSESSMENTS. ETC. CRIM CHARGES ENCOMPASSED IN A09-2031
Vandenorth opened a Can of Worms on Appeal; 12:37 PM
Anonymous said...: this place is a mad house.; 3:45 PM
Anonymous said...: Bill,

I sign my posts and have no reason to be anonymous if I was talking about you. You don't matter in scope of what I do and who I interact with.

You have a habit of saying one thing, then saying the exact opposite when it suits you.

However, the biggest reason is you don't matter to me is you are all talk and a phony.

You file for random office every year and you don't have job. You haven't held a job consistently in 20 years. You count your volunteering as a job. BS! You don't pay taxes. So you have no skin in this game.

However, the biggest part of this is the hypocrisy. You are dependent on the very government programs that you would publicly cut. Those evil Democratic policies have been your crutch in many ways over the years. Now to be fair, one in particular has failed you. That one deals with the insulation in your home and the repercussions from that.

As it was stated a couple of years ago, most people on here work jobs they hate, or more hours than they want because they have responsibilities of paying for a roof, food, clothing, and raising a family. How can you, who spends his time volunteering, relate to the majority of citizens?

Most of us pay more in taxes than we see back in services as individuals, you pay nothing in taxes and receive tons of services. Then you find the beads to complain about the government and democrats. Hence the hypocrisy.

Don't mention my name, I won't mention yours.

Eric; 8:30 AM
Anonymous said...: "Most of us pay more in taxes than we see back in services as individuals, you pay nothing in taxes and receive tons of services. Then you find the beads to complain about the government and democrats. Hence the hypocrisy."

The thought of someone suckling big G's milk bag without giving them the vote they bought really drives Democraps over the edge, doesn't it?; 10:21 AM
Anonymous said...: Ya really like me, don't you Swiftee?

Eric; 10:32 AM
Anonymous said...: Swiftee said, "The thought of someone suckling big G's milk bag without giving them the vote they bought really drives Democraps over the edge, doesn't it?"

I couldn't have said it better.

How dare someone who gets the government milk say the government is bad and the DemocRATS are responsible.

This must drive Eric and Chuck NUTS!; 12:09 PM
Anonymous said...: How dare someone who gets the government milk say the government is bad and the DemocRATS are responsible.This must drive Eric and Chuck NUTS!

Yeah, we're really going cookoo over this. I've worked on federal campaigns long enough to not be surprised by this.

Somebody spouting off about the government and then holding their hand out to the government, is just reality. Its good enough for 'him' because he's not like 'other' people on dole. Everybody on dole thinks that.

Its just a reflection of what goes on nationally- the most conservative voting states, are on the dole suckling more from than Federal Government in social service programs than liberal states like Massachusetts, Vermont and Minnesota.

So no, I'm not surprised by Bill Dahn's hypocrisy. How many times did Bill turn to any republicans for help? None. He went to DFLer after DFLer. And when he burned every bridge, we/I still tried to help him. He never even visited the GOP HQ.

Eric; 5:12 PM
Anonymous said...: Oh yeah,

Go Cretin-Derham over Eden Prairie tonight!

2007 is still fresh in our minds.

Eric; 5:19 PM
Anonymous said...: OJ Simpson, Robert Blake,
Aaron Foster, all were acquitted of murder.; 8:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Good point 8:04; 9:02 PM
Anonymous said...: From: Tyrone Terrill [mailto:Tyrone.Terrillatci.stp aul.mn.us]
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 10:02 AM
Subject: Former Chief Finney

AALC and Community Members,
I hope that each of you are as outraged as I am with the headline, "Finney pal indicted in 1981 killing" in today's Saint Paul Pioneer Press. This is absolutely ridiculous as a City of Saint Paul Black Sgt. in 1981 didn't have any say in what happens in his own Department under former Chief McCutheon, so Maplewood is totally out of the question.

If you look at the StarTribune their headline is, "After 26 years, man is indicted in girlfriend's death", you will see the difference between the two and balance journalism. I hope that you will join me and others as we let the Pioneer Press know this type of high tech lynching of a Black man is not acceptable in our community. Guy Gilmore is the President/Publisher who can be reached at XXX-XXX-XXXX or by email at
publisheratpioneerpress.com .

Peace,
Tyrone

Director Tyrone Terrill
City of Saint Paul Department of Human Rights
XXX_XXX_XXXX-Direct
XXX XXX XXXX-Fax; 10:35 PM
Anonymous said...: 10:35

That letter is sickening. I wonder who all it was sent to.; 11:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Minnesota-Murders
Aaron Foster,Barb Winn Murder-Acquitted, where was OJ.

BAD BOYS; 4:23 AM
Treason said...: Sudy the effects of TREASON, this petty quarrels divide and conquer
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=33082780&postID=2855636343986500280; 9:07 AM
Anonymous said...: This whole case is just a sham, as Barbara Winn's case didn't have a chance back in 1981, as she was only a black woman who the Maplewood PD could of cared less about.

Finney and Foster used the system to get off the murder charge.

This letter shows how even the "Black Community" is so willing to "protect" their own (Finney, Terril) that they throw under the bus a very beautiful black woman to save their own skins. It is a case of, "I am better than you."; 9:10 AM
Anonymous said...: Your first part about the Maplewood police not giving much of damn is the point I've been hitting for a while now. After reading all of the public reports.

Finney was street Sargent with seven people above him on the ranks- its hard to believe that he could do much beyond advice to Foster. As in shut up and get a lawyer (afterall there wasn't much else he could do, it was Foster's gun, he was the only one in the room when it went off, there were witnesses to him beating her in public just two hours before and he was arrested on the scene- Barney Fife could have handled this better).

We've never seen evidence beyond Finney standing by his friend who, in most eyes, was guilty. SPPD was not involved in this- it was Ramsey County and Maplewood. Both have proven to do horseshit job on this and its probably too late but a civil suit by the family was probably in order. Could Finney have used better judgment, of course, but, there hasn't been any evidence of tampering (again, there really was no need to tamper with evidence) or intimidating by him.

As far as the black community goes, ask yourself did:
What did you hear from the black community after this letter went out? Nothing. So what are you bitching about. You jump to a lot of conclusions without even thinking. Many of those in our community who were around at that time, remember Winn, Foster and Corky. There is no consensus that Foster is innocent, none by far. There is the thought that again, if this wasn't a black woman murdered, it would have been handled better. But, they can name dozens of incidents where justice was not delivered. For some of the more experienced and older community members, that use to be a fact of life.

The point of the letter that set Tyrone off was that Fletcher was re-opening this case 12 weeks before his election against Bill Finney not because of some new evidence but, because of the election. Finney stood by Foster and Fletcher wanted Winn's murder to be associated with him, as if he did it himself.

Again, with all of that evidence against Foster, Fletcher's department was unable to get a conviction. However, he did get re-elected, and to a whole new generation of people, Finney is tied in with Winn's murder. Fairly or not.

Personally, I don't think its fair but, neither is life.

Eric; 10:12 AM
Anonymous said...: Eric said, "We've never seen evidence beyond Finney standing by his friend who, in most eyes, was guilty. SPPD was not involved in this- it was Ramsey County and Maplewood."

Finney appointed his friend Aaron Foster to a job in the police department. Foster was a drug runner for Plukie Duke. Finney put Foster in the property room. This is the same property room that held the evidence to his case. That evidence went "missing."

The St. Paul Police Department processed the evidence to the crime scene back in 1981. Finney had access to this property room.

The gun that was used by Foster was one Finney sold Foster.

Why would a women hitting person like Foster be sold a gun in the first place, but when he was police chief, Finney gave Foster a gun permit, a badge and a take home squad car?

Finney as a Sgt. and later as a Lt. went to the Ramsey County Attorney and "talked" to James K (Ramsey County Attorney) and "worked" things out. This was recorded in official police reports. It was noted both times that this was highly irregular.

Finney attended Winn's autopsy to gather information what was going on with his friend. The Maplewood PD also noted this in their police reports. Finney gave the excuse that he was so broken up about Winn's death that he needed to attend her autopsy, but he didn't even show up at Winn's funeral.

Finney saw Foster hit Winn and he failed to act like a police officer. In fact on several occasions, Finney covered Foster’s butt for hitting women.

Don't get me fired up Eric, you and the rest of the DFL Party covered for this A-Hole, Bill Finney for a long time because he was a "wonder boy" and no one had the guts to hold him accountable.; 11:03 AM
Anonymous said...: Get fired up.

I am a friend of Finney, and other cops who are definitely not friends of Finney. The DFL Party was not even involved with Finney until he was in his last of 12 years as Chief. It seems most of your beef is with the police department and Finney, less so with Foster.

All you say is interesting but, this is about the Winn murder and the situation in 1981. And I'm convinced by the evidence that the mismanagement of this case lies in the fact that a black woman was murdered and no one seemed eager to prosecute the main suspect. A black cop just wouldn't have the ability beyond vouching for the suspect to do anything to change the well-known evidence.

I don't know what evidence Sgt Finney could have tampered with in less than a week to make the lazy ass County and City of Maplewood folks decide to let Foster go with no charges. Fact is, you had multi-jurisdictions and officials do jack squat about this.

What did Finney change that made us NOT know that Foster beat her in public two hours before, and regularly abused her?
What did he do to hide the fact that it was Foster's own gun that shot Winn?
What did Finney do to hide the fact that Foster was the only one in the room when the gun went off? What did Finney do to hide the fact that the kids witnessed them fighting in the room before the gun went off?
Nothing.

If it was a white, or prominent woman in 1981 that was murdered with this same evidence- the suspect would still be in prison after being arrested that night.

You're making the same mistake that Fletcher's people made, he tried to make it about Finney and in the end Foster walked.

Fletcher knows about having shady close friends- all cops who have had to work narcotics or gangs have these kind of associates.

There are some in community who really take issue with Finney support of Foster, which is why you didn't see an uproar- but, the bottom line is Finney didn't murder her and as long as you wrap this up in your list of things you hate about Bill Finney, the least likely you are to help Winn's family find justice. Your kind of thinking has already allowed Foster to have a trial and walk- which means he can't be charged for the same crime again.

Maybe with the evidence out there, the family can file a civil suit for wrongful death. That's how they got OJ.

Eric; 1:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Finney, Foster, OJ,
Ba hum bug, murder is murder in GODS eye.
Excuse me, Satin run St.Paul and it's government within.
Please Satin, bless our mayor and police force that forgets how to do their jobs.; 7:55 AM
Anonymous said...: 1:50 PM this is not a slam Bill Dahn topic, but is related to Aaron Foster.

PLEASE stay on topic.; 6:19 PM
Anonymous said...: I agree. Stay on topic; 8:08 PM
Anonymous said...: Peace to Tyrone Terrill

Tyrone did you ever think how many people commit a murder and their best friend or wife's never knows.
Why do you think this is.
Some people don't condone murder, would Aaron Foster tell on his self chancing prison?
I don't think so!; 5:16 PM
Anonymous said...: "Maybe with the evidence out there, the family can file a civil suit for wrongful death. That's how they got OJ.

Eric"

Eric, if Foster looks like he might have a chance of winning his lawsuit, we WILL sue him for wrongful death. He'll never see one thin dime. So, he may very well have just opened a big can of worms for himself by filing against the City. We'll just have to wait and see what happens...

God Bless,
Patty; 10:08 PM
Anonymous said...: Patty,
I'm usually the willing antagonist and vocal contrarian on this blog, however, in this case, I do believe that the way this case was handled in 1981 was discriminatory and tragic. Its a damn shame.
I really do wish your family peace.

Eric; 8:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Eric,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree that race was one of a few factors in 1981, and maybe even in 2002. Publicly, we brought up race only one time, throughout this whole ordeal. It was at the press conference that I discussed with Dann Dobson on SPIF.

Of course, not one word was published or reported. But, I told the room full of reporters, "If Barbara had looked like ME, Foster would have gone to prison years ago". Then, I repeated it, for good measure.

My family was stunned, because they did not know I was going to say what I did (in fact, neither did I...it just came out). They thought it was very powerful, considering that it came from me...I am the only white person in our family.

Because I hadn't planned my statement, I never gave any thought to possible reactions, including my family's, when I decided to say what I did. But, once they shared their thoughts about my statement with me, I agreed with my family. Everyone who was in that room knew, instantly, that it was a very very uncomfortable moment for the reporters...you could see it on their faces...they were completely stunned and my words were followed by a few unexpected moments of complete silence, and then the subject was quickly changed by the reporters. Like I said, those words were never reported. But, I meant what I said!

I have accepted Dann Dobson's gracious invitation to meet and I plan to get together with him so he can actually see the file. I do believe with all of my heart and soul that if people know what is actually contained in that file, they would completely understand our frustration. There are so many things that were never released/reported by the local media (which, I understand, because there is sooo much information in the file).

There are,also, many things that were said to us by some organizations and done by others, between 2006 and 2008, that very few people know about...things that would enrage most people, if they knew what was said and/or done by whom.

If Foster's case is not dismissed, we are going to sue him. We could care less about money, but what we want is legal accountability. So, if he wins the lawsuit, we'll take whatever he is awarded from him before his suit against the City is settled.

Unfortunately, for Foster, his statements and other evidence that were not allowed in the jury trial
ARE admissable in a civil suit against him.

So, good question, Eric. What really happened, or didn't, in 1981? And, why? Whether it was race combined with sloppy police work, then compounded with an assistant county attorney who followed up on absolutely nothing, in 1981, Bobbi was denied her right to a day in court. Though the day she finally obtained was, apparently, too late, we often remind ourselves that she did get one. For that, we thank the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office!

If I had the power to do so, I'd pin a medal on the chest's of Bob Fletcher, Bill Snyder, and Gary Gibbs. They took a lot of crap (publicly) over Bobbi's case. In spite of everything, they remained at our side and fought until the end. They did what so many others failed and/or refused to do...they did what was both right and just!

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Patty; 10:30 PM
Anonymous said...: So why not put all your information on blog here and let people see it if it's so incriminating?; 2:10 AM
Anonymous said...: Well 2:10am, because if they are contemplating further action, you don't put all of your cards on the table.

If you want to take a look at her evidence, then ask her. Why risk further disappointment just to prove a point to a bunch of anonymous gutter snipes?

Eric; 11:18 AM
SPIF Patty Bruce said...: UPDATE- from the bowels of SPIF

From: Patty Bruce Date: Dec 06 10:30 UTC Short link

Dann,
Thank you for spending 4 hours on a Saturday evening reading the file and learning the facts of the case.

You said in your initial response to me that you make no further comments until
you learned more about the case.

Now that you have done so, I think it is only fair for me to let the SPIF readers know that I believe that any further comments you might make (should you ever decide to share or comment on what
you've learned and concluded) would be very informative for other readers, since you are now much more informed about the case than most people are.

I believe that our meeting was very productive and that you raise some very good questions, as well. In fact, you developed one theory, in particular, that I found quite interesting. Based on the particular material that we were reading and what we were looking at...it makes a great deal of sense.

It was a pleasure to meet you!; 9:49 AM
Anonymous said...: See?
Just ask and she is willing to sit down with you and share information.

Posting it on a public board is not a good move. Even is its something that you'd like to see.

Eric; 1:10 PM

A DEMOCRACY TOWN HALL

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Aaron Foster Update/ Man acquitted of 1981 murder sues St. Paul over job loss

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