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The 911 Call Investigation~Denise Amber Lee
**04/06/08**
Update to this story here
The results of the investigation into Janet Kowalski’s 911 call are supposed to be released today. Sheriff John Davenport has a news conference scheduled for 3pm. I’ll be interested to see what he has to say this time. I’m still not sure if they could have gotten someone to US 41 and Toledo Blade fast enough (I timed the drive from Cranberry to Toledo Blade the other day, it took me 4 minutes, and that included sitting at the light at Toledo Blade waiting to turn), but it hurts to know that she was trying so hard to get free and (apparently) nothing was done.
The story from Herald Tribune is below.
Results of 911 inquiry in Lee case today
STAFF REPORT
Published Friday, Feb. 15, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.CHARLOTTE COUNTY — The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its internal investigation into its handling of a 911 call from a witness who likely saw Denise Lee shortly before her Jan. 17 murder.
Sheriff John Davenport plans to release the findings at a 3 p.m. press conference today.
The call, placed by Janet Kowalski, has been the subject of an internal investigation by the county and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement since shortly after it surfaced last month.
The body of Lee, 21, was found two days after police say she was kidnapped and killed by Michael King in North Port.
Kowalski called 911 during the search for Lee and described seeing what she believed to be a child fighting to get away from a man in a blue or black Chevrolet Camaro as it drove down U.S. 41 just south of the North Port border.
At the time, several agencies, including the Sheriff’s Office, were conducting a large-scale search for Lee and a green Camaro.
According to North Port police, the Sheriff’s Office did not connect the Kowalski call to the search efforts that night. Only later, after Kowalski called the North Port police, did her 911 call come to light.
Davenport has refused to release information on his office’s handling of the call or say whether any officers were dispatched in response, pending the conclusion of the internal investigation.
Recordings of the Kowalski call or other 911 calls related to the Lee case have not been released to the public.
King, 36, is in Sarasota County Jail, charged with capital murder, kidnapping and sexual battery in the case.
I am just totally disgusted. After hearing the press conference. :( What I dont understand is how 911 operators pick and choose what to respond to???????? shouldn’t they treat EVERY CALL AS AN EMERGENCY, and if it happens to not be than deal with that later? She tried with all her might to get the attention of anyone to help her!!! I know we all share in the pain and wish we could have been there to help. :( I am reminded of another story where a mother died because the 911 operator didn’t believe the child making the call. I am sure it is not an easy job handling 911 calls- but it is their job and should really have some concern for the people who call!
I thought every 911/999 call was an emergency.
This is terrrible, there is no excuse for the actions of the 911 dispatcher. After she tried so hard and was seen and to be ignored by an 911 operator……..there is no excuse………none. My heart breaks for her husband and children.
First off I want to send out my condolences to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. I am absolutly disgusted with the 911 operator for the way she handled the call. Being someone’s life was in trouble and all she can say is she forgot to dispatch the call how could you forget and especially for someone who was trying to save her life by calling 911. We are suppose to trust all 911 operators with our life when we call but obivously it makes you think twice now. Well for me it does. And the 911 operator should not of been let back to work.
I’m learning about this story for the first time on Larry King Live, CNN.
I’m speechless. EVERY 911 CALL IS AN EMERGENCY !
Much love to Nathan Lee; a very brave young man.
My condolences to the family.
Much regards,
Marsha C