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[Posted on Oct. 29 2007]
Jury Sentences Lisa Montgomery to Death
Kansas City (MO) - A federal jury convicted Lisa Montgomery, 39, for the murder of 23-year Bobbi Jo Stinnett, and for kidnapping her unborn baby. Digital evidence helped lead investigators to Ms. Montgomery – with help from Examiners assigned to the Heart of America RCFL. (HARCFL). On December 16, 2004, 23-year old Bobbi Jo Stinnett was found strangled in her home—her unborn fetus cut from her womb. The clues that led investigators to Ms. Stinnett’s murderer and baby—were found on a personal computer owned by the victim that was immediately examined by HARCFL Examiner Corporal Jeffrey M. Owen, Missouri State Highway Patrol. Corporal Owen was recognized for his efforts on this case by President Bush, and received the "National Officer of the Year" award from the Department of Justice and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Montgomery faked a pregnancy when she drove to Ms. Stinnett’s home, murdered her, and kidnapped the baby later named Victoria Jo by her father. Based on tips provided by the public and upon examining Ms. Stinnett’s computer, Corporal Owen found e-mail messages from Montgomery sent via an Internet message board. Montgomery was posing as a prospective buyer in the victim’s dog breeding business. Corporal Own also found Montgomery’s Internet Protocol access, which law enforcement used to obtain her street address. According to press reports, authorities found Victoria Jo in Montgomery’s arms.
Montgomery pled not guilty to the charges, and her lawyers pursued an insanity defense—which failed. After the jury found her guilty of murder and kidnapping, they deliberated once again and recommended the death penalty. Judge Gary Fenner will sentence Montgomery, and must abide by their recommendation. No sentencing date has been set.
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