Tampa Bay Skeptics Report - vol 24 no 2 - INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: TBS Report Online
Issue: Vol. 24 - No. 2
Date: Fall 2011
Publisher: Tampa Bay Skeptics

The Caylee Anthony Case and Psychic Claims

The lead article, "Two psychics credited with foreseeing location of Caylee Anthony's remains" by Gary P. Posner, examines the role of psychics in the highly publicized Casey Anthony case. Casey Anthony was found "not guilty" in July of the June 2008 death and disposal of her daughter Caylee. During the trial, two psychics reportedly had advance knowledge of the location of Caylee's skeletal remains. The article details how meter reader Roy Kronk ultimately found the remains in December 2008, after initially reporting suspicious findings in August of that year. Casey Anthony's defense attorneys suggested that Kronk might have planted the remains, and they also presented testimony about a search conducted by private investigator Dominic Casey, which involved a psychic. Cindy and George Anthony, Casey's parents, had hired Casey based on a psychic tip, and private investigator Dominic Casey testified about a search guided by a psychic. The article also mentions Nancy Grace's interview with psychic Ginette Matacia Lucas, who described her method of "remote dowsing" and "dream incubation," citing the Chandra Levy case as an example of her abilities. Lee Anthony, Casey's brother, testified that his mother had arranged the search based on a psychic tip, which angered him. Former police commander "Woody" Tripp, interviewed by Nancy Grace, expressed reservations about using psychics in front of a jury, deeming it "very risky."

Gale St. John: Another Psychic Investigator

The issue introduces a second psychic, Gale St. John, also known as "The Bodyhunter," who claimed to have discerned the recovery site of Caylee's remains. St. John's involvement was primarily through media contact, including a YouTube video of a news report from WOFL-TV 35. Reporter Holly Bristow narrated a story about St. John's "blind drive" through the neighborhood, where she experienced a strong physical reaction indicating the location of the body. Despite cadaver dogs showing interest, access to the woods was limited. St. John reportedly returned to the area multiple times, experiencing the same strong feeling. A November 20, 2008, WOFL Website story is cited, detailing St. John's third trip to Orlando, focusing on the Greenwood Urban Wetland. The article questions the authenticity of St. John's "blind drive" video, suggesting it might have been created after the fact. It also notes that two individuals previously associated with St. John have alluded to issues causing them to distance themselves from her activities, with one becoming skeptical of her abilities and another concerned about the appropriateness of how donations were used.

Noreen Renier Update: Legal Battles and Book Controversies

This section, also by Gary P. Posner, details ongoing legal disputes and controversies surrounding "psychic detective" Noreen Renier. Renier's hopes for a $30,000 payday from skeptic John Merrell were dampened by a pending appeal. A previous ruling by Judge William E. Anderson had imposed a $30,000 penalty on Renier and Merrell if they disparaged each other, but Anderson later vacated the order, citing exceeded authority. Renier filed an appeal, arguing that Merrell's continued postings entitled her to the penalty. United Stated District Judge Norman K. Moon agreed that the bankruptcy court lacked jurisdiction. Renier has since filed an appeal to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The article highlights issues with the covers of Renier's three new book releases. Two are foreign-language editions of her memoir, "A Mind for Murder," and the third is "The Practical Psychic: A No-Nonsense Guide to Developing Your Natural Intuitive Abilities." The French edition of her memoir is titled "Medium: Investigator for the FBI," and its cover features an insignia that appears to imitate the FBI's. The article cites federal statutes (18 U.S. Code, Sections 701 and 709) that prohibit the unauthorized use of agency insignia and the use of "Federal Bureau of Investigation" or "F.B.I." in a manner that suggests approval or authorization. The FBI is reportedly investigating this matter. The Portuguese edition, "Criminal Minds: In the Secret Files of the FBI," also bears a misleading title. Orders for this edition are on hold pending revision. The third book initially had an endorsement on its cover, which was later "revised." John Merrell explains on his website that attorneys for Turner Broadcasting System (owner of the Court TV trademark) apparently convinced the publisher, but no authority at Court TV offered any endorsement. The quote on the cover, attributed to "Psychic Detectives, Court TV," is revealed to be an out-of-context statement from a skeptical chat moderator on CourtTV.com from around February 8, 2001.

Renier has moved from rural Charlottesville, VA, to Wilmington, NC. She also announced that her memoir is being considered for a "made-for-television" movie. The article notes that printed editions of her memoir have been purged of chapters detailing her legal battles with Merrell due to litigation.

Historical Marker for Barney and Betty Hill UFO Abduction

The issue includes a section on the historical Barney and Betty Hill UFO abduction, which occurred on September 19-20, 1961. The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources created a roadside marker commemorating this event, described as the "Pearl Harbor" of UFO abductions. The marker notes that the Hills experienced a close encounter with an unidentified flying object and "lost" time, and filed an official Air Force Project Blue Book report. The article also mentions a humorous illustration depicting a fictional "Qezzlomk family" purchasing "Probe-O-Matics" on their way to the Sol system.

Other Psychic and Medical News

Briefly mentioned is Mark Fowler, who runs the Chamber of Hope Hyperbaric Center for Children and claims his hyperbaric oxygen treatments can ameliorate various conditions. However, Tom Workman of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society expresses skepticism about the therapeutic value.

In Fort Lauderdale, an extended family, including Rose Marks, has been charged with defrauding clients of approximately $40 million over two decades through psychic services. The federal investigation, dubbed "Operation Crystal Ball," resulted in indictments for conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance towards paranormal claims, particularly those involving psychics. It critically examines the evidence and motivations behind psychic claims, as seen in the detailed analysis of the Caylee Anthony case and the controversies surrounding Noreen Renier's books and endorsements. The publication highlights legal issues, potential fraud, and the misrepresentation of credentials. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk or at least question extraordinary claims, while also reporting on related legal and historical events such as the Barney and Betty Hill UFO abduction. The focus is on providing factual reporting and analysis, often with a critical undertone towards the subjects discussed.