And inside was Shirley McGills body in a pool of blood on the bathroom floor, with blood splattered around the cabin. The 63-year-old man disappeared while on a holiday cruise in Egypt. A Topeka, Kansas, man was arrested this week for allegedly killing his girlfriend on a cruise ship in January, prosecutors said. There are other explanations for that, though. She never got off the boat via record. So she didnt raise her voice or yell/scream. "They're suffering now," McGill was heard saying as he gestured to his family. Such a tragedy that these crimes (I believe it WAS a crime) can be covered up so easily, leaving no closure or justice for the families. Colombia wants to deport "cocaine hippos" to stop them from multiplying But their luck changes drastically and the friends who are on board celebrating with them now aid in the search for the farmer who is now missing at sea. horror and suspense author J.H. At his court appearance earlier in the day, she declined to comment on the case. When Monteiro checked on Merrians cabin the following morning, her bed had not been slept in. Others believe that he accidentally fell into the water after drinking too much. The whereabouts of Fariba remain unknown, but her family suspects that Ramiz may have had something to do with her disappearance. I tend to doubt it. Eric Newman was on the Carnival Elation ship on a four-day cruise to the Bahamas when he allegedly killed 50-year-old Tamara Tucker on Jan. 19, the Justice Department said in a news release Thursday. Cruise lines are notorious for covering up crimes and cases of negligence to avoid getting sued (or having their ship docked for weeks due to a crime-scene investigation). But now I am that much less likely to ever subject myself to that pleasure. Though, I now think its a great setting for a thriller novel. }, First published on July 20, 2009 / 11:30 AM. A passenger aboard Brilliance of the Seas claimed that he heard men arguing in the Smiths room. Sometimes the obvious is the answer. Shirley McGills children from a previous marriage and her elderly parents gasped in relief when the judge announced the sentence. The 47-year-old mother of two from Canada disappeared on February 29, 2012, somewhere between the Bahamas and Florida. Here are prices in 10 communities. But after she witnesses a man overboard, many begin to wonder if it was accidental or on purpose - and who is next? A 40-year-old disappears on the second night of a cruise, her family is left searching for answers and it ends up changing the way missing persons are reported at sea. After finding out more about these cruise ships, I dont think Ill follow their example. Fascinating story. Others say that she jumped or fell from the deck. There was no record of her leaving the ship. Authorities believe that he jumped into the water on purpose. A month earlier, Daniel had posted on Facebook about being bullied as a kid, how it had affected him deeply, and that he still did not feel better mentally or physically. The guy she was in a relationship with panicked at her appearance (could have had another woman on board, could have thought the relationship had been a fling and freaked out when she showed up on his ship, who knows?). By that time, the trail had gone cold.[9]. But her body was never found. About The Author: Im just another bearded guy trying to write my way through life. Moncrieff, Damian Turner #CruiseShipKillers #CrimeTV #BreakthroughEntertainment Barnett was just turning 25. ever wonder why cruise ships are not registered in the united states? The cruise liner company most definitely withheld vital information if you were being charitable you could say through total incompetence on their part. In 2005, Hue Pham, 71, and Hue Tran, 67, took a seven-night Mothers Day cruise in the Caribbean with their daughter and granddaughter. The county closed it in June because of dwindling attendance. I so appreciate your support and the lovely review! Skeletal remains found in Pennsylvania identified as man missing since 2013 No, she didn't. Later that night, he pummeled his wife inside the cabin, then strangled her. Cruise Ship Killer Murdered Wife with Bare Hands, Say Feds Her family has hired its own investigator, and hopes for a meeting with officials from Carnival. A blood-stained canopy is the only telltale sign of a young mans fate, leaving many more questions than answers to what happened. 1. If you agree, well also use cookies to complement your shopping experience across the Amazon stores as described in our Cookie Notice. Please enter valid email address to continue. The investigator was allowed onto the ship, but wasnt permitted to speak to anyone, including the ships security officer. Stinnett noted in the court papers that Robert McGill's knuckles "appeared as if he had been in a fight.". Aztecs to honor 8 on Senior Night against Wyoming, but are all of them leaving? Carvers living hell was about to begin. McGill made the confession after being informed of his Miranda rights and telling interrogators he was willing to answer questions without the presence of an attorney, FBI Special Agent James B. Stinnett wrote in a probable cause affidavit attached to the criminal complaint charging him with one count of murder. Security officers found a privacy please sign on the locked doorknob. Man arrested for allegedly killing girlfriend on Carnival cruise ship Did someone aboard see her before she disappeared? Required fields are marked *. But he never returned to their cabin.[6]. . And she had so many things yet to accomplish.". Hougardy said Shirley McGill planned to move to Oregon, where her family and her children from a previous marriage lived. "The ships medical team responded immediately, but, unfortunately, she passed away.". After they were unsuccessful, the United States Coast Guard and the Mexican Navy were alerted and joined the search. This is a joke. They had been high school sweethearts who reunited through the Internet and married in 2003. Her father was a hero. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I ask all commenters to keep in mind that Merrians daughter and other family members are still alive and may see this post and the comments. There was also an envelope which may have included a suicide note. Their son, Michael Pham, testified before Congress to urge tougher regulation of safety practices on cruise lines. Colleagues said McGill spent years teaching at-risk teens, became burned out by the job a decade ago but was revitalized when he came to work at the West Valley Leadership Academy in Canoga Park, a county-run alternative high school to help at-risk youth. But when a cruise line is at fault or a cruise line member is involved Im sure you get the brick wall. That night, Barnett's mother got a phone call she never could have imagined from the ship's nurse. Sadly, well probably never know the answers. Tucker, of Lawson, Missouri, was a professor of social work at Park University in Missouri, The Kansas City Star said. Some 30 years later, they reconnected at a high school reunion, got married and by all accounts were happy together. What do you think happened to Merrian? And that's a shame. 7 The Murder-Suicide Couple Salem couple found dead on cruise ship Darla J. Mellinger-Banner, 56, and John C. Banner, 56, of Salem, a suburb of Youngstown, Ohio, were known to Salem police after a December 21, 2014, incident where Darla Banner was injured in a knife accident. Maybe he was worried about losing his job so he covered up the suicide and took the suicide letter and money. They had sailed on the Elation to celebrate their pending retirement. When they asked about his wife, he told them he had killed her, according to court records. Moncrieff Breakthrough Entertainment 108K subscribers Subscribe 111K views 1 year ago #BreakthroughEntertainment. She ordered 2 sandwiches and to me its kinda strange. ", When she died, Barnett was working for composer John Debny, who remarked to Lagattuta: "No one is forthcoming. Shes dead, said McGill, then 55, according to court papers. Its horrible that cruise lines have so much power to do whatever they please and cover up anything that is questionable. "I know that she would never have knowingly or willingly ingested that," Jamie said. How much he had is not known, but witnesses said he could barely walk when he returned to the ship. The amount of people who go missing or who are murdered on cruise lines is disproportionate. ". He was initially charged with first-degree murder. On April 6, 2011, John Halford went missing while aboard Thomson Cruises Thomson Spirit. [5], 10 People Who Mysteriously Vanished While Traveling. 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says, under fire recently for the way it deals with onboard crimes. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Directors John Barnard Ian Bawa Writers Chris Charney (story editor) Carolyn Gray Stars John Barnard "And I said, 'No, she didn't. He killed her and tossed her overboard. He reported her missing right away and continued to report her missing for the remaining five days of the cruise, until his supervisor ordered him to do his job and forget it.. Do you know anything about the claims by Canadian authorities that they thought the found Merrians bones? Thanks, Sherry. Not to mention the tax breaks they get! He disappeared after reportedly either jumping or falling from a cruise ship. I wonder if she was in a relationship with the stewards supervisor and thats why he covered it up. No, shes dead. But at one of the many stops along the way, a grizzly discovery is made when crew membersfind the widower's body crammed into her own suitcase. Caldwell was never seen again. A professors assistant goes missing at sea near the end of a long voyage. I must tell you, no one that we talked with has been very forthcoming. Try again. Shirley McGill, 55, was killed on July 14, 2009, aboard the Carnival cruise ship Elation. 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says He loved her with all his heart, White, a Ventura resident, said in an interview. The official cause of death was listed as toxic effects of methadone, but Barnett's family insists she never did drugs. A detention hearing in the case is set for July 23, with a preliminary hearing on July 30. On the face of it, suicide does seem to be a likely option, but with the lack of evidence we will probably never know. No one filed a police report; no one contacted the family. He was the only one on that ship that genuinely cared, who raised an alarm, and who tried to find her. Me too, Birgit. A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. / CBS News. From the Elation brig, he admitted to the captain hed killed his wife, but said he didnt know why Shirley had not provoked the attack. So he killed her. He appeared without handcuffs and wore a white jumpsuit. A passenger stated that a nearby camera for that deck was covered, so there was no footage of her. The couple had been high school sweethearts and then broke up. But when the weather report comes in showing no wind, a murder investigation begins. He drank. Ashley. McGill was distraught during the brief hearing and argued with federal public defenders about whether he could make a statement to the court as his family members sobbed in the gallery. She supposedly was having a relationship with an unidentified cruise member. Tucker's obituary had described Newman, 53, as her "partner and longtime love," The Kansas City Star reported. She had danced all night with members of Rhapsodys band, Blue Orchid. My overall impression is that more than one person is covering up, for reasons of their own. After he admitted killing his wife . Thank you to Jamie Barnett, President of the ICV, for his assistance and support with this post. Sadly, he passed away in December 2019 without ever finding out what became of Merrian. Afterward, he changed clothes and went up to a deck, smoked a cigar and had more beer with another couple. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Jamie founded Listverse due to an insatiable desire to share fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts. When she showed up he told her where to meet her or he had done something to keep her quiet. As 48 Hours Mystery correspondent Bill Lagattuta reports, Ashley Barnett's family is desperate for. A retired teacher takes a solo Great Lakes cruise toward a family reunion. Authorities believe that she fell or was pushed overboard, but some strange facts emerged about her vanishing. Everyone would assume she went overboard. Ramiz alerted the crew about her disappearance shortly after arriving at port. He was told the ships surveillance cameras automatically erase any footage after only three days. In 2015, the FBI closed their investigation into the disappearance of Smith. In July 2005, George Allen Smith IV and his wife, Jennifer, were celebrating their two-week-long honeymoon on a cruise from Greece to Turkey when he mysteriously disappeared. The latest involves the sudden death of an aspiring actress during a Carnival cruise in October. On May 12, a ship employee found two passports, two pairs of flip-flops . Did the pressure of the kitchen make her take her own life or did foul play occur? I know Ive done a horrible thing.. Sorry, there was a problem saving your cookie preferences. U.S. District Magistrate William McCurine Jr. entered a plea of not guilty on McGill's behalf, as is common practice in federal court at initial appearances. January 19, 2018. Cruise Ship Murders A person that is killed by someone, the involvement of a perpetrator is required and where suicide is excluded. After the ship docked, her possessions were packed away. "On Oct. 15, 2005," Allred told a news conference, "Ashley's boyfriend ran into the hallway screaming for help. Crime A farmer and his wife take a cruise celebrating their hard work and good fortune in life. Friends and neighbors said they were shocked to learn of the charge. Her poor dad. In court, former colleagues of Robert McGill spoke of his talent and dedication as a teacher, and said they were baffled by what he had done. Well seems to me she was having an affair with an unnamed cruise member. May 3, 2021 | Unsolved Mysteries As some of you know, I was fortunate enough to be the writer-expert for a true crime documentary show called Cruise Ship Killers, which tells the stories of twenty-six people who vanished, died mysteriously, or were the victims of other crimes while on board a cruise. In 2010, Rebecca Coriam started working for Disney Cruise Line and spent months visiting several ports in the Bahamas. His reaction does seem strange. Liability. Beauty Dies Mysteriously On Cruise - CBS News Alex Murdaugh found guilty of murders of wife and son According to his own words in assorted testimonies and media reports, the grieving father met with roadblocks whenever he tried to get answers about what had happened to his daughter. Shirley McGills children sounded a different note. I cant say I ever seriously considered going on a cruise: trapped on a boat with strangers isnt my idea of fun. Trending News She embarked upon a seven-day cruise from Seattle, Washington to Alaska. The passports belonged to Hue Pham and Hue Tran.[10]. That was the last known sighting of Merrian alive. Prime Video: Cruise Ship Killers - Season 1 McGill was going to join her when he retired. Almarosa Tenorio Passenger Death Aboard Royal Princess, Katherine Kemp Notable Cruise Industry Death Murder, Tamara Loraine Tucker Cruise Ship Passenger Murder Carnival Elation, Kristy Manzanares Cruise Ship Passenger Murder Emerald Princess, Simone Scheuer Souza Crew Cruise Ship Murder MSC Musica, Adriana Morales de Florencio Crew Cruise Ship Death Murder Navigator of the Seas, Li Yinglei Passenger Cruise Ship Death MSC Magnifica, Shirley Timmons Cruise Ship Passenger Death, Mary Louise Amzibel Cruise Ship Passenger Death. Here are 10 times that people mysteriously disappeared from cruise ships. Cruise Ship Killers | Season 1 | Episode 1 | Ashley | John Barnard | J.H. The authorities werent notified that she was missing. Its not good publicity and results in very costly lawsuits. July 20, 2009 / 11:30 AM Maybe his concern wasnt that genuine and he knew something. And if she planned on committing suicide, why the round-trip ticket? McGill's family, including two adult sons, declined to comment after the hearing, as did Assistant U.S. Attorney Joanna Curtis. Witnesses aboard the ship claim they saw someone jump overboard around 6:00 AM the day he went missing. He was placed in the brig and about 20 FBI agents intercepted the ship on a U.S. Coast Guard cutter late Wednesday and interviewed McGill and more than 50 witnesses while the Elation was still at sea. Christopher Caldwell and his fiancee, Crystal Tinder, went on a Carnival cruise in July 2004 to Mexico. Is it on TV yet? He noticed she only had two handbags (purses), one dress, and one pair of sandals. Tamara Loraine Tucker, 50, from Lawson, Missouri, was allegedly murdered by her "longtime love", Eric Duane Newman, 53, on Friday, January 19, 2018 during a celebration for her 50th birthday. Included with Crime+Investigation PLAY on Amazon for 3.99/month after trial. Meanwhile, Merrians13-year-old daughter, who lived with her dad, grew concerned when she couldnt reach her mother on the telephone. They are not thinking of the the pain and devastation they are going to leave behind. To learn more about how and for what purposes Amazon uses personal information (such as Amazon Store order history), please visit our Privacy Notice. Whatever decency Mr. McGill had, he left on the floor of that bathroom next to Shirleys beaten, bleeding and broken body, Forge said. Jim Cross, spokesman for the Department of Justice in Kansas, identified Tucker as Newman's girlfriend but declined to comment further on the case. "It's unconscionable that they won't give up their records and give Ashley's parents the answers they are seeking. Early that morning, Bradley went missing. U.S. District Magistrate William McCurine Jr. entered. Its so easy to claim every disappearance on a cruise ship is suicidetoo easy. Also, its the way these incidents tend to be handled that is of even greater concern. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. No one collected evidence. But not everyone returns home from these trips. The bartender said that Caldwell had appeared to be very drunk, but the barkeep did not help his customer back to his room. Two years later, he married Shirley McGill in Las Vegas. I also thought it odd that she brought so few things or that the cabin steward knew what she brought, its kind of creepy that he looked in her closet long enough to take inventory. Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Fascination was near Miami on the final night of the trip when Caldwell disappeared. Why? While on a family cruise to the Caribbean, Amy Lynn Bradley mysteriously vanished from the Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines Rhapsody of the Seas. All told, hedspent $75,000 on investigators and lawyers and still had no idea what had happened to his daughter, though he believed her to be deceased. The manilla envelope and the money Merrian had left in her room disappeared with him, along with other personal belongings. They cited his lifelong work as a dedicated teacher and that he was extremely intoxicated when he beat his wife, so much so that he has no clear memory of what provoked him or what happened. Though there is no evidence she even attempted suicide in the past, this history gave the Royal Caribbean the ammunition it needed. Nearly six months later, what happened aboard the ship remains a mystery. The judge agreed. Another passenger heard furniture being moved around inside the room, and Jennifer was later found passed out in a hallway.[2]. asked the couple who had just spent the day with them in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, after noticing blood on his hand. "Cruise Ship Killers" Gordon (TV Episode) - IMDb ), but why would someone kill her? Im sure Someone else theorized this, Your email address will not be published. Wow, this is incredibly crazy on a number of levels not the least of which is the way that cruise ships operate with impunity and no sense for the safety of their passengers. During the trial, the cruise line released an official statement to the media, claimingthat Merrian had severe emotional problems, had attempted suicide before, and appears to have committed suicide on our ship. (Suicide is often the excuse when passengers go missing.). The couple were aboard Carnival Cruise Lines' [] August 18, 2022. An average of ten Americans disappear from cruise ships every year. } Another guest on the cruise, a volunteer fireman, heard the boyfriend's screams and started CPR, and instructed him to call 911.". Cruise Ship Killers | Season 1 | Episode 1 | Ashley | John - YouTube
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