Jastine Valdez found dead. No Ana discussion please. Mod warning post 1

kingofclay · 22-05-2018 10:40PM

The Talking Bread wrote: »

On a personal level, this really hit me. I'm not cold when it comes to news of and even detailed descriptions of murders, rape, and any other horrific events that are channelled to us through the media, but I don't allow myself to emotionally invest myself too much in them.
But this really really upset and horrified me.
Part of it was because we were following this sequence of events, helplessly, over the few days, with shock, fear, hope, anger and so much detail was being fed to us. I can't remember anything like how this LIVE event took over social media.

There are bodies found etc and details emerge gradually but you don't feel the range of emotions as you do when the case is still occuring, in live motion.

Also, and more importantly, with no shame in generalising I find the Filipino community in Ireland one of the loveliest communities and people to move to Ireland. I went on a few dates with a Filipino girl and still remain in contact with her (I even texted her yesterday assuming she knew of the horrific event and she was only off the plane from a holiday and had to call her father to confirm).

I find the Filipino people I have had interaction with to be so family orientated, full of so much empathy, good natured, cheerful, good listeners, hard working and with an amazing faith in both God and people around them.
I have been in and out of hospital over the years and you can see they love their job, are genuinely invested in helping the patient and not just going through a routine 9-5 like most of us (and indeed a lot of nurses.

That is why I can't imagine but can't help but thinking of the horror these people went through awaiting news, the weight of helplessness, the seeking of help by God, who plays a huge part in their everyday life, and more significantly the despair when hope faded into the horrific reality.

It really struck a cord with me and then my sadness turned to anger with some of the most disgusting and distasteful and disrespectful comments that emerged throughout the day. I can't believe how people can honestly think of posting some of the stuff.
Sick isn't the word.

I really haven't a clue how her family are going to cope with this. She was her parents only treasure, an only child. If she had siblings I feel that would help her parents grieve that tiny bit better but now they have to grow old not being able to abate the pain by projecting that parental support on another child. Christ, it is unimaginable. And living so close to where it all went down.

As I said though, they are a beautiful community (again I hold no shame generalising) so I think they will have so many support from those around them.

I amn't a God man but I hope their faith remains strong.

They are. I worked as a bartender a few years ago and they would routinely have celebrations in the place I bartended. They would always be so nice and make sure I got to try some of their food. When leaving they were always so thankful. On a Sunday I had to prepare the place for the following day when it would be a lot busier and if they had an event they would always have everyone helping out to get the place ready. There is clearly bad, unkind, rude Philipino people but in my experience they have been brilliant.

nc6000 · 22-05-2018 10:46PM

Suckit wrote: »

FWIW the IT were not the only ones reporting that. I think most sources had said the same. The journalists were all probably shouting at the Gardai at the same time and misheard that Mark Hennessy was critical.
Also, wasn't another version of the Detective shooting, that he thought she was in the car and that he was going to harm her?

This is usually the problem with "Breaking News" when these events occur. Items are reported as fact before they get properly checked.

The Talking Bread · 22-05-2018 10:47PM

kingofclay wrote: »

They are. I worked as a bartender a few years ago and they would routinely have celebrations in the place I bartended. They would always be so nice and make sure I got to try some of their food. When leaving they were always so thankful. On a Sunday I had to prepare the place for the following day when it would be a lot busier and if they had an event they would always have everyone helping out to get the place ready. There is clearly bad, unkind, rude Thai people but in my experience they have been brilliant.

I'm not sure what Thai people have to do with it. But I am assuming you meant Filipino, yeah?

But, yes, I agree with the rest.

EDIT: I see you edited it now!

kingofclay · 22-05-2018 10:49PM

Why is it Philippines but filipino as a nationality? :O I knew it looked wrong. And yeah, I brained that for a second.

iamwhoiam · 22-05-2018 10:54PM

The Filipino community have been a major asset in our health system . They are fantastic nurses and carers and it was a privilege to work with Filipino people

The Talking Bread · 22-05-2018 11:03PM

kingofclay wrote: »

Why is it Philippines but filipino as a nationality? :O I knew it looked wrong. And yeah, I brained that for a second.

Here is a but about why.

They are a really interesting country and the history of the Spanish invasion is so interesting. People are always surprised with the Spanish names they have

"The people of the Philippines are called Filipinos. Why not Philippinos?
The reason probably has something to do with the origin of the term Filipino. Whereas the islands have had the Spanish name Islas Filipinas ever since the 1540s, and this was obviously anglicized to Philippine Islands at an early date, the term Filipino was not used to describe the inhabitants until quite recently. It was first used for themselves in the 1880s by the urbanized rich of Spanish descent who were born in the islands ("principales") and the "creoles", who had less status than those born in Spain ("Peninsulares"). The indigenous inhabitants were termed "Indios" by the colonial elite. Filipino nationalism grew originally amongst the "ilustrados", "principales" and "creoles". Only with some reluctance, and largely as a result of the activities of working-class nationalists such as Andres Bonifacio in the 1890s, were the "Indios" included in the nationalist movement, and by the time of the insurrection of 1898 the term Filipino had come to be applied to all the inhabitants of the islands. The term would have become current in English through the Americans, who betrayed the Filipino revolution of 1898 and established their own colonial rule, but co-opted the 'Filipino' elite into the colonial system, promoting it through a policy of 'Filipinization'.
Philip Bowler, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The name of the islands goes back to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, and hence there was time for the anglicisation of the spelling. The term 'Filipino' only goes back to the late 19th century, and the original spelling was perhaps kept because of its political connotation."

kingofclay · 22-05-2018 11:04PM

That's a good point about him just stepping out. However, by the looks of things he is only recently in a relationship. I think his wife is from Wales(based on reports) so maybe he only knows her a few years based on the age of the children. A psychologist was on Newstalk and said the fact he used that method of murder suggests he has done this before, a more instinctive 'natural' way would be to use a blunt object.

None of this makes sense. I can't believe that he was cruising around randomly on a late Saturday afternoon and just happened to stumble upon Jastine. It's frightening to think some girl could have been in his line of sight only for him to decide last minute to keep going. Sadly for Jastine, she was the one he went for.

STB. · 22-05-2018 11:08PM

Subtle wrote: »

Please note that the following comments are not intended to start a war but... am I the only one uncomfortable with this new fund-raising trend in these situations? I would be ok with it if there was a target set on day 1 of what was needed to help the family wrt funeral costs and so on, but it seems to be turning into a guilt money thing (as if to literally 'pay our respects').

There is no doubt that gofundme can be abused or set up for stupid and out of touch scenarios.

This is not such an scenario. Its an extraordinary scenario where an only child oiginally from a foreign country who came here to join her mother and father in a small village in Ireland only to be pulled into a vehicle and murdered and dumped in a secluded area by some headcase.

Its a chilling scenario that resonates with many parents and any sane person. It sends a clear message of support from the people of this country as well as the Filipino community here. It wont bring anyone back, but it was clearly set up in good faith with a fairly reasonable target. That the target has been greatly exceeded shows the level of support and outrage of Irish people.

Subtle wrote: »

Money will ultimately not bring any happiness to her family. Granted it will help in terms of funeral costs and getting relatives over here etc. but beyond that I'm not even sure how comfortable a family would be to accept or use the excess.

It could be said that its the least of their worries and none of your business.

22-05-2018 11:17PM

Suckit wrote: »

And then go out the same night, possibly within the same 30 minutes, and act normal! :mad::mad::mad::mad:

Is this even true? I've seen it written as Gospel a few times but what's the source?

strandroad · 22-05-2018 11:22PM

Omackeral wrote: »

Is this even true? I've seen it written as Gospel a few times but what's the source?

Reported in the media that he went out in Ballybrack on Saturday.
The video circulated online is older and taken elsewhere.

Gardaí are also investigating reports that Hennessy was socialising in a pub in the Ballybrack area on Saturday night.
It is believed he went drinking just hours after Ms Valdez's abduction.

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/jastine-valdez-case-garda-reveal-new-details-of-mark-hennessys-movements-over-weekend-36935071.html

22-05-2018 11:25PM

Brazen scumbag.

Just would like to also say that I've had nothing but positive interactions with Filipino people when ever I've met them, whether on a personal or professional basis. Always very warm and gentle folks.

SirChenjin · 22-05-2018 11:28PM

iamwhoiam wrote: »

The Filipino community have been a major asset in our health system . They are fantastic nurses and carers and it was a privilege to work with Filipino people

Just watching the news tonight, and some of the people interviewed were probably around Jastine's age, and they seemed so gentle and lovely...I can imagine her being similar to them.

Heartbreaking.

Franz Von Peppercorn · 22-05-2018 11:30PM

Omackeral wrote: »

Brazen scumbag.

Just would like to also say that I've had nothing but positive interactions with Filipino people when ever I've met them, whether on a personal or professional basis. Always very warm and gentile folks.

100% on that.

kingofclay · 22-05-2018 11:31PM

It's weird in that they are universally regarded as lovely but then Manilla has such a bad rep.

Pretzill · 22-05-2018 11:53PM

Had a horrible thought - that the fact this excuse for a person murdered now was because he would be facing a drink driving charge and a ban from driving for possibly years. I have a horrible feeling he has attempted or succeeded before. A predator.

What a truly awful thing to do. RIP Jastine.

Strazdas · 23-05-2018 12:01AM

SirChenjin wrote: »

Just watching the news tonight, and some of the people interviewed were probably around Jastine's age, and they seemed so gentle and lovely...I can imagine her being similar to them.

Heartbreaking.

I was reading in the one of the articles from people who knew Jastine at Tallaght IT that she was a very quiet and gentle girl and intelligent too.

I think one of the most distressing aspects of this case is someone so vulnerable and harmless coming up against a crazed maniac, she never stood a chance.

Raging_Ninja · 23-05-2018 12:05AM

chicorytip wrote: »

I don't believe that claim would be upheld in a court of law in Ireland. Take a hypotethical situation: If I were accosted in a dark alley by a knife wielding drug addict intent on robbing me, removed my legally held revolver from my coat pocket and blew his brains out, what would the likely outcome be for myself? A first degree murder charge, that's what. All police forces should be entitled to use firearms in dangerous situations but, I strongly believe, in a proportionate manner to the level of risk involved.

No such thing as "first degree murder" in this jurisdiction.

The law here is "reasonable force". If you believe that your life (or the life of another) was in immediate danger and you had no way of reasonably escaping then you would be within your rights to shoot him (were the laws here such that you could have a legally-owned revolver on your person while you are just wandering the streets) or to use as much force as necessary to stop the threat.

So, the question become - do you believe a person charging a Garda poses a deadly threat? The objective answer is yes. Here is a similar scenario in the UK which ended in a dead unarmed policeman: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/mar/22/parliament-attack-police-officer-four-dead-westminster

Similarly you have this case, where an unarmed police officer attempted to subdue a mentally ill man with a knife and was stabbed to death: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Jonathan_Henry

I find it interesting that you keep ignoring the Honduras example and I will continue to urge you to look it up as it show how quickly things can go terrifyingly wrong. The google search terms are "honduras police vs knife video". The video is on youtube.

Will I Am Not · 23-05-2018 01:13AM

There should be severe sanctions for media outlets that report totally false information like the IT did in cases like this.

Trasna1 · 23-05-2018 01:36AM

Will I Am Not wrote: »

There should be severe sanctions for media outlets that report totally false information like the IT did in cases like this.

Yeah, the severe sanction should be that people stop buying their paper and visiting their site.

TomOnBoard · 23-05-2018 06:56AM

This morning's news reports are depicting Hennessy as someone who's been out of his head for some time before Saturday. There's also reports that he was fuelled up on coke on Saturday night on top of whatever booze he was taking, and again on Sunday morning.

What a tragedy that someone who was in such a tailspin came across that poor woman. She had no chance!!

Stonedpilot · 23-05-2018 07:32AM

TomOnBoard wrote: »

This morning's news reports are depicting Hennessy as someone who's been out of his head for some time before Saturday. There's also reports that he was fuelled up on coke on Saturday night on top of whatever booze he was taking, and again on Sunday morning.

What a tragedy that someone who was in such a tailspin came across that poor woman. She had no chance!!

Dont like this no chance talk.

Exact same report states she fought for her life gallantly.

The report came after a drug dealer contacted Gardai. He/she could be very fast and loose with the truth.

Apocalypticism · 23-05-2018 07:38AM

I saw some article which said 10 minutes after the kidnapping 3 gardai cars and a chopper were looking for the car. I think 3 cars is not enough it should be like 50 omg

The Talking Bread · 23-05-2018 07:48AM

TomOnBoard wrote: »

This morning's news reports are depicting Hennessy as someone who's been out of his head for some time before Saturday. There's also reports that he was fuelled up on coke on Saturday night on top of whatever booze he was taking, and again on Sunday morning.

What a tragedy that someone who was in such a tailspin came across that poor woman. She had no chance!!

It's easy for the rags to squeeze the life out of the story of Hennessy now that he is dead by adding little "sensationalist " branches to the story now. These are the headlines their target market want to hear.
Tomorrow they will be talking about a "witness " who told them that he used to take regular drives to the same direction.

Redo91 · 23-05-2018 08:09AM

pjohnson wrote: »

Basically every "expert" and "friend of a garda" was completely wrong on every count.

Was that person who said their Garda friend said they were having an affair banned I wonder? That was a disgraceful post.

whiskeyman · 23-05-2018 08:33AM

Paul Williams made a good point, as much as I don't like him.
Why didn't the Gardai give a press conference of their operations thus far, and provide updates?
During any incident in the Uk, they'll always give updates to the media on their operations.
This would help kill a lot of the speculation.

Stonedpilot · 23-05-2018 08:39AM

whiskeyman wrote: »

Paul Williams made a good point, as much as I don't like him.
Why didn't the Gardai give a press conference of their operations thus far, and provide updates?
During any incident in the Uk, they'll always give updates to the media on their operations.
This would help kill a lot of the speculation.

Probably be speculation regardless.

Funny Williams saying this. Made his career out of speculation and sensationalism.

suilegorma · 23-05-2018 08:42AM

I live near the area MH was driving around on Sat evening and very close to where poor Jastine was found. I was walking home on Sat evening with my three yo around the time the abduction happened. This terrifies me. I generally don't worry about the bogeyman beyond taking reasonable precautions, and in fact was just having a conversation on Sat with someone about cotton wool kids. But now I've shifted perspective.

tretorn · 23-05-2018 08:45AM

Apocalypticism wrote: »

I saw some article which said 10 minutes after the kidnapping 3 gardai cars and a chopper were looking for the car. I think 3 cars is not enough it should be like 50 omg

I dont think the site where Jastine was abducted from was searched until the following morning at daybreak.

If the phone had been found very quickly after she had been abducted then it could immediately have been established that she was missing.

I wonder did he follow her from Bray, he lived in Bray and may have followed the bus from there. It seems very co incidental that he lived in Bray, his victim worked in Bray and she was killed minutes after she got off a bus taking her home from her workplace.

I suppose CCTV would be able to check if he followed the bus.

He sounds poor evil.

I feel so sorry for his wife, his children, his parents and siblings.

But most of all feel so terribly sad for Jastine and her family. She must have died in total terror.

McMurphy · 23-05-2018 08:48AM

Omackeral wrote: »

Is this even true? I've seen it written as Gospel a few times but what's the source?

Seems to be true according to reports this morning (newstalk).

Now, in saying that, there's been no absolute confirmation about the video taken in the bar, but if is from Saturday night, that's chilling .

Absolutely chilling.

Sunflower 27 · 23-05-2018 08:52AM

suilegorma wrote: »

I live near the area MH was driving around on Sat evening and very close to where poor Jastine was found. I was walking home on Sat evening with my three yo around the time the abduction happened. This terrifies me. I generally don't worry about the bogeyman beyond taking reasonable precautions, and in fact was just having a conversation on Sat with someone about cotton wool kids. But now I've shifted perspective.

Really? Awful and frightening as this whole situation is, I'm no more afraid.

Jastine Valdez found dead. No Ana discussion please. Mod warning post 1

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