Don't Open the Door: A Tragedy That Changed a Neighborhood and Hearts

By Linda Lonsdorf

Nikki Morino, age fifteen, is found dead in her foyer. The crime scene is quite clean, but evidence points to murder. Jared Davis, a nineteen-year-old Down syndrome and mentally challenged neighbor, is the prime suspect. Until the forensic report comes back, the Akron Police Department hesitates to make an arrest. Neighbors are fearful for their safety, and as prejudice escalates, so does the victimization of the Davises. Doug Conrad and his investigative team are hired to solve the case. Meanwhile, two CT prison escapees target Donna Gifford, a Conrad investigator, putting her life in danger. It is doubtful whether help will reach her in time. Conrads life is in upheaval once again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499060102

Book preview

Chapter 1

J ared Davis was suffering from a summer cold, a contagious cough, and a sore throat. Dr. Fillmore, the family physician, suggested that Jared not go to school for several days. Jared attended Weaver School for the mentally and developmentally disabled year round, Monday through Friday. It was nearing the final week of August and the other children in their neighborhood who attended public school would be starting back in four days.

Jared was born with Down syndrome. From the time he was born, he had a team of health problems. Seemingly minor infections in children of Down syndrome are to be treated quickly and monitored continuously, according to Dr. Fillmore. Almost one-half of babies with Down syndrome are born with a congenital heart disease and Jared had been in that group. Fortunately, his heart defect was minor and could be treated with medication. About 70 percent of children with Down have hearing loss and are prone to get a lot of ear infections. Jared also fell in to that category, so Phil and Lisa constantly had to stay on top of his ear and respiratory infections.

Later, as Jared grew, physical, occupational, and speech therapists were added to his repertoire of medical caregivers. So much care was going to be required for his entire life that Phil and Lisa decided not to have other children and to devote all of their love, effort, and attention to Jared. They wanted him to have as much quality to his life as possible. They wanted him to always feel loved and to feel protected. However, because he had so many health issues from birth, both Phil and Lisa worked. His medical bills could pile up quickly and be overwhelming without two incomes.

They were told Jared would never have mental capacities above a five- or six-year-old, so when he couldn’t attend school Monday due to this illness, Phil’s father, Papa George as Jared called him, would come over and babysit him for the day. George was a widower and was totally committed to Jared. He was so patient and kind to Jared who totally adored his Papa George. Papa himself had a cold and cough and was taking a prescription cough medicine, so something was clearly going around in the family.

George was seventy-six years old and so lonesome since his wife, Opal, had died. He thought statistically he would die long before Opal and had even prepared financially for a high life insurance payout for Opal upon his death. He never dreamed she would go first, but she had died suddenly with no warning. The days could be long and the nights even longer, but he was thrilled when he was able to care for Jared. It gave purpose to his life. He was grateful he could be of help to Phil and Lisa on the occasions when Jared was ill and unable to go to his special school. He and Jared had a special relationship.

It didn’t take much to entertain Jared since he was simple-minded, but the two shared a deep love and profound admiration for each other. Jared was always in a great mood. He would get so excited about almost everything he saw or heard. Jared really made him and everyone around him see things through his childlike eyes and with renewed excitement. He was truly a joy to be around, and it seemed like everyone who knew Jared loved him.

People could immediately recognize his special needs and made every effort to make Jared feel loved. He had never been ill-treated as far as the Davis family knew, and no one had better ever maltreat Jared or they would have to answer to Papa George!

Chapter 2

P apa put on some of his favorite CDs and sat down in Phil’s favorite rocker recliner after having wrestled around on the floor with Jared until both had started coughing and realized it was time to stop and take a break. George had taken Rezira about twenty-five minutes before, which was the cough medicine his doctor had prescribed for him.

Without realizing it, Papa George fell fast asleep. Jared was sitting on the floor about six feet away from Papa and had been playing with his Legos when he saw through the front picture window a white truck with purple and red on it pull up to their house. A man in a navy blue uniform stepped out of the truck and was heading for their front door. Jared tried to wake Papa to tell him about the man at the door, just like his mom told him to, but he couldn’t get Papa to wake up.

Jared knew right from wrong, and when he got confused by certain situations or was afraid to make a mistake, his hands would begin to flap and he would walk around in circles. He heard a knock on the door. He looked back to see if Papa George was awakened by the knock, but he wasn’t, so Jared decided to answer the door. Reluctantly, Jared went to the door and opened it.

I have a package here for Lisa Davis, said the FedEx courier. This was the first time this FedEx employee had covered this particular route. He could tell immediately that this young man most likely wouldn’t be able to sign his name to the form, so he asked him to merely put an X on the line. While Jared was very slowly and awkwardly forming an X on the required line and feeling quite important, Jack, their five-year-old Jack Russell terrier slipped out of the house and began running across the yard.

The FedEx man tried to grab the dog but Jack was too quick for him.

Sorry about that, bud, said the FedEx employee.

Jack, get bwack here now! Jack! yelled Jared.

Jared stepped back in to the house, holding the small box that had just been delivered. He walked over to Papa to tell him about Jack’s escape but Papa was snoring so loudly, he couldn’t wake him. Jared began flapping his hands again and walking around the room, unsure what he should do. He loved Jack and was afraid he’d get lost. If he lost Jack, he didn’t know what he’d do. His mom and dad would be very upset with him too.

Jared’s gait was quite unstable but out the front door he went to pursue Jack. He spotted the terrier three doors down in the Jefferson’s front yard, but he was still on the run. The next house was the Morino home.

As Jared began to clumsily pick up speed, he noticed that Morinos’ front door was ajar and he saw Jack run right inside the house. He could hear Jack barking, which he loved to do, especially when he was getting petted or getting a treat. The breed was noted for its speed, its unmatched enthusiasm for running and rabbiting or chasing just about anything, and for its intelligence. Jared got to the front door and pushed it open with his hands while walking in to the house.

His friend Nikki lived there. She was fifteen years old and was Jared’s friend. On numerous occasions she would make chocolate chip cookies for Jared and bring them over and then sit and talk to him. He loved her cookies. When school started back on Wednesday, he wouldn’t get to see her as often.

Much to his surprise, Jared found Nikki sleeping on the foyer floor near the opening leading to the living room. She was lying on her back. Both of her parents were at work. If they had been home, they probably wouldn’t have let her sleep in the middle of the floor.

Nikki, if you that seepy, you need to go to bed, said Jared.

He knelt down beside her and noticed her head was positioned kind of funny. Jack was standing near her head barking his head off.

Jared touched Nikki’s arm and it felt rather cool.

Quiet, Jack! Jared looked around and into the living room, which was right off the foyer, and saw a white and blue afghan tossed over a stuffed reading chair. He went over to it and began to unfold it to cover Nikki. He grabbed a couch pillow while he was there and decided to place it under her head. If she was going to sleep on the floor, she should at least be comfortable.

While he was covering her body with the afghan, he noticed Jack licking what looked like some blood on the side of her mouth. She must have bitten her tongue while sleeping. Jared had done that many times while he was sleeping too. Surely Nikki would wake up to all that licking, but she didn’t. He decided to go in to the kitchen and wet a paper towel. He returned to Nikki’s side and tried to gently wipe the dried blood off her lips. He couldn’t get it all. Even with all that, Nikki still didn’t stir. He had no idea she was such a deep sleeper, but his mom always said he was one too.

Jared was afraid Papa would wake up and not know where he and Jack were, so he thought it best to get home. He put the bloodied paper towel in his pocket, picked his barking dog up in his arms and headed for home. He shut their front door so no other dogs would walk in on her.

The neighbor lady across the street, Enola Murdock, whose name he didn’t know at the time, saw Jared leaving the Morino home. She was curious about Jared, for she had not seen him walking the streets alone nor was he usually home in the daytime.

Chapter 3

K aren Morino was a real estate agent for Howard Hanna and had planned on coming home to take Nikki out for lunch. Once school started, their girl time together would be limited. She was looking forward to taking Nikki to Red Robin at The Strip for her favorite Red Robin burger and a chocolate milkshake. She also planned to take her shopping for some last-minute school clothes. They could literally shop until they dropped!

Karen pushed her car genie button and waited for the garage door to rise. She drove in to the garage and entered the house through their mudroom and kitchen calling out to Nikki.

Hey, sweet girl! You ready for lunch and an afternoon of delightful shopping?

No answer.

Nikki? she called out again.

Karen walked hurriedly in to the living room and immediately saw Nikki lying on the foyer floor. How strange. A pillow was under her head and the afghan Karen’s mother had made for her last Christmas was covering Nikki. Had Nikki gotten sick?

Nikki, what on earth are you do—

Karen saw the dried blood on her mouth and her skin looked dark. She dropped to her knees beside her daughter and knew immediately she was dead, even before she felt for a pulse in her neck. Her body was cold and getting rigid. She wasn’t breathing. Karen screamed and rushed to the phone to dial 911.

What is your emergency?

This is Karen Morino on Shelton Drive. I just came home for lunch and found my daughter on the floor. I’m sure… she’s dead! she said between sobs. We need help… Please come quickly! Karen screamed out.

Is she breathing? asked the dispatcher.

No! She’s not breathing, and there’s no pulse!

Has she been ill, Karen? asked the dispatcher.

No. She’s a healthy fifteen-year-old. I found her on the floor. I don’t know what’s happened. She’s covered with an afghan and there’s a pillow under her head. She has blood around her mouth.

Are all of your doors locked, ma’am?

I don’t know. What difference does that make? Please hurry! Please! Karen cried out in desperation.

Mrs. Morino, I want you to get out of the house and stand by the road in front of your house. Are there any signs of a break in?

What? Uh, no. None that I can see. I’ve only been on the main floor.

Mrs. Morino, go to the front of your house and wait for the police and the paramedics. They should be arriving any minute.

Karen ran out the front door and realized it was unlocked. She heard the sirens close by and knew help would soon arrive. She felt faint, overwhelmed with confusion and fear. She needed to call Rob. Oh, God, this can’t be happening to us. It can’t be!

Karen fast dialed her husband’s cell phone. After the third ring, Rob picked up.

Yeah, Karen? I’m in a meeting now. Can I call you back in about thirty minutes?

Rob… Rob… she cried.

Karen? What’s wrong? Are you all right?

You need to come home.

What’s going on, Karen? Can it wait for just an hour?

No… no it can’t! You… you need to come home… NOW! She was sobbing and clearly hysterical.

Karen, I’m leaving the office now. What is it? What’s happening? Rob could hear the sirens now in the background.

It’s Nikki. I think she’s dead.

Oh, God, no. What’s happened?

I don’t know yet. She sobbed. Get here fast!

I’m on my way, Karen. As he hung up the phone, Rob saw the people in the meeting sitting frozen in their seats, staring at him. While unsure of what was happening, they all had ascertained from his side of the conversation that it was something awful. Fear and sympathy were showing on their faces.

What’s happened, Rob? What can we do to help?

Don’t know. My daughter may be dead.

Rob tried to hold back the tears. He didn’t bother to grab his attaché case but quickly grabbed his suit coat off the back of his chair and rushed out of the room. On his way out of the office he said to his secretary, Family emergency, Tess. I won’t be back the rest of the day! Don’t call me for any reason. I’ll get back with you sometime today if I can. Cancel all of my appointments for the day.

Yes, Mr. Morino, said Tess rather confused. She had never seen Mr. Morino like this before and had no idea what had precipitated his walking out of the meeting.

Chapter 4

K aren Morino was standing by their mailbox weeping. As soon as the emergency vehicles with their lights flashing were spotted, she began to stand in the road and wave hysterically to get their attention.

Two deputy sheriff cars came, followed by an EMS vehicle. As soon as they exited their cars, Karen began to tell them about finding her daughter on the floor and how she hadn’t been sick.

The paramedics were instructed to wait outside until the deputies went inside and made sure the home was secured and safe for their entry, in case this turned out to be a crime scene. The EMS team tried to glean as much information from Karen as they could about her daughter, Nikki, while standing in the front yard. Just because the lady believed her daughter to be dead didn’t necessarily make it so. Oftentimes a feint pulse can’t be detected and people are prone to panic quickly. Foul play had not yet been determined. Mrs. Morino did tell them that she did find the front door unlocked.

The officers had their guns drawn as they entered the home. Several minutes later, which seemed like an eternity to Karen, they motioned for the paramedics to enter the home. Karen was told to remain outside and one of the deputies remained with her.

A few neighbors began to come out of their homes and slowly walk over to Karen. Of course, they were curious as to what was going on. With all of the deputies and paramedics here, it couldn’t be good. The Morinos were great neighbors, good people. What could possibly be going on?

Deputy Scott Bulgrin came out of the house and beckoned Karen to meet him by the front door, which he carefully blocked. Just then, Rob pulled in to the driveway and Karen ran to him. Rob quickly exited the car and put both arms around Karen as she sobbed. The deputy followed behind her and stood in silence for a few moments. This wasn’t going to be easy.

I’m Deputy Scott Bulgrin. You are Mr. Morino?

Yes, Rob Morino. Nikki’s dad. What’s going on, Deputy?

We’ve made arrangements with your neighbor, Mrs. Wilcox, to use her home so that we may speak privately to you. If we could go o–

This is my home and my daughter is in there. Why can’t we go in to my home and talk? I want to see Nikki. Right now! said Rob. Karen was holding on to Rob’s arm with a look of assent on her face.

I’m afraid we can’t let you in to the home right now, Mr. Morino. I’m so sorry. Your daughter is dead.

Oh, God! No! No… not Nikki! Please, dear God, no! Rob cried out.

"Your home is a crime scene, so we can’t allow you to enter the home or you could perhaps contaminate some important evidence needed to find the person or persons who did this. We definitely believe your daughter was murdered. We are waiting for the crime scene investigators to arrive with their team. Mrs. Morino, could you make a positive identification of Nikki?

Yes, yes, of course it was our daughter.

All right. I know this is a nightmare for you both, but we really need to talk to you privately and get some information.

Both Karen and Rob nodded and waited for the officer’s lead.

They walked in to Mrs. Wilcox’s home, their neighbor to the right. Mrs. Wilcox was eighty years old and a very sharp lady. She agreed to sit outside on her porch out of earshot while the deputies spoke with the Morinos. She was not told what had happened, but the sheriff had told her it was important that they speak to the Morinos in a safe and friendly environment, and they hinted that something very bad had happened. It didn’t take her long to figure out that something bad had happened to Nikki. The looks on the faces of the Morinos told her Nikki was probably dead.

Karen and Rob sat on the living room couch holding hands, both were weeping quietly. Anguish was on their faces. Deputy Bulgrin first introduced himself to the Morinos and then extended his deepest sympathies to them. He then began:

Mrs. Morino, can you tell me how you discovered your daughter and what you saw when you walked in to your home. Please try to be as specific as you can be.

I came in to our house through the garage. I called out to Nikki because we were going to be leaving together for a lunch date at Red Robin. She didn’t answer me when I called out to her. I thought it odd, and when I walked from the kitchen in to our living room, I saw her on the foyer floor. She was lying on her back with her head on a pillow and our afghan draped across her body. She looked like she was sleeping, but I could tell something didn’t look right.

Rob, hearing this for the first time interrupted. He was also confused.

That doesn’t describe a brutal crime scene. How can you determine so quickly she’s been murdered? She was lying on the floor. How do you know she didn’t get sick and merely lie down right there on the floor?

Mr. Morino. Mrs. Morino. Her neck may have been broken and it appears she has been strangled. That will be determined by the medical examiner, of course, but we’re pretty sure that will be the finding.

Both Karen and Rob were stunned and left speechless by the news. They put their heads in their hands and just sobbed.

Who would do this to our baby? Who would do this? Rob cried.

Everyone loved Nikki. Everyone! She didn’t have any enemies. She would never let anyone in the house. How could this happen? sobbed Karen.

Those are the answers we will be searching for, Mr. Morino. Mrs. Morino. We need your cooperation to help us. There are no signs of a break in. It is our guess that Nikki did open the door and allow the person to come in. Our experience has been that the victim knew her murderer and knew him or her well.

Can you think of anyone who might have wanted to hurt your daughter? Who may have been angry with her or jealous of her?

No, no one, both answered simultaneously.

Was she communicating with anyone on Facebook that could have been of questionable character? Someone she had befriended but really didn’t know?

"I’m not sure. If she did, we certainly never heard her speak of them. We warned her about that. We told her to never give out important information about herself over the internet. She did know not to do that," responded Karen almost sounding defensively.

We will need to take the computer she uses to check for that. Perhaps if we know who she communicated with via Facebook or Twitter, we might see something that could point to the events of today, Deputy Bulgrin said professionally but cautiously. We will find out who did this to your daughter, so we can’t leave one rock unturned.

As Scott Bulgrin watched these parents, he wasn’t sure they were comprehending everything he was saying. They were so distraught and in shock, he was sure their emotions and disbelief were overwhelming. Wouldn’t they be for any parent?

Just then another deputy poked his head in to the living room and asked to speak to Deputy Bulgrin privately.

One of the neighbors just came up to us and told us she saw a neighbor boy by the name of Jared Davis leaving the Morino house this morning. He was carrying with him his dog. She also told us he was a fairly big guy… and retarded, said Deputy Hillman. We’re going to be going over to the Davis home to question Jared in a few minutes.

So she saw him coming out of the house? asked Bulgrin just to be sure of his facts.

Yes. That’s exactly what she saw and said. Her name is Enola Murdock and she lives directly across the street from the Morinos, so she had a clear view.

Wow. Well, maybe this case will be easier to solve than we thought. I’ll talk to Morinos about this Jared guy and see what their take is on him. Good work, pal.

Deputy Bulgrin returned to the living room. The Morinos were talking softly to one another. Scott couldn’t hear what they were saying.

We have an eyewitness who saw one of your neighbors leaving your house this morning, said Scott.

The Morinos looked stunned at the news.

One of our neighbors? Who? Both parents looked incredulous.

Jared Davis. Scott wanted to see what their initial reaction was to that name.

Both parents shook their head as if to say no before Rob spoke.

"I don’t know what Jared was doing at our house—he’s usually always at school for the developmentally disabled, but he loved Nikki and she loved him. They were wonderful friends. Jared would never hurt Nikki. Of that I’m sure," said Rob.

Scott looked at Karen to see what her reaction was to Rob’s assessment. She looked like she was in total agreement with Rob.

Jared has Down syndrome, explained Karen. He’s a gentle soul who wouldn’t hurt anyone. He and Nikki had a special relationship. Nikki would always make him chocolate chip cookies and take them to him. The two would sit on the porch and talk. Sometimes Nikki would take him for a short walk around the neighborhood. She was so kind to Jared. She was such an altruistic girl, and she had a special place in her heart for handicapped and retarded people.

No, Jared could never hurt Nikki.

Do you have any idea why he would be in your house then?

No, but I do know Nikki would have opened the door for Jared and let him in.

After verbalizing that, both Karen and Rob looked at each other, trying to process the possibility of Jared killing their precious Nikki. Why, it was simply unfathomable. There had to be some explanation.

You need to talk to Jared and find out what he was doing here. He’ll tell you the truth. He is so simple-minded but so incredibly innocent and sweet, said Karen.

Yes, well, I will be going to the home right now to do just that.

"Could it be that Jared had a crush on Nikki and tried to hug her and got too vigorous, accidentally killing her? You know, kind of like the character Lenny in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men?" asked Bulgrin sincerely.

The more they heard this theory, the more perplexed and confused the Morinos felt. It didn’t seem possible, but Nikki was, after all, lying on their foyer floor with a broken neck, and did