From: Vance, Paul [mailto:Paul.Vance@ct.

gov] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 4:35 PM To: Jeff Mill Subject: RE: ATTN: Lt. Vance - Kotula family reaction

Jeff, I truly believe a grieving family does not fully understand the process of a proper law enforcement investigation into a death. The Trooper investigating Tpr. Jesudowich has maintained contact with the daughter and son-inlaw of the victim. He was recently in contact with Caleb (the son in law) who inquired as when Carmens belongings could be returned to the family. Trooper Jesudowich informed Caleb that her belongings would have to be released through TFC Keith Asman the Troop L Evidence Officer but he that her belongings would not be released pending the Medical Examiners findings along with the culmination of the investigation to include the Major Crime report. This is in order to err on the side of caution in case it is determined that the cause of death is something other than a suicide or natural death. The daughter said Now its a crime scene Im told it wasnt. Trooper Jesudowich tried to explain to her that the cause of death could not be immediately determined at the scene and that it why we are conducting a thorough investigation and it is not that we are withholding information we just dont have any and speculation in these types of cases is not prudent. Trooper Jesudowich also tried to ascertain from the daughter more information as to her mothers actions prior to her disappearance and she stated something to the effect of I am not giving you anymore information until you give me information. Someone said you found the body hours earlier than when you told me. Trooper Jesudowich tried to explain that people have scanners the press was aware we were searching and may have jumped to conclusions as to her identity but it is State Police policy not to notify the family until positive identification was made so a tragic mistake is not made and the wrong family is notified. Please keep in mind that we were the ASSISTING agency in the investigation and it was Cromwell Police Department who would be responsible for the death notification to the family. In regards to the comment that her mother was not a number, they totally missed the ball on this one that is categorically untrue. Once her vehicle was found and it was determined that she was possibly in the area of the Appalachian Trail, we marshaled our resources that day. We had several State Police dog teams searching for her (in the snow and cold and dangerous conditions ) until dark along with our Helicopter Trooper 1 searching from the air. The search was then resumed early the next morning with more State Police dog teams saturating the area, along with DEEP personnel on quads, Trooper and the State Police Dive Team check the river. Every search tactic available was utilized. The search was suspended due to weather conditions (snow) on Wednesday. After Apollo (her chocolate lab) was found, the search was then resumed again utilizing dog teams. In response to the comment that we dont assist civilian searches we dont due to liability reasons. We were back out there looking for her in hopes that we would find her and spare the family the trauma of finding her. At no time was she treated like a number. There were professional personnel who were putting in long hours in harsh conditions making every effort to find her and help bring closure to the family.

In response to the comment about the GPS coordinates, Trooper Jesudowich explained to the family that he did not have the exact gps coordinates but could show them on google maps where her body was found. They wanted someone from the Troop to walk them out and show them the exact spot. However, it is approximately 2 miles of rough terrain which would take about an hour walk. Caleb (the son in law) left Trooper Jesudowich a message. He has called him back but his voice mail is full. He states has spoken to the family about a dozen times over a the past week and a half but they are not satisfied partly because they dont understand the process. Sgt Roach talked to the son in law on the night the body was discovered and offered his condolences. He stated if he had any questions to call him. He asked about belongings that night and he was told the credit cards and money could be returned earlier than other items and even went so far as to put these items on separate form to facilitate the return of that property. I hope this helps. Lt Vance