Tuesday, January 08, 2008

JUSTICE for Jennifer Skurow

This is not just about another murder, it’s about JUSTICE for a 32 year old female who was more than a victim. Jennifer Skurow, loved and admired by her Family, Friends, Co-Workers, Blog Readers…:

SKUROW, Jennifer Online Obit

(Published in the Charleston Post & Courier on 10/12/2006)

Jennifer Jean Skurow, age 32, of Hanahan, SC, died on Saturday, October 7, 2006. Jennifer was born in Orlando, FL and moved to South Carolina at a very young age. She attended Men-Riv Elementary, Marrington Middle School and Goose Creek High School, Goose Creek, SC and graduated with honors. Jennifer was employed by Perkins Restaurant and Bakery. While in high school, Jennifer volunteered in the school library where she developed her love for literature and poetry. Jennifer's favorite poet was Robert Frost and she often inspired others with her gifts of poetry. She authored several poems and was honored in Washington D.C. for her writings. Jennifer also loved movies, music, dancing, hockey, the beach and hanging out with her friends. Jennifer is survived by her father David (Cathy) Skurow of Portland, TX; her mother Carol Foote Skurow of Orlando, FL; her sister Bonnie Skurow of Corpus Christi, TX; her stepsister Stephanie Miller of Portland, TX; her uncles Howard (Debbie) Skurow, Michael (Virginia) Skurow, Allen (Ann) Skurow, David Foote and Matt Foote all of Orlando. She is also survived by maternal grandfather, Roger Foote of Orlando, nephew Andrew and numerous friends. Jennifer is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Joseph and Beatrice, and her maternal grandmother, Barbara and her uncle George Skurow. A memorial service for Jennifer will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2006 at All Faiths Funeral Home, 4901 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to the South Carolina Victims Assistance Network, 1900 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. The family would like to thank Jennifer's friends and co-workers at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and the South Carolina Police Department for their support and assistance. " . . . Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Robert Frost CAROLINA MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, IN ASSOCIATION WITH ALL FAITHS FUNERAL HOME, IS SERVING THE SKUROW FAMILY WITH FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.

Jennifer Skurow introduced me to the art of blogging and every since I started my blog site Binding Ink on July 2006 - Thanks to her, I have had a dedication to Jennifer at the end of my blog page.

15 months to the date of Jennifer Skurow’s murder, the alleged murderer is now going to trial. In search for a reliable News source, I found Jenny Fisher, Crime Reporter at Count on 2 News (WCBD-TV 2 NBC) here in Charleston, SC. Below is a copy of her online article covering this long awaited court case. Jenny Fisher acknowledges all aspects of this heart-wrenching tragedy, from the alleged murderer to the Family of Jennifer Skurow. Some details I could have done without knowing. However; if Jenny Fisher’s coverage is any indication of the court proceedings, I believe JUSTICE for Jennifer Skurow will be found.

Murder Trial
Perkins Restaurant Murder

Monday, Jan 07, 2008 - 02:30 PM Updated: 06:54 PM

By Jenny Fisher

The murder trial for a man accused of killing his boss inside a Perkins restaurant is now officially underway. Attorneys on both sides delivered opening arguments to a jury Monday afternoon. The solicitor says Dominic Derricotte intentionally executed his boss in front of the safe, with shots to the head and neck.

Derricotte's attorney says his client is innocent...and served in the army reserves. Yet, the attorneys agreed that the case focuses on what happened inside a Perkins restaurant. 15 months ago, the Perkins Restaurant on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston went from a place of family dining to terror during an armed robbery.

The store closed at one a.m. and an hour later, only one employee and the manager remained in the store. Police say that's when Derricotte broke through the restaurant's fire door. Employee Alvin Story called 911. News 2 aired a portion of the call in the following dialogue. Operator: "North Charleston 911 Operator 2." Story: "Yeah, we're being armed robbed. I'm at Perkins on Rivers Avenue. He's got a gun. He's shot 2 times already." Operator: "Is he still there?" Witness: "I don't know. I'm in the back hiding. Please hurry." Witness: "Please hurry. I think he's going to kill me. Please hurry." Operator: "Was he a white male or black male?" Witness: "I don't know. He's coming now. I got to go. Bye."

Police charged Dominic Derricotte of North Charleston with armed robbery and murder. He worked at Perkins as a dishwasher. Police say he broke into the restaurant and shot and killed his manager, 32 Year-Old Jennifer Skurow. Afterwards, police say Derricotte fled to Stafford County, Virginia where authorities arrested and extradited him to Charleston. When he returned, Derricotte told waiting News 2 reporters, "check it out, I'm innocent. Innocent."

Now, after more than a year of waiting, a jury will decide whether Derricotte is innocent or guilty of murdering his boss.

When Dericotte entered the courtroom, he gave a two fingered wave, then sat down quietly. Jennifer Skurow's family members were in the courtroom, but declined to comment. A family friend told News 2's Jenny Fisher that the past year has been difficult for the Skurow's, especially since Jennifer knew Derricotte since childhood and even gave him rides home from work.

You can count on 2 to keep you updated on this case and the jury's decision.

Permission to reprint article “Perkins Restaurant Murder” granted to BindingInk.org by Jenny Fisher and the Station, Count on 2 News (WCBD-TV 2 NBC).

Related Posts: Trial in killing, robbery begins By Schuyler Kropf at The Post and Courier; Tuesday, January 8, 2008

6 comments:

Jos said...

Jeane Michelle, this is so sad..
Our hearts are with you.

-Jos

ndpthepoetress Jean Michelle Culp said...

Thank you Jos

Cooper said...

This is very sad, one just never knows.

My heart goes out to you as well.

ndpthepoetress Jean Michelle Culp said...

Thank You Cooper>, I was fortunate to know Jennifer, though briefly Friends; we were also Co-Workers at another place of Employment. My concern is more for her Family whom must endure this trial and her many other Friends in life and the blogosphere. Seeking the focus on the Person and Justice - which may have been achieved rather quickly, however; I’ve yet to confirm.

Anonymous said...

I was in high school w/ Jennifer and reconnected w/her briefly before her death. This was a beautiful life cut short, I can only imagine the pain of losing a sister or child. Especially Jennifer.

ndpthepoetress Jean Michelle Culp said...

Thank You scarlettbegonia353 for sharing this. How fortunate you had the opportunity to reconnected with Jen. Though I only knew her briefly, I was at least among the many Co-Workers that were blessed to know her. Truly though, a most sadden tragedy for her Family as all our hearts continue to extended to them embraces of care and concern.

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