horror and suspense author J.H. Its horrible that cruise lines have so much power to do whatever they please and cover up anything that is questionable. That night, Barnett's mother got a phone call she never could have imagined from the ship's nurse. The supervisor said, Just forget it, and do your job. The attendant did as she was told, although nobody ever used the room. Watch Cruise Ship Killers Season 1 A true crime docuseries that chronicles the unfortunate events that take place as unsuspecting travelers board cruise ships and never return home from vacation; interviews from family, friends and experts detail each case. Click Customise Cookies to decline these cookies, make more detailed choices, or learn more. I think it had some cover up because no cruise wants to be the latest in a lost guest. On April 6, 2011, John Halford went missing while aboard Thomson Cruises Thomson Spirit. Youre not the only one who has that theory, Alexgood call. The couple had been high school sweethearts and then broke up. 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. She threw a few things into a bag, intending to buy new things in port. The Royal Caribbeandid contact the FBI, but not until Merrian had been missing for five weeks. During questioning, the school teacher from Los Angeles told investigators he killed his wife "in the bathroom of their cabin with his bare hands," court documents revealed Friday. i too believe she was murdered. Im not saying there wasnt a crime here, but it could just be money hungry corporate goons trying to eliminate hysteria to preserve the almighty bottom line. "He's a great friend, he's great with kids, he's a great dad, he's a great husband," White said. ". The family says Barnett's boyfriend told them he had no idea what happened. I feel the same. This is my theory. The death was reported to Carnival crew members around 8:20 p.m., but authorities have placed the time of Shirley McGill's death about two hours before, according to the court documents. No one collected evidence. He has never been named or located, though many believe he found work on a different ship. 2. Just wanted to comment, I see so many people disparaging cruise lines here, but really how many crimes happen every day to people on land- based vacations? Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased and her family. Their son, Michael Pham, testified before Congress to urge tougher regulation of safety practices on cruise lines. Court records show McGill was divorced from his first wife in 1998 after a 2-year proceeding and then filed for bankruptcy in 2001. Why wasnt the FBI or other authorities given the opportunity to speak to him? She told him she planned to go upstairs later, but did not want to visit the dining room. Friends and neighbors said they were shocked to learn of the charge. Shirley McGills children sounded a different note. 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. How did she disappear? Later that night, he pummeled his wife inside the cabin, then strangled her. ", Jamie, crying, told reporters: "I wake up every morning wishing I could hold her just one more time. display: block; Halfords suitcases were found sitting outside his cabins door, which is required for guests on the last night of the cruise. 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. display: none; 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.. Frustrated, Carverhired one of the largest private investigation firms in the country, but this resulted in more questions than answers. they would have too many lawsuits because they take responsibility for NOTHING. If she walked to the observation deck to commit suicide, she did it in her underwear. Fariba Amani was enjoying a cruise with her boyfriend, Ramiz Golshani, when she mysteriously vanished from the Bahamas Celebration cruise. Your email address will not be published. Finally, feeling out of options, Carver filed a lawsuit against the Royal Caribbean. Some theories claim that she was swept overboard while at the pool. A honeymoon cruise goes awry when the bride is allegedly blown off a balcony in the middle of the night. Allred asked at the news conference. On May 12, a ship employee found two passports, two pairs of flip-flops . A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. They had pleaded with Gonzalez to impose the maximum sentence. A successful businessman takes a luxury cruise with two of his former classmates. They say her body was left with the coroner in Mexico while the cruise, and her boyfriend, continued on. Will we ever know the truth? 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 cover up may not be as mysterious as it seems. What a tragic story. He was initially charged with first-degree murder. Her poor dad. Given the last minute cruise reservation, one outfit, the divorce and losing custody of her daughter, I believe Merriam committed suicide. 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. This is a joke. But when shes found brutally murdered in a lower class cabin, questions revolve around who could have committed such a crime against her. She never got off the boat via record. "That's putting more financial burden on top of the pain and horror that I've caused this family," he added before the hearing resumed. She easily could have been pushedor have jumpedfrom this deck. How much he had is not known, but witnesses said he could barely walk when he returned to the ship. But not everyone returns home from these trips. Through investigating her financial records, the police discovered credit-card charges for the round trip to Seattle and the Alaskan cruise. He killed her and tossed her overboard. A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. They all had a few drinks and decided to hit up some of the nightclubs after dinner. The judge agreed. A professors assistant goes missing at sea near the end of a long voyage. There are other explanations for that, though. Everyone has dark moments in their lives, and its a shame they can be used against us if we go missing. When they asked about his wife, he told them he had killed her, according to court records. Just saw the episode and it was a real eye-opener. This is a very intriguing story but I cant help but think she committed suicide because of what she brought on the cruise with her. In two years of letter writing, White said his friend has never explained why he killed his sweetheart. Frantic, she contacted Kendall Carver, Merrians dad, who reported his daughter missing to the Cambridge, Massachusetts police when he also couldnt reach her. 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says A blood-stained canopy is the only telltale sign of a young mans fate, leaving many more questions than answers to what happened. He told her he would be back shortly. And if she committed suicide, why did the cruise ship staff act so suspiciously and try their best to cover it up? To celebrate, she booked the cruise with her boyfriend. "It's unconscionable that they won't give up their records and give Ashley's parents the answers they are seeking. Another guest on the cruise, a volunteer fireman, heard the boyfriend's screams and started CPR, and instructed him to call 911.". This was a strange cruise case. The latest involves the sudden death of an aspiring actress during a Carnival cruise in October. So she didnt raise her voice or yell/scream. Carver went on to win his lawsuit, but it was a hollow victory. After heading to Cabo with two couples and returning to the ship on the last leg of the cruise, McGill was so drunk "he could barely walk," a witness said. Eric Newman appears in this 2013 mugshot provided by the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Caldwell was never seen again. Tucker, of Lawson, Missouri, was a professor of social work at Park University in Missouri, The Kansas City Star said. In August 2004, a 40-year-old red-haired poet and investment banker named Merrian Carver boarded the Mercury, one of Royal Caribbeans Celebrity cruise ships. Her steward, Domingo Monteiro, found her to be personable, relaxed, and looking forward to the cruise. But their luck takes a turn at the apex of their journey, with many wondering what happened aboard the ship. Clues to her disappearance are detailed in a diary discovered in her cabin. Pull back the curtain and see how a suspense writer puts the thrills and chills together. The investigator was allowed onto the ship, but wasnt permitted to speak to anyone, including the ships security officer. I cant say I ever seriously considered going on a cruise: trapped on a boat with strangers isnt my idea of fun. She wouldn't stay in the room. ", Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen added to ABC News on Friday, "We continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities, but this is now a matter for federal prosecutors.". If you agree, well also use cookies to complement your shopping experience across the Amazon stores as described in our Cookie Notice. The FBI says the investigation is ongoing. 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. But Barnett's friends and family say Carnival has been stonewalling them. According to authorities, he was last seen at the ships bar drinking cocktails. Liability. I wake up every morning praying that no other mother ever has to live this nightmare. . Carvers living hell was about to begin. During at least one of his visits, she was wearing a nightshirt and underwear. In December 2004, 37-year-old Annette Mizener embarked on a nine-day cruise with her parents and daughter. Happens every single day. Moncrieff Breakthrough Entertainment 108K subscribers Subscribe 111K views 1 year ago #BreakthroughEntertainment. This video is currently unavailable. First published on April 5, 2006 / 8:22 AM. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. About The Author: Im just another bearded guy trying to write my way through life. display: none; She didnt have enough close for a full trip. I wonder if she was in a relationship with the stewards supervisor and thats why he covered it up. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, San Diego Roman Catholic diocese facing yet another lawsuit now from its own insurance company, Reporters Notebook: Newsoms criticisms of judges dont earn same scolding as Trumps, Lawsuit accuses Roman Catholic Diocese of fraudulently transferring assets to foil sex abuse liability, Sheriffs Department wont ban maximum restraints but alters training following lawsuit, Number of windows in San Diego courthouse that broke within industry norms, state agency says, San Diego jury rejects claim that patient awakened during surgery, San Diego rent increases are slowing. She didnt tell anyone she was going (even if that was uncommon, she had recently gone through a divorce and custody battle), she took next to nothing with her as if she doesnt need much. The cruise liner company most definitely withheld vital information if you were being charitable you could say through total incompetence on their part. There is absolutely no strong indication or proof that she committed suicide, especially since there was no record of her leaving her room. But when the weather report comes in for the evening showing no wind, a murder investigation begins.Cruise Ship Killers is a true crime series that tells the stories of people who never returned home after taking a holiday on a cruise ship, featuring interviews with family, friends, investigators and experts.Stars: John Barnard, J.H. A surprise cruise holiday for a husband and wife from Olympia, Washington ends up with one of them going overboard. The cruise lines are currently losing a massive amount of money daily, with their ships just sitting around. The luggage contained gifts that he had purchased for his wife and children. The cabin steward only looked in her closet once shed been missing and when he was trying to figure out what had happened to her. The amount of people who go missing or who are murdered on cruise lines is disproportionate. Ramiz last saw her at the ships gift shop, and then he headed to the casino by himself. Sadly, well probably never know the answers. 16+. "And I said, 'No, she didn't. He took her body to a place he could hide it to dispose of it later. When Ramiz woke up, Fariba still had not returned. After they were unsuccessful, the United States Coast Guard and the Mexican Navy were alerted and joined the search. We also use these cookies to understand how customers use our services (for example, by measuring site visits) so we can make improvements. The lengths theyll go to are really shocking, even when its one of their own staff members who vanishes. Shirley McGill retired last week from the state Department of Motor Vehicles, and her husband had planned to retire soon as well, acquaintances said. To learn more about how and for what purposes Amazon uses personal information (such as Amazon Store order history), please visit our Privacy Notice. The 33-year-old was aboard an AIDA Cruises ship for a holiday from Hamburg to New York when he went missing. Its so sad, and I also dont think she would have left her daughter. My overall impression is that more than one person is covering up, for reasons of their own. When she showed up he told her where to meet her or he had done something to keep her quiet. Spending my holiday on a floating hotel never appealed, but even less so now. But her body was never found. When he returned to their cabin, Fariba was not there. 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. But just six years later, Robert allegedly murdered Shirley on the bathroom floor of their cruise ship cabin. I know Ive done a horrible thing.. A risk-management manager for the cruise line told him that no alarm had been raised after his daughters disappearance, since it was normal for people to leave their belongings behind, and normal for them to suddenly change their rooms without notice. Police and the FBI also failed to find any evidence or trace of her during their investigation on the ship. Moncrieff. Calls to McGill's attorney were not immediately returned. She ordered 2 sandwiches and to me its kinda strange. Shirley McGills children from a previous marriage and her elderly parents gasped in relief when the judge announced the sentence. The captain of the ship waited about three hours before finally turning around and dropping rescue boats to search for Mizener. 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. On March 22, 2011, while working on the Disney Wonder, Coriam disappeared. "I saw Bob a couple days before they left. Ramiz alerted the crew about her disappearance shortly after arriving at port. When a crime is committed on a cruise ship, it rarely is investigated properly or promptly reported. The official cause of death was listed as toxic effects of methadone, but Barnett's family insists she never did drugs. He drank heavily in Cabo that day before re-boarding the ship for the trip home. Wouldnt they want to find out the truth if someone disappears? Thanks so much, Cat. A passenger aboard Brilliance of the Seas claimed that he heard men arguing in the Smiths room. Neither her family or International Cruise Victims, the organization her father founded, were notified. The cruise line took three more days to confirm to authorities that she had been on the vessel, which was 26 days after she disappeared. Her dad returned to the balcony at 6:00 AM to check on Amy, but she was no longer there. I cant believe cruise ship employees would cover stories like these up. Nearly six months later, what happened aboard the ship remains a mystery. But after she witnesses a man overboard, many begin to wonder if it was accidental or on purpose - and who is next? Was she OK? Its so easy to claim every disappearance on a cruise ship is suicidetoo easy. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. In 2005, Hue Pham, 71, and Hue Tran, 67, took a seven-night Mothers Day cruise in the Caribbean with their daughter and granddaughter. 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. 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. The couple, who had been married for 49 years, mysteriously vanished while on the Carnival Cruise Line ship. In fact, one of her friends told me, if she was ever in a room with anybody when they thought they would party a little bit, Ashley would leave the room. She had her whole life in front of her. He was looking forward to it.". A scratch and win ticket unveils an all-expense paid cruise for a young couple; but their luck runs out once aboard the ship as one of them ends up murdered. Cruise Ship Killers | Season 1 | Episode 1 | Ashley | John Barnard | J.H. Thats why she never said a word to anyone about he going in a cruise. But he never returned to their cabin.[6]. Carver was never seen again. 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. Authorities believe that the couple committed suicide by jumping into the sea together. How did they come to the conclusion that if she jumped, it would have been done in her underwear? Tucker fell from her "balcony to several decks below early on the morning of Jan. 19," Carnival said in a statement the day after her death. The discovery led FBI agents to intercept the Carnival Elation cruise ship while it was at sea and interview dozens of witnesses, including Robert McGill. Maybe his concern wasnt that genuine and he knew something. I wish I could have spoken to him before he passed away. After he admitted killing his wife . 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. They are not thinking of the the pain and devastation they are going to leave behind. The couple was on a five-day cruise to Mexico, and it was the husbands 55th birthday. 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. 112 The Disappearance of Merrian Carver, 10 People Who Vanished Only To Mysteriously Reappear, 10 Civilizations That Mysteriously Vanished, 10 Eerie Last Words Of People Who Then Vanished, Top 10 Remarkable Finds Involving Old Ships And Explorers, 10 Expeditions That Mysteriously Disappeared, Top 10 Secrets Of Life Aboard A Cruise Ship, 10 Fascinating Finds And Stories Involving Old Ships, 10 People Who Claim To Be Reincarnations Of Other People, 10 Controversial Toys You Might Already Have in Your Home, Ten Absolutely Vicious Fights over Inherited Fortunes, 10 Female Film Pioneers Who Shaped the Movies, Ten True Tales from Americas Toughest Prison, 10 Times Members of Secretive Societies and Organizations Spilled the Beans, 10 Common Idioms with Unexpectedly Dark Origins, 10 North American Animals with Misplaced Reputations, Top 10 Bloody 20th-Century Mysteries Well Probably Never Solve. A passenger stated that a nearby camera for that deck was covered, so there was no footage of her. Couldnt happen to nicer companies, Mark. It was not unusual for Merrian to go off on spur-of-the-moment trips without telling anyone, and since her daughter was staying with her ex-husband for the summer, it might have seemed like a good opportunity. Thats terrible that the cruise line basically covered it up. Why? Alex Murdaugh found guilty of murders of wife and son Once the cruise ended with no sign of Merrian,Monteiro again raised his concerns with his supervisor, who told him to box up Merrians personal belongings and bring them to his office. Hi J.H., did you see the post by a Law firm that bones were found on a Canadian island and they think they are Merrians? A true crime television series that tells the stories of people who never returned home after taking a holiday on a cruise ship, featuring interviews with family, friends, investigators and experts. Though there is no evidence she even attempted suicide in the past, this history gave the Royal Caribbean the ammunition it needed. McGill told a Carnival investigator he had argued with his wife and punched her once in the stomach. "The ships medical team responded immediately, but, unfortunately, she passed away.". Thats why you cant show it. Do you know anything about the claims by Canadian authorities that they thought the found Merrians bones? The couple were aboard Carnival Cruise Lines' [] Did she decide to skip out on her duties or did a terrible fate await her on-shore? Poor dad. 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. On May 12, a ship employee found two passports, two pairs of flip-flops, two drivers licenses, medication, and a wallet containing cash and credit cards. "They're suffering now," McGill was heard saying as he gestured to his family. i read a lot of true crime, watch documentaries, id tv, forensic files.the criminal mind fascinates me. Its a shame and I am shocked by how many disappearances occur on cruise ships. No body was ever found. It sounds like something out of a movie: Teenage lovers break up and drift apart, only to reunite three decades later, fall in love again, and get married. Featuring interviews with family, friends, investigators and experts. Hey RandeeI believe that information came from the steward, who spent a fair amount of time speaking to her and preparing her room for bedtime, etc. Obviously, it was a last-minute decision to go on this cruise (with her lover, a crew member? Surveillance video showed Caldwell leaving the casino at 2:17 AM, and one crew member admitted that a bartender had seen Caldwell on the promenade deck around 3:30 AM. Perhaps you can help us figure out what happened to Julie Weflen. Robert McGill sat on deck atop the Carnival cruise ship Elation, smoking a cigar and drinking out of a bucket of beers. Yep. Try again. The ship had left Jacksonville, Florida, the day before. Tucker's obituary had described Newman, 53, as her "partner and longtime love," The Kansas City Star reported. He was the only one on that ship that genuinely cared, who raised an alarm, and who tried to find her. Authorities believe that he jumped into the water on purpose. McGill was divorced when he reconnected with Shirley through the Internet, colleagues said. Genres Documentary Subtitles None Available Audio Languages English Third parties use cookies for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalised ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. Sorry, there was a problem saving your cookie preferences. Robert and Shirley McGill were marking their 55th birthdays just days into their luxurious Mexican cruise when she was found beaten to death in their cabin. The bottom line is if they had not been drinking, you can almost go to the bank that it would not have happened.. It worked. Maybe the supervisor steward thought he may get into trouble having to report a suicide. Some 30 years later, they reconnected at a high school reunion, got married and by all accounts were happy together. Frightening. The cruise line and the Netherlands Antilles Coast Guard spent days looking for Amy, but the search ceased on March 29. He drank. Its not good publicity and results in very costly lawsuits. Then during the interview, he telephoned one of his two grown sons. A millionaire widower and her teenaged daughter take a fivestar cruise together. Robert McGill was arrested when the ship docked in San Diego. Hougardy said Shirley McGill planned to move to Oregon, where her family and her children from a previous marriage lived. So he killed her. A generous tip and a manilla envelope with unknown contents had been left behind, along with all of her belongings, including her only shoes. Its just my theory. I admit that I killed Shirley Jean McGill, maiden name Longstreet, by beating her to death with my fists, in the bathroom, hed said to an FBI agent. Why wouldnt the cruise-ship employees want to find out the truth? ", When she died, Barnett was working for composer John Debny, who remarked to Lagattuta: "No one is forthcoming. Crime A farmer and his wife take a cruise celebrating their hard work and good fortune in life. ", Carnival issued a statement saying, "The situation was handled appropriately and reported to all applicable law enforcement authorities.". The whereabouts of Fariba remain unknown, but her family suspects that Ramiz may have had something to do with her disappearance.
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