1.Investigating officers/first responders conducted no real investigation at the scene.
2.The 911 recordings in Trayvon’s case recorded the injustice/ Pictures in the Keith Warren case show the inconsistencies. In both case’s the local police departments were in possession of the information to help to bring justice to both Trayvon and …Keith, but did not release the information willingly.
3.In the situation of Trayvon, Trayvon was convicted of a crime of assault and the injustice was hidden behind the law called “Stand Your Ground” / in the situation of Keith Warren the MCPD convicted Keith of a crime of suicide with no evidence to back up the decision. There was nothing at the crime scene at 1:30pm on the afternoon of July 31, 1986 that the investigating officer/detective to rule this as a suicide, no note and the body was found over 200 yards from where Keith lived. The MCPD would like for the family to believe Keith walked a 1/ 4 mile from where his car was parked carrying a 20 foot rope through a neighborhood, case of wine coolers, and change of clothes to hang himself behind a house not familiar to the family.
The only difference between Trayvon Martin and Keith Warren is the machine called social media.
Story of the death of Keith Warren
Keith died in Silver Spring, Maryland in 1986, one month away from starting college. Paramedics found Keith in a wooded area behind the family townhouse, hanging from a tree by the neck, bent double with his weight. After a very brief investigation, the authorities concluded that Keith had committed suicide and closed the case despite the fact that the rope was tied around the bigger tree to support the smaller tree, and the fork in the tree through which the rope was pulled was at least 18 ft. high. How can a suicide victim tie ropes around two separate trees and hoist themselves up?
There was no suicide note or any other evidence for the officer to rule it a suicide. The officer released the body to the funeral home of his choice, which embalmed the body prior to notifying the family. It took the officer five hours to notify Keith’s mother that he was dead, even though he had her work address and phone number. A witness says that before Keith’s death, a car full of suspicious characters were looking for him, the type of individuals Keith did not associate with. Several days later and the night before Keith’s body was found, another man was desperately looking for Keith by the name of Mark Finley.
A month later the Warren family had returned home from an outing. One of the relatives wanted to see the tree in the back, where Keith was found. When they arrived at the spot, the tree had been cut down without the family’s knowledge by the police (who admitted cutting it down and were holding it for evidence). Two years later the police disposed of the tree. On Keith’s birthday in 1992, six years after Keith died, his mother came home from work and found a large manila envelope on her doorstep. The envelope contained five official police photos, which showed different angles of Keith hanging by the neck, wearing someone else’s clothing. The personal items and clothing the family received in 1986 was not the same clothing Keith was wearing when he went missing. Someone knew the right items to give the family and destroyed the other clothes. At the time of Keith’s death, a police officer gave the family his boots. In the photos of Keith hanging, he was wearing athletic shoes which he did not own. The police tried to explain away the discrepancy by saying the items given to the family were around the body. Who would take a change of clothing to hang themselves?
The family hired a private investigator who was instrumental in having the body exhumed. The independent forensic pathologist whom the family hired found high levels of TCE (potent chemical found in glue and solvents) in his body. Keith had so much of this chemical in his body, he couldn’t even have been conscious enough to string himself up in the tree. The forensic pathologist stated, “I believe Keith Warren’s death being listed as a suicide is medically not supportable.” The Maryland Medical Examiner’s Office claimed that TCE and other chemicals were injected into Keith’s body with the embalming fluid. However, the forensic pathologist and other professionals did research that proved two chemicals in Keith’s body are not contained in any embalming fluid, and that the distribution of the chemicals in Keith’s body were not consistent with post-mortem injection. Several years later, the Sheriff’s office received a tip that someone slipped something into Keith’s drink at a party, and dressed him in the wrong clothes. We believe that since Keith’s family was not given the opportunity to do an autopsy prior to embalming, the least the Medical Examiner’s office can do is change the death certificate from “suicide” to “undetermined.”
Keith’s friends who were interviewed by a private investigator all said they saw no signs of Keith being suicidal nor being heavily involved in drugs. Also the paramedic who arrived to the original crime scene prior to the police officer wrote and signed a notarized document that he did not believe Keith’s death to be a suicide. There is a copy of the document on this site as well as on Facebook. Along with the pictures, Keith’s mother received a note which said, “Ms. Warren, don’t worry, Mark Finley will be next.” Finley was an associate of Keith’s. Finley found out about the threatening note and contacted Keith’s mother, “Ms. Warren, I will be by to see you, I need to unload.” Finley was also rumored to have bragged at several parties after Keith’s body was found in 1986, that he helped put Keith in the tree. One month later, before he could visit Ms. Warren, Mark Finley was found dead. According to police, Finley died accidentally when his bike struck a curve and he was thrown from the bike at 2:00 a.m. in the morning. The ambulance crew was interviewed by the private detective and they said the damage to Finley did not fit the accident. The damage to his face look like someone hit him with a baseball bat. This case was never reopened and remains closed. Keith’s sister and a handful of friends have launched a Facebook campaign to bring awareness to this situation.
Sherri’s (Keith’s sister) question is, “If you think about it, who holds the entities that hold us accountable for our actions, accountable for theirs?” The thought and premise is to use the network and web to update the situation, to show how the state of Maryland local and state government every day for the last 26 years have allowed someone to get away with murder and turned their backs on the family. It is also to let those involved know that the family and friends are not going away. We are in desperate need of support in getting the cause of death changed from suicide to homicide. This situation could happen to you or someone you know. You have a black man strung up on tree in 1986, you have physical evidence that was admittedly destroyed by local law enforcement, you have an additional questionable death surrounding this situation, and you have crime scene photos which clearly show evidence of cover-up. What more would you need if you were in law enforcement to re-investigate, re-open or at the least care about Keith Warren. The family and friends of Keith Warren are working hard to put as much information out to show that this is not speculation but FACT! The friends and family have to now step outside the State of Maryland and show how utterly ridiculous it is for the Maryland judicial system to continue to ignore this situation, hoping it will go away. There are other victims of the Maryland State Medical Examiner in the 1980s and 1990s and we will find them and join with them to expose the inaccuracy and laziness of that office. We want everyone to know that as you sit comfortably in your house, office, car or wherever you may be, you are just a moment in time from your life being changed and damaged by those sworn into office to protect and serve. Whether or not the police were directly involved, why won’t they try to do right? Their silence is just as damaging as the crime of putting Keith on the tree. I invite you to review the information. There is much information that shows that suicide is NOT the TRUTH! This story was profiled on Unsolved Mysteries and Jet Magazine, and Ms. Mary was interviewed several times on the local ABC news channel 7. There is a Facebook (Keith W Warren) campaign to get this case re-opened and re-investigated. Ms. Mary (Keith’s mom) passed in 2009. The last 23 years of Mrs. Mary’s life, Sherri watched her mom try to get help from those who are in the position to give it. But all she got was ignored and disrespected. July 2011 was the 25th anniversary of Keith’s death. Maybe you can explain why the Montgomery County Police Department and the State of Maryland Medical Examiner’s Office will not help the family and re-open this case. We appreciate your time and energy.
Wow, certainly a disturbing story. I commend those who have stood up for Keith and his family in telling the world about this injustice. Hopefully at least one person will learn from this tragedy and those who have small minds will see the pain this kind of thinking can bring to another human being.
This saddens me greatly. It certainly sounds to me like the authorities didnt care about Keith. Im so sorry for the family’s pain. The not knowing what happened is the worst. I am actively Helping raise awareness of this on facebook. I have been for a while. I hope the case gets reopened so, at the very least, the family can find out what really happened and get some closure.
Thank you for your help and care for the cause. We the family are not asking for much and nothing impossible. Please continue to spread the story. We really appreciate your time and energy.
I am so very sorry for your loss of Keith and I pray that one day soon your family will have all the answers you have struggled to learn about for all these years from such a horrible tragedy that took your Loved one and that the person/persons responsible WILL BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE. I commend you for not giving up and please know I will FOREVER be praying for your family and praying that justice WILL prevail and you will finally have some peace. God Bless You Always
I am truly sorry for your loss and that Keith’s mother went onto her journey without ever knowing what happened to her son .Possibly she is now reunited with her son and he has given her her answers that she so passionately seeked through her life .I will make sure i do whatever i can to spread the word out about this on my facebook page.May you have the strength to not give up Justice needs to be served !!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/StandUp.DontGiveUp
Thank you for your support. We really appreciate your time and energy!
Please contact News outlets in DC like Fox 5, NBC 4 and cable network TV ONE located in Silver Spring, MD . I was browsing the internet and this website popped up. It troubled me to see a young man die this way. My heart and prayer goes out to you and your family. I pray to God those assholes get justice and soon. God Bless!
TV One Headquarters
1010 Wayne Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 755-0400
What is the exact address for the silent protest? I heard it discussed this morning on the Black Eagle radio show but wasn’t able to get an address. I want to reach out to a number of my friends who live in the area to come out and give their support. Thanks.
Sherri plans on being on the corner of Georgia Ave and Randolph Rd between 10am-12pm.
I AM TERRIBLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE AND MARYLAND’S JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS A JOKE!
My prayers are with you & your family. Moco police as other DMV police are as corrupt as the criminals they are suppose to uphold the law against. Keep the faith sweety & dont give up. Karma’s a bitch, te’ll get what they deserve!!!!
God Bless you Sherri, Keep your Faith and The Truth will prevail. I wonder if the young white male in the crime photos knows what really happened to your brother. The young man didn’t have on a shirt perhaps he is where you should focus on. I find it odd the police would allow a young man so close to the crime scene perhaps the photos were taken by the guilty party.
interestingly enough he tried to sue my mom because a news station used the photo for a story and he said they used his image without his permission. This situation is so twisted. All the family is asking for is justice and closure.
Hello Sherri, just saw you on Fox 5 news this morning speaking about justice for you brother. My heart goes out to you and your entire family. This story has touched me so much so, I am already rallying folks to support this mission. We would like to meet you in Montgomery Co. for the silent protest. I believe you stated this would be scheduled to take place, Sat. July 30th? My husband and I are apart of the motorcycle community and we are spreading your story. Would love to support this mission in any way we can!
Always Praying for you,
Alandrea “Lee Lee” Knight
Thank you so much for your offer. We greatly accept your offer. We will be on the corner of Georgia Ave and Randolph rd. If you know of anyone who you can refer to help with the legal process please forward the information.
I am really very sorry to hear about your lose. I watched the videos, the medical documentations (autopsy) a and the reports and interviews and pictures. Anyone, who watches that will know that it is not a suicide. It is clearly proven that it is a planned murder. It is very depressing to see people have to fight for the truth. When I saw the pictures, I just started crying, felt angry and prayed for your brother’s soul to be rest in peace and soon the answer to your fight will be answered. Everything happens for a reason and your fight is for a reason. I was wondering have the police looked for footsteps (in the woods), any fingerprints in the rope, or even fingerprints in the note/envelope that was sent to your family, how the picture was printed (scan/etc)? Marks death should lead them to more evidences……???? I wish I can be there to comfort you during the protest but my prays and love will be always there for you and your family. Today, I will pray for you and your family to St. Jude and soon you will receive Justice for Keith Warren.
Thank you so much for your words of comfort. There is a time and a season. The time for Justice is now and this is our season. Please continue to pray for the family.
This is terribly sad, I’m shocked at the wat the Justice systme operates, these people are supposed to protect and serve with honesty and integrity, and they have done none of that, my best wishes and prayers, go out to the family, and to Mrs. Mary, God Rest her soul, at least she is with her son now. I pray yoour family gets the justice they deserve…
Hi Sherri,
I know your family has tried reaching out to the FBI but have you tried writing a letter to the Attorney General Eric Holder at the Justice Department and also try writing to the Civil Rights Division Attorney General they reopened the Emmit Till’s death after all of these years. Your family should get the Justice you Deserve! All with Prevail stay prayed up and I’ll definitely keep you in my prayers.
Here is the info to the Justice Dept: The Civil Rights Division enforces civil rights laws in a wide variety of contexts. You may use the information on this page to find the appropriate way to submit a complaint or report of a potential civil rights violation. If you are not sure which Section is the appropriate one to receive your complaint, you may contact the Civil Rights Division at (888) 736-5551 or (202) 514-3847.
http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/
Here is the info to the attorney general office:http://www.justice.gov/ag/meet-ag.html
Eric H. Holder, Jr
Attorney General Office of the Attorney General
(202) 514-2001
Thank you for the information. We will definitely use the information to our advantage.
This is a tragic and disturbing story. The Montgomery County Police Department and the State of Maryland Medical Examiner’s Office are not going to rule his death a homicide because this would mean that they would have to admit that they indeed made errors and mistakes when investigating your brother’s death. They want to avoid the public embarrassment to their force and the likelihood of a lawsuit. By failing to acknowledge their failures, this prevents them from re-opening your brother’s case and searching for the people that murdered him. This story must be told to reach a broader audience.
We are working hard to put as much information out there as possible. Thank you for your active interest.
Hi Sherri, please reach out to Keith Beauchamp he was the reason the Justice Department reopened the Emmit Til Story. He is also on Twitter and he has a series of unsolved FBI murders on Discovery Network titled the InJustice Files look him up on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/KeithBeauchamp
Keith Beauchamp
@KeithBeauchamp Deep South
Emmy Nominated Filmmaker Keith Beauchamp behind The Untold Story of Emmett Till and TV Series The Injustice Files (Investigation Discovery Network).http://www.emmetttillstory.com.
Hi Sherri, I watched your story about your brother and it bought back some painfull memories of my own. I am a D.C. area native who lost a loved one under similar circumstances back in 1968 (coincedentaly in the Silver Spring area) I to feel your pain especially knowing that the authorities refuse to tell you the truth and continue to slam doors in your face. I have gotten in touch with some family and friends who still live in the area who will come out and offer some support to you and your family. I myself now live in Ca. Please accept my deepest sorrow for your loss and my prayers. Always know what is hidden in the dark will be revealed in the light….KEEP UP THE FIGHT and God Bless.
Thank you so much for your support and prayer. Please continue to hold us up in prayer and continue to share the story.
I am very sorrowful for your loss and the injustice to make this right. But reading through all the information it sound suspicious. I noitced that this Rodney Kendall seemed to have alot of information about things that the police didn’t even reveal to you. One, he knew the site and about the tree being cut down. Two, why would Mark Finley be looking for his friend that he knew was already dead. I hold no account for the color of someone skin but I have two more questions, what race were these guys that were his friends mentioned in this report? Two, which one of their family knew someone that work for the police force? I also find it a coincidence that Mark Finley dies unexpectingly from a bike flipping over.( Are you serious?) But the one person that had any questions at all about Keith was the one that died. I do not get it. You know that the clothing is you have them in evidence should be able to extract DNA from sweat glands of the shirt/ pants/ shoes to give you some proof of who else had those items on besides Keith. I took a couple of Forensic Course to know that with the modern technology you can get some questions answered.
Okay. I did some digging of my own. This story seems a bit odd from the first actual footage on unsolved mysteries. Someone had a personal vendetta for Keith and it was someone close to home. I feel jealousy around him. I just pray that the courts would not look at this as another black killing and do the right thing to seek justice so that your family can know that he is now at peace and your mom too. God Bless. I will continue to keep praying for you all.
This is not a black or white issue, it is a blue issue. Law enforcement has allowed those that took Keith’s life to live a life of opportunity that Keith will never have.
Hi Sherry. Let me start off by saying I am sorry for your loss. I am 28 years old, and I remember watching you and your mother on Unsolved Mysteries when I was younger. Even as a child I could tell something about Keith’s death was just not right. I really hope you find the truth, and justice someday. Your family is has always been in my thoughts and prayers
Thank you so much for so for your thoughts and prayers. We appreciare your time and energy and ask that you please share this story with your friends,family and associates.
Just saw this story on a re-run of Unsolved Mysteries and was blown away when I looked Keith up online that this case is still unsolved. It seems to me that there is some police corruption going on and a cover-up is more likely than anything else. Evidence being what it is either they’re ignoring it or they already know who did it, there are too many things pointing to foul play to still assume it was a suicide. My wife and I are terribly sorry for your loss and for the B.S. that you’ve been put through. Thoughts and prayers for swift justice are heading your way, stay strong.
Thank you for taking the time and energy to read the information. This issue will never go away as long as their are people such as yourself who care and give your support in seeking justice for Keith and closure for his family.
I am sorry for your loss, I am watching Injustice Files right now, I hope the new exposure will bring in some answers & I’m sorry his mother did not live to see what those answers are…. in the end, justice will be done. God Bless the family. One love.
Justice and accountability are all the family is asking for. Thank you for your sincere thoughts.
I just saw this story on the Injustice Files on the ID channel for the first time last night. I’ve lived in this area since 1983/1984. Of course I was too young then to remember a story like this. I was and am very sad to have learned this story. I’m so surprised it has gone this long with out being solved. I am so sorry for all the pain and suffering your family has been put through for all these years. I will do my best to spread the word of Keith Warren’s story.
Thank you for helping to keep this injustice top of mind. We appreciate your time and energy.
Happy Birthday Keith! Rest in peace.
Thank you
Happy belated birthday Keith!!