Help Reopen the Investigations into the Murders of Michael Mansfield, Ruth Martin, and Lloyd, Phyllis, and Terri Schneider
What Can Be Done?
- Perform DNA testing on all existing physical evidence pertaining to the Ruth Martin case currently held by the Lincoln Police Department in Lincoln, Illinois (Logan County Safety Complex), and conduct an official investigation into any evidence that may be missing.
- Locate and perform DNA testing on all existing physical evidence pertaining to the Schneider triple homicide.
- Urge the Logan County State’s Attorney to convene a grand jury to hear and review all new information and evidence related to the Martin and Schneider murder cases (see definition of “Grand Jury” below).
- If the State’s Attorney fails to act and refuses to convene grand jury hearings, federal authorities should be asked to become involved. The United States Department of Justice should investigate not only the disappearances and murders of Michael Mansfield and Ruth Martin, but should also reinvestigate the Schneider triple homicide and the original investigation.
- If grand juries are convened and determine that sufficient new evidence exists, the next step would be the endorsement of a true bill (see definition of “True Bill” below).
- Sign the Petition to Reopen the Investigations. This petition will be presented to the Logan County State’s Attorney or, if necessary, to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Attorney General. We all have a voice in this matter. Please include your name, city and state, and either a phone number or email address when signing the petition.
- Do you have information pertaining to the murders of Michael Mansfield, Ruth Martin, and/or the Schneider family?
Please contact Bonnie J. Thompson at: bjt76@buriedtruthtrilogy.com - Getting to the Truth – New Criminal Investigative Technology.
Dr. Lawrence Farwell and Brain Fingerprinting:
www.larryfarwell.com
Grand Jury
A grand jury is a body of citizens convened to determine whether probable cause exists that a crime has been committed and whether an indictment should be returned against a suspect. If the grand jury determines that probable cause exists, it may return a “true bill.” If it determines that probable cause does not exist, it returns a “no bill.”
Historically, grand juries were summoned by the sheriff to each session of criminal court. Their duty was to receive complaints and accusations, hear evidence presented by the state, and determine whether sufficient evidence existed to warrant a trial. At common law, a grand jury consisted of no fewer than twelve and no more than twenty-three jurors.
A grand jury is an accusatory body. Its function is to determine whether charges should be brought, not to determine guilt or innocence.
True Bill
A “true bill” is the endorsement made by a grand jury upon an indictment when it finds that sufficient evidence exists to support the accusation and warrant criminal charges. In essence, a true bill is an indictment approved by a grand jury.
Please Note: If you have any information relating to the murders of Michael Mansfield, Ruth Martin, and/or the Schneider family, please contact Bonnie Thompson first. If the information appears relevant, important, and potentially useful to these cases, it will be relayed to the appropriate authorities and to those responsible for ensuring that the information is properly documented and investigated.
Regardless, all information submitted will be reviewed and considered.
Thank you,
Bonnie J. Thompson
Photos
Victims: Jay Fry, Robin Fry, Ruth Martin
Still Missing
RUTH MARTIN
Age at Time of Disappearance: 51 years old, and a Lincoln real estate agent.
Time & Date of Disappearance and Last Place Seen: Approximately 7 a.m. on June 2, 1976 in Lincoln, Illinois.
Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5’10”; 155 lbs.
Distinguishing Characteristics: White female. Dark brown hair; green eyes. Fair complexion.
Still Missing
MICHAEL MANSFIELD
Age at Time of Disappearance: 19 years old, and a student at Lincoln Junior College in Lincoln, Illinois.
Time & Date of Disappearance and Last Place Seen
Approximately 2:00 p.m. December 31, 1975 in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
Distinguishing Characteristics: White male. Brown hair. Hazel eyes.
Russell Smrekar
It appears Smrekar was responsible for four murders; however, two of the murders – the disappearances of Mike Mansfield and Ruth Martin, whose bodies have never been found – remain unsolved. Russell Smrekar is now deceased, but the disappearances/murders of Mansfield/Martin remain unsolved, and there is supporting evidence that others may have assisted and/or aided and abetted Smrekar.