[Milly]

I won't bore you all with the painful details, but my husband (call him Bill) now feels very threatened, and I wonder if he is going about things the right way.

First, a very small amount of background: Bill testified against his closest brother a few years ago (his brother was being prosecuted for steeling almost two million dollars from innocent mom-and-pop investors). Bill's brother was found guilty, and sent to Federal prison.

Then, about six months ago, special agents came to ask us if Bill's brother "was the type to order the contract murder" of the Federal prosecutor who had tried him. (The agents did not -- "could not" -- elaborate further).

Then yesterday Bill found out from various informed sources, such as a LEO and mutual friends, the following information (some of which he had already known or had heard faint whispers about):

1. Bill's brother thinks Bill ordered their 88 year old mother's "murder" five years ago, while she lay dying in a hospital bed after a massive stroke. (OD'ed by her attending physician, "who was in cahoots with Bill"!!).

2. That Bill had convinced their mother, years before she passed on, to change her last will and testament in Bill's favor (even though Bill's brother lived 20 miles from their mother, and Bill lived 1000 miles away; but "Bill had her completely under his malicious mind control").

3. Bill's brother has now just been released from Federal prison, and is in a halfway house for the next month or so. After that, he will be released (under some type of supervision, I would assume…).

4. Bill's brother just phoned one of our friends and asked; "By the way, what is Bill's new address and phone number?" (It was not given out, but it is not very hard to get…).

5. Bill's brother said (to this source) that during the trial he felt nothing but scorn and disgust for Bill, because "he looked like a skinny, pathetic scarecrow". (He knew Bill was undergoing chemotherapy at the time: Bill only weighed 130 pounds and is 6' 2". Bill is much better, and much stronger, now).

6. Bill's brother said many other nutty and false things, but I want this email to be short enough to actually be read!

I know all of this is more than you guys wanted to hear, but since Bill's brother was on the U.S. Army Pistol team, was a highly trained ex-LEO, and was an Army Officer (he is said to be an excellent combat pistol shooter, but was dismissed from each of these positions one after the other as he became progressively more mentally ill), you can see how all of this makes me somewhat alarmed.

My husband feels that, even though we live two states away from his brother, that he must prepare for this potential lethal threat by:

1. Increase his available concealed ammo reloads from 5 rounds (in an ammo wallet) to 15 rounds with Tuff QuickStrips. (Bill prefers the 100% reliability of his 5-shot hammerless snubby). The QuickStrips are on order.

2. Go from a tuckable-type 100% concealed holster to a faster draw IWB holster. On order.

3. Practice more dry-firing, tactical revolver reloads, drawing, and increase his (and mine!) range time.

4. Purchase an outdoor perimeter alarm system. (We already have a in-house alarm with police dialer, as well as anti-bump locks and hardened flip-locks, (small) exterior auto flood lights, double pain windows, etc.). Alarm system is on order.

5. Has purchased and received a short barreled 12 gauge pump riot gun, along with 2 3/4" 00 buckshot shells. (He always says that "anyone who would bring a pistol to a gunfight is a fool". He calls it his "big boom stick").

6. Bill wants to teach me how to combat shoot with my own .38 Special revolver and our new 12 gauge pump (it has been decades since my father taught me to shoot, but I have always been around guns), as well as begin to train for certain "scenarios".

7. Attempt to increase our "SA", as Bill calls it. (Unfortunately, we are pretty relaxed in that regard, which is probably pretty dangerous, complacency-wise).

But finally to my main questions: Is there anything he is missing, or should be doing differently? Or are we simply being far too paranoid about this, and there is no credible danger? (This is all WAY over my head; not to mention that Bill and I don't fully understand, at all, the criminal or the mentally ill mind).

Any thoughts or experiences? Any comments/suggestions would be most welcome! (I am very sorry for the long posting; and I hope this is posted in the correct forum too).

PS: Bill is also very afraid that he wouldn't be able to "drop-the-hammer" on his brother, even in self defense; but he also feels that his brother is much more likely to send someone else anyway...

Thank you,

Milly

 

[SIXTO]

Hi ya Milly, it sounds like you have your hands full.

Crazy brother in law or not, learning to combat shoot is a lot of fun and its a great skill to have. So, I say give it a try and spend some good quality time with your husband learning what could be a life saving skill and perhaps even picking up a new hobby. Take a few classes, those are a lot of fun too, and you come out a much better, confident shooter.

I don't think your husband is being paranoid, he knows his brother best.

 

[BugDude]

You and your husband appear to have very good reason to be concerned and prepared. Your husband is the only person that knows whether or not he could truly use the ultimate force to defend himself if his brother were to present lethal harm due to his issues. Never underestimate and always over-prepare. I feel for you both in this situation as it is a no-win for anyone if it escalates. I will pray for your family that it does not come to any such confrontation. Based on the information presented, it would seem very prudent to take ALL available precautions as the situation is volatile and unpredictable. God bless you all.

 

[TX-JB]

Milly,
Sounds like you and your husband have things going in the right direction. You don't sound paranoid to me. This obviously a difficult situation for both of you and you're taking steps to make yourselves more secure....I'll start praying for you and your husband....

Take Care...

 

[mikcap]

Sounds to me that you have your heads "screwed on straight".
I know from personal experience the panic felt when family members get dangerous. For me, I had to adopt the attitude that it was going to be me and my family that were the ones to survive a conflict, NO MATTER WHAT! At that point, the "family member" was just another BG and would have to be treated as such. Fortunately, nothing ever happened and he ended up killing himself. Not that I hope your brother in law does the same, I just hope your situation works itself out, and soon. No one needs that kind of stress in their lives.
As far as anything you might be missing in your preparations, there are many people in these forums with far greater experience than mine and who will be able to tell you all the things you need to know. My prayers are with you.
Mike

 

[ccw9mm]

But finally to my main questions: Is there anything he is missing, or should be doing differently? Or are we simply being far too paranoid about this, and there is no credible danger?

You are not paranoid. Given the facts you're faced with, I'd be willing to bet that anyone who calls you paranoid is insane and vindictive, or simply hasn't been listening.

As Sixto said, you have your hands full.

What else can you do?

Here are some thoughts ...

• If the threat is as dangerous and present as you have indicated, consider moving your residence. Doesn't mean you need to sell, but consider moving (ie, renting out your home, heading to a cheap apartment);
• Get a P.O. box and inform people of your mailing address and only divulge your physical address to certain people;
• Work out a family plan of attack, 'cause the wolf may soon be at the gates. The immediate family should be on board and part of it, for best chance of success;
• Get a restraining order, though many believe that would have about as much value as Charmin in the rain;
• The defensibility of your home will largely depend on the layout. It's either good or bad, and you can't do very much to fix that. But you can harden the perimeter and take steps to make it tougher to enter, easier to defend;
• Beef up your window and door frames, taking great pains to ensure that getting through windows or doors will take much time and be very noisy;
• Re-plant the areas outside every window with chest-high, thorny, stout bushes that will shred an intruder who is not wearing a shark suit;
• Get an exterior camera system that can take video in color and low light, so you can review who has been around your property. For $250, you can have a 4-camera system that's reasonably robust;
• Ensure your perimeter system loudly warns you when anyone is within ~10ft of the exterior walls;
• Get a well-trained dog that can alert you;
• Have a strong door to your "safe" bedroom area;
• In your "safe" area(s), ensure you have at least two modes of telephone communications, firearms/ammo, good cover from someone shooting into the room at you;
• You indicated that what's-his-name is well-trained and capable with arms. So, your best bet is going to be early warning, avoidance, and ability to withstand attack if he should do so. Think it through, in terms of situational awareness, randomizing your routines and routes, preparations of your home/car/work areas and usage;
• Read this: Crime Prevention tips;
• Contact your local law enforcement chief or captain. Discuss the matter. Ask for opinions, recommendations. At minimum, they can be aware of the threat and know that it's credible and real. Might not be able to do much else, but they'll know that any call for help will be a life or death call.
• Speak with your attorney. Review options, preparations. Consider how bad it could get (attack, hostage potential, etc). Beyond that, also ensure your paperwork is in order. If you fail to do this and the worst happens, you want the suffering contained as much as you're able.

Good luck.


BTW, here is the text of that link, above:

CPTED Information:

Overview

In simplest terms, CPTED says make your home, business or property the hardest target in your area for crime. What does "hard target" mean? Easy, since most criminals are lazy, they take the easiest path to what they want when they decide to rob, assault or vandalize. If your house or business is not the easiest to commit a crime at, they probably will not bother you. Does your being the hardest target imply that the criminal will simply go elsewhere? Possibly, but since the majority of criminal activity is from opportunity rather than long term planning, it could easily mitigate rather than just shift the location.

One factor that will make it easier for you to feel safer in your home is Community Policing. Community Policing is a philosophy and management approach that promotes community, government and police partnership, proactive problem-solving and community action to address causes and fear of crime.

Another factor that has been proven again and again is the concept called the broken window theory. The broken window theory states that if a window is broken and not repaired, there will soon be other windows broken. This is true in nice neighborhoods as well as rundown ones. The broken window implies that no one cares and so breaking more costs nothing.

There are many factors involved in crime mitigation via CPTED, but the principals are simple and the potential benefits large. Please read further to see what you can do to help yourself and your community reduce crimes of opportunity.
What do I start with?

The first thing you will need to do is an evaluation of your property to see what environmental factors, under your control, have a potential for crime mitigation. "But", you say, "I don't know how to do that!" Then contact your local Police Agency or Sheriff's Office for assistance. They can supply you with a list of the factors you need to look at. These include, but are not limited to:

* Take responsibility for your property. The police can assist but you must be ready to take all legal steps necessary to protect your property.
* Be ready to spend some money. There are many mitigation actions that you can take that require nothing but hard work. While others will require the expenditure of money.
* Plan on spending time on the evaluation and on the mitigation upgrades.

At this point you probably have said "That's great, but what do I actually do?" The following description will help you understand CPTED principals from which you will see the specific tasks to be accomplished.
SARA Model

The acronym you will most likely hear is SARA, standing for:

* Scanning - look for chronic problems and clusters of problems
* Analysis - identify as many characteristics of the problems as possible
* Response - make changes to correct these problems
* Assessment - revisit the list and see if the corrections did enough to meet your mitigation goals

Please understand that CPTED is not

* the way to end all crime
* a replacement for police action
* something the police should do for you
* something only for architects or builders

CPTED is a tool to assist you and the law enforcement community in crime mitigation and it requires your help.
Basics of CPTED

The basic principals of CPTED are:

1. Control Access
2. Increase Surveillance
3. Provide Territorial Reinforcement

Control Access

Control the "traffic" flow to your property. This may be by joining with your neighbors and community planners to reduce the flow of vehicle traffic on your street, which will enhance cohesion within your neighborhood and help you become a better neighbor. This will include installing or repairing fences, walkways, doorways and removing unwanted access paths. This will also include repairing windows, cleaning up trash, removing any obstacle that invites someone to approach your property in any way you dislike and making it easier for people to come on to your property where you want them to.

Increase Surveillance

Remove objects that block your ability to see unwanted "guests" before they take action. Some easy examples are:
+ Trim the lower branches of trees so you can easily see if anyone is attempting to hide under them.
+ Trim the shrubbery low enough that they do not provide a hiding place.
+ Remove all trash and unused items that may provide concealment.
+ Do not use rails on upper floors that allow someone to hide behind them. This does not imply remove the rail, it simply says use a railing that can be readily seen through.
+ Provide adequate lighting at night. This does not mean light it up like it was day time. Rather, light it to a point where if you look outside at night, you can see someone if they are on your property. This lighting may be on a motion sensor, light sensor or regular switch.

Territorial Reinforcement

Protect territory that you feel is yours. In simplest terms this means:
+ Provide adequate fencing
+ Use pavement treatments that say it is not public property
+ Use signs when appropriate
+ Use good maintenance on your property
+ Landscaping can help reinforce the separation of your property from public use
+ Have easily visible Street Address signs to help locate your property for others (Police and Fire, for example)
+ Maintain adequate space between sidewalks and individual property
+ Reduce the number of people using a common access point
+ Reduce the number of people using a common balcony

Properly located entrances, exits, fencing, landscaping and lighting can direct both foot traffic and automobile traffic in ways that discourage crime. Proper maintenance will insure the effectiveness of natural controls and prevent obscured vision due to landscape overgrowth or obstructed / inoperable lighting.

Now What

There are several items that you need to understand. CPTED is a tool in a process, not a cure all. Nothing is fool proof. Your goal needs to be the prevention of opportunistic behavior on the part of criminals, not to turn your home into a fortress. Once you have completed the check list below you should have a formal review done on the completed building or house. This will insure you have not over-looked something. Then what? Simple, use the locks, use the lights, keep trees and shrubs properly trimmed, keep your property looking like someone cares. Reasonable diligence then is the final ongoing item on your list.
Check List

The following will provide you a good starting point for a CPTED evaluation. Please review each item and weigh the cost verses potential benefit. Many times it may seem too expensive to properly address each item on this list. The real question is how much loss to criminals are you willing to accept? If it is not far in excess of your potential mitigation costs then you owe it to yourself, your family and your community to take action. Remember, these items do not have to be completed today, you only need to start today, to help yourself and your family live more safely.

The items presented here are divided into six areas to help you concentrate your efforts. It will, however, be in your best interest to scan the entire list and begin your mitigation efforts with the item(s) that will provide you the maximum gain in security and safety for your house / business, dependent upon your individual situation.
- - - Exterior - - -

1. Look at your house as if it was the first time you had ever seen it. Is it clean, neat and well maintained? If yes, go to number 2.
1. Insure the lawn is mowed and weeds pulled.
2. Insure all trimmings are picked up and disposed of properly
3. Pick up all trash and dispose of it properly.
4. If you work on your own vehicle, clean up everything after every maintenance session. If the maintenance on your vehicle will take more than a day, keep it in the garage so you can close the door to have it look like you care about your house and neighborhood.

2. Are your house numbers easily visible from street regardless of the time of day? Remember, gold colored numbers on a dark background are good for daylight but are virtually invisible at night. If your house numbers are easily visible, go to number 3
1. Repair old or install new numbers that are easy to see against the background they are mounted on.
2. Consider adding lighting that comes on only at night to illuminate them.

3. Do you have any trees with less than eight feet of open space beneath them? If no, go to number 4.
1. Insure the lower tree limbs are trimmed off so you have at least six but preferably eight feet of clearance beneath them.
2. Remove tree trimmings and dispose of properly.

4. Do you have any shrubs more than three feet high? If no, go to number 5.
1. Insure the shrubs are trimmed to no higher than three feet tall. Be particularly careful around windows so you do not block visibility to the outside and so they do not provide concealment for anyone.
2. You may want to consider "hostile environment" shrubs - those with thorns - in areas under windows.
3. Remove shrub trimmings and dispose of properly.

5. Is the front door well lit? If yes, go to number 6
1. You need front door lighting that will allow you to easily identify anyone that approaches. Remember an outside house light that remains on all night, every night, implies that there may not be anyone home.
2. Consider installing motion sensor lighting that has a daylight sensor. This will turn on the light as anyone approaches during the night but turn it off when no one is out front.

6. Is back door well lit? If yes, go to number 7
1. You need sufficient light to identify the person at your back door. Some would say that you would want more light in back than is necessary in front.

7. Are personal items kept inside? If yes, go to number 8
1. Personal items left outside when you are not using them invite theft. Consider keeping them inside unless you are using them.

8. Are high value items recorded /marked? If yes, go to number 9.
1. It is a good idea to have all high dollar and sentimental items inventoried and identified for insurance purposes.

9. Are motion sensor lights installed for the drive way and other areas? If yes, go to number 10
1. Motion sensor lighting makes anyone that approaches your house think that someone may be watching, even when you are not. It also adds safety for welcome guests.

10. Can neighbors see your building clearly?
1. If not, give serious consideration to correcting that. A good neighbor that can watch is a great asset in crime mitigation.

- - - Doors - - -

1. Do you have a Solid core door for your outside door? If yes, go to number 2.
1. Replace exterior door(s) and door frames with solid core door(s). This will also help the energy efficiency of your home.
2. Dispose of old material properly.

2. Do you have doors that fit snugly in the opening? If yes, go to number 3.
1. Repair or replace doors and door frames. This will also help the energy efficiency of your home.
2. Dispose of old material properly.

3. Does the striker plate on your external doors have mounting screws that are at least three inches long? This will minimize the likely hood that it can easily be forced in. If yes, go to number 4.
1. Replace striker plate screws with three or more inch long screws. Verify that there is good backing between the door jamb and the house frame.
2. Dispose of old material properly.

4. Do you have dead bolt locks that engage the striker plate by at least 3/4 inch on each external door? If yes, go to number 5.
1. Add or repair dead bold locks.
2. Dispose of old material properly.

5. Do you have a peep hole in your front door that allows you to see a 180 degree arc? If yes, go to number 6.
1. Install or replace old with a unit that allows 180 degrees field of view.
2. Clean up after the work.

6. Do you have any door locks located less than 40 inches from a window? This would allow someone to break the window and let them selves in. If no, go to number 7.
1. Replace window with non-breakable material, such as Lexan or add additional locks
2. Clean up after the work

7. Does your outside door open outward? If no, go to number 8
1. Replace door with one that opens inward. A door that opens outward has the hinge pins located outside, where criminals can simply remove the hinge pins to remove (not just open) the door.
2. Clean up after the work.

8. Did you re-key the outside door locks after you moved in?
1. Contact a bonded locksmith and have that done. There is no way to determine who has copies of your external door lock keys so the easiest, safest, is to re-key or replace.

- - - Windows - - -

1. Do you have any windows with broken or missing screens? If no, go to number 2.
1. Repair or replace screens.
2. Dispose of old material properly.

2. If you have double hung widows, have they been "pinned" (addition of a mechanical pin to double lock the window)? If yes, go to number 3.
1. Visit your local hardware store and obtain some rod type material for use as pins.
2. Drill the window casement so you can insert the pin(s) to double lock the window.

3. Do metal windows have auxiliary locks? If yes, go to number 4.
1. Your local hardware store will cary auxiliary locks. Obtain at least one per metal window.
2. Use them.

4. Can your window be secured while it is a few inches open? If yes, go to number 5.
* Pinning or window clamps will allow you to lock the window with it partially open

5. Do basement windows have auxiliary locks? If yes, go to number 6.
* Normal basement locks can be defeated very easily. Auxiliary locks will better safeguard your house.

6. Do curtains cover full windows? If yes, go to number 7.
* It is a good idea to have curtains that provide good privacy. While you will want to be able to observe what is happening outside, your will also have times when privacy is important.

7. Do you have a window Air Conditioner?
* If so, do not rely on just the weight of the unit to secure your house. Make sure that it is firmly attached to the window frame or, better yet, the house.

- - - Garages - - -

1. Does the garage door close tightly?
* Repair or replace as necessary

2. Does the overhead door have track padlock?
* This is the best way to insure your garage door stays closed when you want it to.

3. If you have a track padlock, is it high quality?
* Any lock is better than none but a good quality lock is more than worth the cost.

4. If you use a hasp to secure the door, did you use good quality screws and install it so that the screws are covered when it is locked?

5. Is the garage door closed and locked when not in use?
* As it seems, doors and locks only protect when properly used.

6. Is the garage light used at night?

- - - Vacation Tips - - -

1. Do you let your neighbors know when you will be away for more than a few hours?

2. Do you have someone to take care of your yard when you are gone?

3. Are deliveries picked up by your neighbors when you are gone?

4. Are hand bills picked up?

5. Do shades and blinds remain normal?

6. Do you set light timers when you are out of town?

- - - Additional Crime Checks - - -

1. Are cash and high value items secured?

2. Do you have a list of high value items, with the list not located in the house?

3. Are important numbers memorized?

4. Do lights remain on all night?

5. Are weapons secured?

6. Do you display valuables to casual visitors?

The last item is not actually a CPTED item but since you are doing a full review of your house, this is a good time to think about these. Do you have a battery operated smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector? Have the batteries been changed in at least the last six months?
Summary

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a method of minimizing the likelihood that criminals will find you the easiest target for their activities. It is not a "one time and I'm done" process. It is a way of thinking about the safety and well being of family and property. Once you complete the check list, it becomes easy to maintain the "hard target" image to criminals and that is how your safety and comfort are enhanced.

 

[Hubs]

Geez...I'm sorry. You may want to notify YOUR local authorities of BIL's pending release/release just to give them a heads up. And, get yourself a dog(about the best pre-emptive strike aginst an intruder there is).

Otherwise, stay safe!

 

[FLSquirrelHunter]

This was federal, and any action would have to cross state lines? Go to the FBI (don't just call, but call first to make an appt), talk with them. Tell them what you've heard; give names and dates. Ask whether you should be protected. The FBI can set up surveillance, may arrange a sting, and if necessary, can arrange for protection which is beyond your resources. And taxpayers foot the bill so it isn't out of pocket for you and 'Bill.'

If this is a hired hit, no pistol or shotgun will protect you from a bomb or sniper, and no assassin gets any closer (in time or space) than necessary.

That said, enjoy the range time. Have fun with it. Combat skills training can be just plain fun.

If the mentally ill brother himself arrives, he may want to be personal, get some fear factor time, and so provide a chance for you to stop him. If your husband may not take the shot, it's good you know that ahead of time. Do what is necessary to survive; don't wait for 'Bill' to save you.

That said, I think it's important for us to remember that the vast majority of mentally ill people are no threat to anyone. They have enough problems of their own. Bill's brother seems (from the OP) to have some paranoid delusions but enough grip on reality to plan -- which one might guess from the story may be a drug-related condition.

 

[user]

Yes. Get a protective order signed by a judge. It isn't magic, and won't keep the bro. away, but it'll give the local police a basis for acting if he comes close, which they won't have otherwise.

 

[Rmac58]

I'll add my hope things turn out well too.
Number three of the OP, don't assume. I'm sure he'll be on probation, but that's a call, hopefully he'll have to call from a designated land line. Even so, he is seemingly mentally unstable, you do have your hands full. This individual cannot be presumed to act in a rational manner = very difficult to guard against. He's had plenty of time to work out any "revenge", for lack of a better term. The protective order suggestion is a good one as is notifying the proper authorities (FBI) of your concerns.
Good luck.

 

[MJK]

Sorry to hear of your difficult situation. But it sounds like you are taking reasonable and necessary steps to protect yourself.

The only thing I can add to what's already been said is this: don't neglect your mindset. Consider taking some good training to help you mentally prepare for the possibility of an unexpected attack. And become accustomed to living in a state of alert. At the very least you'll benefit from noticing all of the interesting things passing through your life.

Good luck!

 

[LethalStang]

I have nothing more to add that hasnt been already said, but i will keep you in my thoughts and hope you never have altercations with the brother. Keep us informed.

 

[MinisterMalice]

+1 That you're not paranoid.

+1 on the protective order...that way if you even see him, he will be in violation and likely headed back to prison.

+1 on the dog. Doesn't have to be a big dog, just needs to be aware and let you know that something is wrong.

+1 on the jump in SA. Just keep your eyes open. I wouldn't live in fear, though I would begin to pay more attention to your surroundings. It never hurts to know what is out there!

+1 on the training. It is never a bad idea to get more training. From a martial arts student, I would suggest some unarmed combat training as well. (You know...study martial arts!)

 

[kc5fm]

Personal Preparedness

But finally to my main questions: Is there anything he is missing, or should be doing differently? Or are we simply being far too paranoid about this, and there is no credible danger? (This is all WAY over my head; not to mention that Bill and I don't fully understand, at all, the criminal or the mentally ill mind).

Any thoughts or experiences? Any comments/suggestions would be most welcome! (I am very sorry for the long posting; and I hope this is posted in the correct forum too).

I am impressed with how thorough you have planned and acted on the plan. Like others, I don't think you are paranoid (cause if you were you could not get a conceal carry permit <G>).

Holes in the plan that I see is no planning outside the home. For example, if you travel and stay at a motel, what is the disaster plan for a fire in the motel?

Which brings me to what if the threat is NOT Bill's brother? Are you prepared for all-hazards? Fire, Wind, Winter, Earthquake, just to name a few.

I wish more people would plan for all-hazards and take the level of action you have taken so far. The inconvenience of disaster would be much less, if they would.

Without going crazy over this, you must learn to think like the enemy. He's been in prison. Does he like it there and want to go back? I'm more inclined to think as others that he would hire a hit but, then, if he were going to do that, you can do that just as easily inside as outside.

About the only thing left to do is join the Witness Protection Program. :tumbleweed: :smile:

I wish you well in this new year.

 

[Rugergirl]

In addition to the good info already posted here, I'll add my own two cents.
Get any firearms training you can, and do it NOW!
If you even think "Bill" might not be able to shoot his brother in defense, you should learn and make sure you have the mindset to do it if you ever have to.
Sorry, I know that's pretty blunt, but if it comes down to your lives being on the line, I pray that at least one of you, can do whatever you need to do to stay alive.
Sending prayers your way.

 

[Hopyard]

I'd go back to those Agents who asked you about his mental capacity to order a hit on the prosecutor. I'd tell them, if you haven't already, that you think the guy is crazy and capable of anything and that you are totally scared of him.

Ask their advice for getting you professional protection and maybe save the prosecutor too; as your in-law might have a list he plans to go down one by one.

They wouldn't have come to interview you if there weren't already information that this guy is making threats and or plans. Perhaps if they get enough of the right information-- e.g., calling up folks looking to find your new address--- they can piece together new charges and get him off the street.

 

[threefeathers]

I have faced exactly that, keep youe eyes open and make a paper trail with the police.

 

[sniper58]

Welcome to the Forum. Sorry you are starting your new year off this way! I think you've got a decent blueprint for OPSEC, but as others stated, expect the unexpected. I suggest you obtain a copy of The Art of War by Sun Tzu (you can d/l it free - Google it). Read it and digest it. I promise your B-I-L has. Prepare for the worst and get training. You need the skills and the mindset to protect your family against this and other threats. Bill might be a fan of the 5-shot snubbie, but I suggest you learn on a good semi-automatic for increased capacity and faster follow-up shots.

As for training, you might send an email to Dr. Piazza at Front Sight (http://www.frontsight.com). Your situation is ripe for a freebie (and all the publicity it brings him). The worst thing that can happen is you'll get a reduced rate and learn a lot while having a lot of fun. The only contact info I have is [email protected]. Your message will be delivered to him.

My prayers are with you and your family. Act now, be prepared and please keep us informed.

 

[Patti]

I don't think you're paranoid. You should always take a threat seriously.

It is difficult to understand a criminal (or mentally ill) mind.

I'd go to the agents who originally contacted you.

If at all possible, move to another location. Have an unlisted phone number. Don't give your address to anybody - not even friends or family.

Talk to your local P.D. Ask if they can step up patrols in your neighborhood and ask them for safety tips.

I've had a few death threats. On several occasions, I hired a body guard to sit outside the house at night.

Install monitored cameras around the outside of your house.

Always be aware of your comings and goings. Look for any suspicious vehicles in your neighborhood.

Take different routes to work, store, church, etc.

Change vehicles if you can.

Get a trained guard dog.

Most importantly, if you have children, make their safety your number one priority. Don't let them play outside unless you're with them. Tell the school administrator about the problem. Give them instructions in writing that NO ONE is allowed to pick up the kids from school except you or your husband.

Besides tactical handgun training, take some classes in hand-to-hand combat.

Get physically fit.

And don't ever, ever answer the door unless you know who it is. Drill this into your kid's heads too.

 

[Stevew]

Milly, there are two kinds of crazy. Those who roll thier feces into little balls and those that do harm to others. Sounds like you are dealing with the latter. Do you have a concealed carry permit? Get well trained. Always be prepared. Always carry, even at home. We don't get to pick when bad things happen, the bad guy decides that. I am a revolver man myself, but in your situation I would want a high capacity auto to carry while at home and keep on the night stand