Harvey Family Murder - Throats Were Slashed

Latest reports seem to suggest the murder of the Harvey family was not planned as the items used in the slayings were common household items including knives and blunt objects.

Richmond police yesterday continued their search for whoever killed four members of the Harvey family. But from the beginning, they didn't have to look far to solve the mystery of what was likely used to kill them.

Sources close to the investigation said the New Year's Day slayings appeared to have been committed with items that were found in the family's home on West 31st Street in the Woodland Heights neighborhood. According to the sources, those items included sharp objects, such as knives, as well as items used to inflict blunt-force trauma.

Police yesterday confirmed that the Harveys had been bound with tape and had their throats cut.

Scroll several news items here. Also a category for the case is being set up at sidebar on the right.

Comments

[p]

Last night on NBC12 news, they specified a box cutter and hammer as items found in the home that were used.

Not comfortable for me to think about. Both of the girls attended the same preschool as my child, although Ruby is in my more recent memory. I did not know Ruby well, but would see her when I was dropping off and/or picking up my child and, from afar, I always thought she was so friggin' cute. A couple of nights ago I listened to "The Icicle Melts" by the Cranberries, looked at the group photos with Ruby in them and just sobbed.

I wish our justice system weren't so organized and fair. If we had the person(s) responsible and were sure they did it, I wish the community could just torture them to death.

[jadensmokes]

P- I think public executions should be considered, perhaps not carried out by the community, but with mandate. Our present deterrents to crime are obviously not working. And, if a death penalty is sought for a specific crime and the criminal is proven with removal of all doubt, why all the appeals, let's get down to business (ie, the BTK Killer)?

But, if executions were made public, then we as a society might think differently about sentencing someone to death. I personally do not know if I were sitting on a jury that I could covinct someone to death. I have spent hours thinking on the subject, but unless one is in the jury box and faced with such a decision, it is difficult to speculate what one would or wouldn't do. There are crimes so heinous, as in this case, that I feel strongly I could easily impart the death penalty on someone foung guilty with removal of all doubt. But, then I am not in the jury box either.

I am very far removed from this crime and it's location, however, it has affected my emotions a great deal. My heart goes out to you and those that are close to the family. May God grant your hearts peace.

[Teresa]

P- on the other hand, I would have no problem giving the death penalty to someone that killed a child in this manner. I know it does not make you feel better but you have to know that in VA, it is certain a jury will hand that down in this case.

Ruby was a doll baby. Stay strong.

[AuntB]

.. someone... somewhere out there... is walking around having commited these crimes. Gettin' up in the morning.. havin' some coffee.. and just going about their day...

.. boggles the mind

[p]

.. someone... somewhere out there... is walking around having commited these crimes. Gettin' up in the morning.. havin' some coffee.. and just going about their day...

.. boggles the mind

Yes. And what's even sicker is to think that they may read what we have to say online.

I've always liked the idea of being the vigilante type. I have this ridiculous fantasy that I could go to the house, find out who is responsible and go get them.

[AuntB]

p: I understand completely... your 'vigilante'
fantasy. I would imagine quite a few people feel that way. For some reason though... and I'm not sure why.. but I feel that the person/s (for lack of a better word) responsible for this may not get *into* or *off of* the media attention. They are saying that perhaps it wasn't pre-meditated.. do to the fact the weapons used were taken from from the house. My feeling is this guy just.. snapped... BIGTIME. I wouldn't doubt if we were to see a surrender of some kind.. a confession.

JMO

[annie]

This is yet another utterly horrific killing. Evil beyond words. It beggers belief that someone could have done this, and in daytime as well, when they could have been seen entering and leaving the property. When I read about the almost prophetic words of the song 'hey, hey, hey', my first thoughts were, is this shades of 'helter skelter', and maybe drugs involved. I pray that this does not turn into another mystery, and whoever, or whatever happened is discovered very very soon. Besides the grief of those living in the community round about, there must also be great fear living there until it is resolved.

[CaptainJoe]

Randy Link's record in Norfolk
GC02015648-00 LINK, RANDALL K; 5 POSS OF HEROIN Felony 10/30/02 Grand Jury

[AuntB]

Joe my friend. What the hell am I supposed to do with that?... link to *what*?... where is it
supposed to take me cause I ain't going NOWHERE!

[CaptainJoe]

Randy Link, the name of Shelly Link's second Husband. Shelly Link, Kathryn Harvey's sister.

Thomas Malbon- Shelly's first husband

Case Number Defendant Charge Case Type Date Disposition Paid
GC97001330-00 MALBON, THOMAS M ASSAULT & BATTER Misdemeanor 03/12/97 Dismissed
GC01009625-00 MALBON, THOMAS MAYNARD DISORDERLY CONDUCT Misdemeanor 07/17/01 Dismissed
GC03007243-00 MALBON, THOMAS ASSAULT & BATTERY Misdemeanor 08/27/03 Dismissed

[abigail]

Bryan, Kathryn, Stella Ann, Ruby May Harvey
Bryan T., 49, Kathryn Grabinsky, 39, formerly of Virginia Beach, Stella Ann, 9, Ruby May, 4, all of Richmond, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2006. Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, Anne Talley and Charles "Shell" Harvey. He is survived by his sister, Paige Harvey; his brother, Mark B. Harvey and his wife, Pam; and two nephews. Bryan was employed in the technology department with the Henrico County Public Schools. He was also a local musician and member of NrG Krysys. Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Anjo and John Grabinsky. Kathryn is survived by her brother, Steven Culp and family, of Los Angeles, Calif.; sister, Shelly Link, of Virginia Beach; two nieces, and a nephew. Kathryn was co-owner of World of Mirth in Carytown. Stella was a third grader at Fox Elementary School and Ruby was a preschooler at Second Presbyterian Church's child care center. The family wants to express their heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love and concern for Bryan, Kathryn, Stella, and Ruby, their families and their friends. The support you gave them in their life and since this tragedy has been overwhelming and deeply felt by all of us. The memories and celebration of their lives will bring comfort to all of us during this trying time. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Bliley Funeral Homes' Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave. A memorial service will be held at the Byrd Theatre on Cary St. at 1 p.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 4240 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, Va. 23060, or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, Ill. 60601.
Published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 1/6/2006.
Guest Book • Funeral home info • Flowers

Geez, don't think I've seen an entire family in the obits at one time. Very, very sad...

[CaptainJoe]

Who uses boxcutters? People in retail. The murder was done in the middle of the day. Neighbors saw no one enter or exit. So no one did. Kathryn was the last one seen alive. The murders were poorly done. Done by a woman? Do women know how to swing a hammer? Kathryn?

[abigail]

We have a boxcutter, I thought most people did. Why are you implying that you think Kathryn did it? Why would any family member do it when they knew Stella was on her way home and the house was supposed to be full of people a few hours later? No way, no reason. Besides I thought the murder suicide thing was ruled out by police. Neighbors might have been afraid, besides, we don't know if anyone has come forward. They are not telling us.

[abigail]

Gag order has been issued....

[abigail]

Harvey Latest
Jan 6, 2006, 09:30 PM
Email to a Friend Printer Friendly Version

We have uncovered new developments in the Harvey family murder investigation.

Today Judge Margaret Spencer issued a gag order in the investigation into the Harvey murders.

According to a court document obtained by 8 news, a multi-jurisdictional grand jury is now also involved in the case. The order forbids prosecutors, police, and fire investigators from discussing the murders with outside parties. It comes less than a day after information got out about possible weapons used in the murders of Bryan, Kathryn, Stella and Ruby. Sources tell me the killer may have attacked family members with a hammer and box cutter.

Friday night, Richmond Police remained at the crime scene at the Harvey's home on West 31 street. We're told neighbors are confused about the case, unsure if they have reason to be afraid for their own safety. As of right now, Richmond Police have not released any information about possible suspects.

The Gag order is in place and will likely reduce the number of details revealed, but police are still asking for more information on the case.

The number to call is 514- Tips, a six thousand dollar reward is being offered.

[abigail]

My brother and my sister-in-law are in town from Ohio. They went to Carytown to meet a friend for coffee and to go to Plan 9, my brothers most favorite record store. Anyway, they walked by World of Mirth and my sister in law said there were flowers everywhere and people just taking pictures and pausing in front of the store. My brother said he teared up. He said he was so saddened by what happend to this family and he just heard about it when I told him right before he came down which was on Thursday. This is touching people everywhere. Lets pray this gets solved ASAP!

[ginger]

Tonight, my loving thoughts
go out to the extended Harvey Family.
To everyone else who knew them, and
To those of yawl who weren't lucky enough.

And may the person
who took their lives,
find peace.

This situation is so bizarre and wrong that I can't even really process it, other than to wish for peace, in the general direction of whatever evil caused this.

It hardly seems fitting to wish violence upon an evil aggressor. We have to be kinder and nicer to the loved ones in our lives, in memory of the beautiful family who is gone.

This family shared a kindness which will live on in the hearts of all of us who met them and those of you reading this even if you didn't meet them.

Tonight I will meditate that this aggressor
learn the lesson of the kindness of human touch
and leave behind their ill ways.

I can't think of anything else
that these folks might have wanted more,
if they could answer for themselves.

The times dispatch said:

"For the children, the service included a short story read aloud about water bugs living on the bottom of a pond. The bugs wondered why their friends who climbed up a water-lily stalk never came back. One bug who climbed the stalk promised to come back and explain what he found up there. But at the top of the stalk he found a lily-pad where he collapsed and changed into a dragonfly. He realized he could never go back to his friends, who would have to wait to climb the stalk themselves to see what awaited them above the pond."

[abigail]

Ginger, a very calm response from you, but you must understand that people are very angry. How does one do this? I realize that we are given the tools to forgive and we should "love thy neighbor", but we are also given emotions which includes anger. Perhaps we should embrace people who are "sick and evil", but the perp(s) also need to be caught, tried and thrown in jail and sit on death row.

I read the waterbug story earlier and it's cute, but remember that there are children aged from about 4 to 10 that are trying to make sense of this, and that is so wrong that they had friends MURDERED. I can see a handful if not two or more up at night afraid someone will come get thier family too. It's just sad.

[CaptainJoe]

Who kills children? Women kill children. Andrea Yates, Susan Smith. They killed their children in a cold blooded manner. Maybe she had post partem depression or something. It was done like a women would do it.

[abigail]

Post partem depression after 4 years? Not likely! Women do kill thier children as do men. How would Kathryn tie herself up and why would she slash herself? Why not just shoot everyone? Susan and Andrea are still alive! They killed thier kids, but not themselves. How would Kathryn overpower Bryan? Stab him? The drop off mother surely would have noticed if she was covered in blood. JMO

[dan]

capt joe. please stop making the awful accusation that kathryn could have done this. while one does have to consider all possibilities, that is the LEAST likely scenario. keep your opinion to yourself please.

[liza bean]

CaptJoe- if you had ever met Bryan or Kathy you would know how incredibly stupid and unfounded your suggestions are. Were it even possible, DNA evidence would have closed the case by now.

For those of us here, it seems to have been an unplanned crime - a confrontation that spiralled out of control. All of the materials used are believed to have been in the house at the time of the murders. The general consensus here is that the murder was someone they knew, possibly someone connected to Shelley, who was trying to remove herself from a bad situation.

Unless you are party to evidence the police do not have, I agree with Dan that you should keep such offensive postulations to yourself.

[abigail]

Two men arrested for seven recent murders in Richmond

From NBC12 News
Saturday, January 7, 2006

Richmond Police announced arrests in the murders of two different families in the last week. Two men, arrested in Philadelphia, are now charged in the murders of the Harvey family last weekend, as well as three members of a family Friday night.

In the latest murder, a family of three was found bound and slain in their home at 3408 East Broad Rock Boulevard around 7:30 PM Friday. The victims have been identified as: Ashley Baskerville, 21; Mary Baskerville, 47; and Percyell Tucker, 55.

Early Saturday morning, two suspects were caught in Pennsylvania driving a car that belonged to the family. Now, police believe those two men may be responsible for their deaths. The suspects are in custody in Philadelphia for the murders: Ray Joseph Dandridge, 28 and Ricky Javon Gray, 28 of Arlington.

Richmond Police Chief Rodney Monroe says, “The house had been ransacked and numerous items appear to have been taken. At this time, we are classifying the motive as robbery.”

Police have charged the suspects with “one count each of auto theft and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the Broad Rock murders.”

Richmond Police say they also charged Dandridge and Grey with four counts each of conspiracy to commit murder. Police say these charges stem from the murders of the Harvey family at their home at 812 W. 31st St.

“The senseless killings of these seven people -- two families -- was disturbing not only for the families of the victims and the community, but also for the police department,” says Richmond Police Chief Rodney Monroe, during a Saturday press conference.

Richmond Police are continuing to investigate the killings of Lewis Casper, Jr. and Roicana Monet Casper. Police say they have strong leads in this case.

Meanwhile, police say the suspects in this case may be connected to a Chesterfield home invasion that happened January 3rd. Investigators are also looking into the possibility that they knew at least one of the victims.

A memorial vigil will be held for the victims of this homicide Tuesday at 6 PM, at their home on East Broad Rock Boulevard .

(c) 2006. Jefferson Pilot Communications Company of Virginia. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistribute

[abigail]

I wonder who these guys are

[John]

Murders usually fall into 2 categories: those committed by a relative or acquaintance, and those committed by a stranger. In the latter case, the perpetrators are mostly of the same general demographic-- young minority males. That appears to be the case here.

[what?]

captain joe, why dont you move out of your parents basement and get a job! you are an idiot!

[TARA]

ROICANA WAS MY BESTFRIEND SHE IS TRULEY MISSED THAT DIDN'T SURPOSE OF HAPPENING TO HER OR HER FATHER SO MY SYMPATHY GO OUT TO MRS.PATSY CASPER YOU MADE IT THREW. BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER ROICANA SAVE A SEAT FOR ME. AS THESE YEARS PASS AND WE GREW APART I WANT YOU 2 KNOW YOU ALWAYS IN MY HEART I MISS YOU ROICANA MONET!! LUV TARA

[TARA]

ROICANA WAS MY BESTFRIEND SHE IS TRULEY MISSED THAT DIDN'T SURPOSE OF HAPPENING TO HER OR HER FATHER SO MY SYMPATHY GO OUT TO MRS.PATSY CASPER YOU MADE IT THREW. BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER ROICANA SAVE A SEAT FOR ME. AS THESE YEARS PASS AND WE GREW APART I WANT YOU 2 KNOW YOU ALWAYS IN MY HEART I MISS YOU ROICANA MONET!! LUV TARA