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So the ad made people recognize the vengefulness of Mrs. Stump, then why would the beckers want it off?
Then again maybe it had something to do with other people recognizing the terrible vindictivness and vengefulness of Mrs. Stump, and her sad inability to accept her son's suicide. It's all too common in relatives of suicide victims.
Methinks Mrs. Stump confuses conspiracy with consensus.
Why would the Beckers use their influence to have the ad taken off?
What are they afraid of? The truth?
There is a website www.bigpinekey.com. This website is used for chit chat stuff, but also has a classified ads dept. You can run an ad for free, under classified. I ran this ad under help wanted, "Help Solve a Mystery - go to www.realcrimes.com and scroll down to Monroe County, FL" The Big Pine website accepted the ad and ran it for over a month and then it was pulled. Somehow the Beckers found out about the ad, because now they won't put the ad in the column. I receive this acknowledgement "Your ad has been received and will be posted within 24 hours. Please e mail us on the day that you want your classified ad to be removed. This is all that we ask of you for this FREE coummunity service." Apparently the Beckers once again used their "clout" because my ad is not on. All you friends out there, how about trying to get the ad on. Maybe they just have my e mail address blocked. Thanks Rose
If suicide is the truth why does Bernie lie so much? Why would one sister threaten her own sisters life? Why do the Beckers have so many versions and stories of what went on that day?Why did Bernie go on vacation on Toms dime and leave the children with the other family instead of the family that needed them?Why is Bernie and Bill so paranoid and scared? Why is Bernie so cold cold cold hearted, to not even attend her husband at the times memorial? Nope sorry need to do some more talking and explaining for me to buy into your suicide. Answer me these questions and while your so set on suicide I'm equally set on foul play. Even if suicide he had to have help.
And if thats the truth why did he gas up and go to bank? And how did he get in a car and be in the backyard at the same time? How could he throw keys off a boat why would he stay up all night "talking" divorce if he was gonna end his life anyway? Why did he only wear 1 boot? And how did he clean up all evidence of his suicide after he died?
Ok so if the truth is Tom committed suicide where did he put his body after he died?
That's ridiculous. Bernie doesn't have any phone records. She never had them. (Who keeps records of their local phone calls?) And as far as I know, she has never been asked for them.
And if Sheriff Rick Roth says there are no phone records, you can believe that there are no phone records.
The horse is dead.....stop beating it.
Bull - is that why Bernie has been cooperative with Rose too? Cooperative enough to give her phone records from that time? She couldn't get them thru the Attorney General's office either.
The only roadblock for Rose is the truth...that Tom committed suicide.
She can't get past it.
RE: the 2/14, 12:08 post:
counterpoint: How far up in the system does the drug involvement go? So far that it impedes an investigation? FDLE? Attorney General's Office? Immigration? Maybe Tom knew too much - maybe he was involved and wanted out. Did Bernie and Bill take advantage of the situation since he was in their way too? Who in the "chain" cared - it protected their operation. Is that why there are so many roadblocks for Rose?
Maybe it wasn't the drugs. Maybe the Harris woman was coming between Mark and Bernie. And then Tom was coming between Bernie and Bill.
Have we ever heard any explaination for the champagne bottle(s) and black ribbons and wrappings? Has that ex employee of Toms ever again been contacted again????? What about Scott his partner? Why are all these people so scared of the Beckers??
Not always true. It would depend on the drug and also the quantity, and also what say Tom or Diana planned to do with whatever knowledge they have. Many areas are alot more tolerant of marijuania then they are of other drugs.
Recently, there was a house on grassy key busted for a grow room with 40 marijuana plants found. The owner pleaded guilty and got 3rd degree misdemeaner, no time just parole. The keyes are a very drug tolerant community.
Now the point: there is no relationship b/w the stump and harris case, at least based on drugs, the druggies down here wouldnt kill over something so trivial.
Tom and Diana in the way? Way of what? Don't you think the question should be who were they in the way of? Maybe then you'll know who made them both disappear.
Earlier someone posted on the board, that Tom and Diana Harris were
both "in the way". I think with Diana, they thought she would spill the beans on the drug deals. With Tom was it the same reason or was he "in the way" with Bernie's relationship with Becker?
Good things come to those who wait. Just how does that relate to this case?? We wait while others get away with murder? Think Toms happy with the laid back attitude? good whats good here.The Florida people that are related to this case or employees dont come on cuz they've been scared off we established that a long time ago.They the Beckers posted threats against themselves and got away with it.Public threats against kins lives and got away with it! Wait for what I ask again?
A mother's concern for her children, knows no bounds.
Betty wrote it, someone not afraid to put her name down.
Who in the world wrote that last post calling people "stupid" and "idiots"? It is not something one would want to put their name to? None of us would kill for Bernie and/or Bill to be back on this board, because we know some of the posts are them, their choice of words give them away. "Cancer of a person" is a sick statement,
and who ever you are must have never had a close relationship with anyone who was ill, it's insulting. This board for Tom Stump is far from dead, get over it and at the same time you should learn to capitalize, and oh yes, grown up. The only enemy of Mrs. Stump wrote that juvenile post.
To the person who posted " bernie you've posted once to many times"- you truly are stupid. That is my post you have cut and pasted: I am nor bernie or bill nor do i live in florida, I live in arizona, my name is betty. You are the sole reason this board has died...nobody posts anymore b/c idiots like you start out posts like you did. We would all kill to have bernie or bill come back to the board or any body who has actually lived down there let alone worked for tom. Your hatred and negativity drive everyone away including rose. You are an absolute cancer of a person and please leave this board for real truth seeking people.If we could get bernie back on here I would be the first to ask her some tough questions..but I would ask them respectfully( innocent until proven guilty).You and people like you have killed the board..be proud..you are roses worst enemy.
Judge not, lest ye be judged.
I see it like this
1981 Diana Harris, in the way, had to be eliminated.
1995 Tom Stump, in the way, had to be eliminated.
The judge just went on what Bernie told her. The sheriff's dept. still rules 3 possiblities as posted earlier.
I thought a judge officially declared Tom Stump dead of suicide in 2000.
Has there been any evidence to the contrary since then?
Bernie, you've posted once too often.
You say, "Tom walked off with a gun in his hand never to be seen again." YOU never told police "Tom walked off with a gun in his hand." You told them that Tom "had a gun hidden in the woods."
"The Beckers are the ones who should be suing someone."
Then why don't they DO IT!!! The Stumps would probably love a chance to disclose the facts of the case in a legal setting.
"Once upon a time we had bernie and bill, as welll as searchers who looked for the body, former employees of h@s builders, now we have only us left here."
Who is "US"? You and Mark Ripin and Mitch Denker, the druggy attorney, all of whom are linked to the Diana Harris case?
Your right...every time someone has posted with the possibility of suicide they are attacked by virtually everyone...and now there is noone left to get info from.
Sue the beckers for what? Tom walked off with a gun in his hand never to be seen again. The Beckers are the ones who should be suing someone.Suggesting legal action only divides these parties further, once upon a time we had bernie and bill, as welll as searchers who looked for the body, former employees of h@s builders, now we have only us left here. This board would do better to not drive everyone who actually knows something from it!!
Good things come to those who wait.
Checked up on site after several months hoped to find something new something resolved. Have the Syumps tried suing yet? NO done anything yet? NO again. WHY is that? So many ways to get some action going on this case and still same old same old. WHY? Stumps ever check out that florida site for unidentified bodies in florida? if so what result if not Why not? What a terrible injustice to Tom people!! Come on Lets get the ball rolling again for crying out loud.Several refs to court tv forensic files etc being uninterested in case,, did they really look into it or what?Did they actually talk to anyone involved besides sherriffs? WHO? Its been way too long. Mrs Stump have you talked to anyone about suing Bernie, Becker,a civil suit, anything to get it back up and at least talked about in the legal circles?Someone will slip somehow somewhere. You gotta grease the foundation! Sorry to sound harsh or whatever I sound but really its way past time here.
That post about everyone concluded it was a suicide is old. Probably pasted by one of the Beckers.
I thought I read on the board, where a detective came to the conclusion that Stump had committed suicide, was a victim of a homicide, or is still alive somewhere.
I think the previous message was about the Tom Stump suicide, not the Diana Harris missing person case which is a totally separate case.
Diana Harris is a SUICIDE?
Then Mark Ripin is linked to TWO "suicides" with the bodies disappeared?
And Bernie Ripin-Stump-Becker is linked to TWO "suicides" with the bodies disappeared?
This needs to be followed up on, especially since the Harris case appears to be linked to a drug operation.
This case has been reopened three or four times...and multiple agencies: mcso, fdle, and even the fbi were once consulted, have all ruled suicide the likely consequence. Real crimes, americas most wanted etc. have all looked at this case more than once and cant find a show. Maybe , just maybe this actually is a suicide.
Very odd coincidence. Have there been other missing people from this area that haven't been accounted for?
Two missing people with the same people questioned and involved. How many more missing people could there be? No one from the party house reported Diana missing and it didn't raise eyebrows?
Tue Dec 28 14:21:38 PST 2004
Regarding the new Harris case.
Reading on the new case of Diana Lynn Harris showing the same people are questioned in the disappearance of more than just Tom Stump is amazing. Did it occur to anyone in the Sheriff's Department there could be a connection? How is it that records are lost or destroyed? Is the court system not adequate to have the storage for the unsolved cases? When papers walk off whom is responsible for it and what is done regarding it?
Did Bernie know Diana Lynn Harris and her children? Has she talked to Diana Lynn Harris's daughter to see if the connection is valid?
If so what was the outcome of that, does anyone know?
Another very interesting case is on the realcrimes website. Scroll down to the Diana Harris story. She disappeared from Monroe County FL back in 1981. Some of the same names are involved in the Harris case and the Tom Stump investigation.
Perhaps someone who went to the wedding can tell us if Mark was there to give Bonnie away? Or, perhaps, that information appeared in the newpaper?
If Mark is in the Keys, the sheriff's dept. may want to question him again.
Why would anyone care?
Bonnie, Tom's step-daughter is getting married tomorrow. Does anyone know if her father Mark Ripin will be there to give her away or if he is out of the country?
no, he moved away
I happened to catch the hurrican show with Bill Becker and Gene Michaels on the weather station. Becker didn't receive the Edward R Murrow Award. He accepted the award on behalf of the radio station. The "radio station" received the award. Does Michaels still work with Becker?
Does Bill Becker's relationship with Mark, Bernie, and Mitch Denker go back to the time of Diana Harris's disappearence? Or did he meet them after that?
It seems that Bernie is paranoid about something.
It's always seems she's been paranoid about something - why?
I also do not understand why it would matter where they met, in prison or outside of prison? Apparently there is some reason why it matters or Bernie would not be so insistant that I not say they met there. How can she not expect me to think that when I told her that an officer told me this. She says Rose told me this, and just so everyone knows, Rose is not the one who told me this. It was a law enforcement investigator. Does anyone else know how that could make a difference in either case? This is not all just coincidence. There is a connection and we will get to the bottom of it. Sooner or later it will happen. Christine
What difference does it make whether Mark and Gary met in prison or after they both got out of prison?
If Mark is involved in both cases, Stump and Harris, why should this be upsetting to Bernie? He is no longer her husband. Maybe she is afraid of what Mark will tell.
Christine, you will not go to hell. Someone telling you that is ridicules. Ignore it.
This is Christine the daughter of Diana Harris, I wanted you all to know I have been in contact with Bernie Becker and I made a comment on here before about Mark Ripin and Gary Argenzio meeting in prison and being friends. Well I will correct myself so she will stop emailing me insisting I do. I do not have proof of what I said although I believe an officer of the law told me that. Bernie has told me if I did not say this than I will go to hell. She told me she contacted Mark Ripin and he said it was not true and she expects me to just believe what she and Mark tell me. I really do not think it would even affect my case where they met. Bernie also says they were not even friends, I do not believe that. Bernie says she knew my Mom, and that she was shown pictures of my brother and I, by my Mom.
No, that's not what I meant.
But, yes, they do need our prayers.
Yes, the Stump family has been unjustly persecuted and they remain in our prayers.
Answer to question on Tues. You can share your knowledge anonymously.
Answer to question on Wed. The truth shall set you free.
Question: If a person realizes her terrible mistake, but says nothing because she is too proud to admit it, and allows an innocent family to be unjustly persecuted.....is that a crime?
Question - if a psychic sees a solution to a crime but doesn't tell anyone, is that withholding information?
Did anyone happen to watch John Walsh's "America's Most Wanted" last night (Nov. 20)? There were several investigations about crimes in the FL Keys. Very Interesting!
As long as a case is unsolved, it is an open case. It is placed in the cold case files and when a lead comes in, the case is reinvestigated. Such is the Stump case.
Looks like we all been duped for sure only I think its from both sides!Its a shame for sure. So many of us have tried to help and now are being left out in the cold.
being duped by bernie stump becker is all that is going on
well as I thought hard to follow when the lead doesnt give any direction.Thought the whole idea here was to solve this obvious crime, guess not. All were doing is chasing shadows. Some things cant be told? How lame is that? Sorry to be so negative and blunt but be real here! Whats the point here now? If theres news it should be shared. my guess the case is and has been closed. Otherwise well you figure it out its plain as day we been seriously led on and used here.
Somethings learned, cannot be told.
Thanks to the faithful followers. The Stump Family
No not Lisa. My name is Sue , been checking in on this board since the beginning. Seems like so many have given up. Hard to help when even the stumps arent answering questiions or checking out helpful sites.Sad very sad
Lisa? Is that you???
Where has everyone gone? Rose have you went to that site yet? It for Floridas unidentified bodies data base. Come on. I went there but I dont know enough about Tom. Its free and could be a start on some answers!! Come on Rose you got a lot of people on this board willing to help you. Time to help us do that! You give us some answers too. Like the results of that site,, like why not sue the Beckers,etc etc etc. Looks like so many have given up already.Did someone tell the Stumps to stay off the board? Another answer I'd like to hear is why oh why oh why did Bonnie get away with posting those threats against her own sister and family?????? If she would have had to answer for that other answers may have come out!!!Sure was a missed chance there.The Stump family sure has missed or not taken a lot options that could bring out the truth.I cant believe none of them have gone to that site! Or if they did had didnt have enough respect for us helpers to let us know the results.Wow really makes one wonder now don't it?
http://www.fluiddb.com
Are any of the Stump family still coming on this board??? Have they given up?? How could they?? GO TO THIS SITE PLEASE. LET US KNOW SOMETHING PLEASE
http://www.fluiddb.com
http://www.fluiddb.com
There is only ONE Mark Ripin who lived in the Keys. And he seems to be the one involved in both the Stump case and the Diana Harris case.
this site is for unidentified bodies found in Florida.
please someone who knows details of Tom go to this site and let us know what and if you get any leads!!!
http://www.fluiddb.com
p
is it documented that the Mark Ripin who is linked to the Diana Harris case is the same Mark Ripin who is linked to the Tom Stump case? Is it possible this is a coincidence and there are two different Mark Ripins?
sorry I posted wrong web address below it is http://www.fluiddb.com/
i hope Rose you check this site out Its for people just like you!! Let us know please
FLorida UnIdentified Decedents DataBase www.fluid.com
Home | Query the Database | Medical Examiner Districts
How to Use this Website
This website was created to provide a central clearinghouse to family, friends or police searching for a missing person. This database contains information about people who have been found dead in Florida and whose identities remain unknown. All information provided is in non-medical terms. Our intention is to engage the interested party in searching this database in the hope that they may recognize a picture, a characteristic or a detail about a decedent. If so, they may then contact the Medical Examiner's office or law enforcement agency which has jurisdiction over the case.
Please read the following information carefully. Understanding how we categorize the data will help you use the site effectively. Medical Examiner personnel submitting case information MUST use the section labeled for Florida Medical Examiners Use Only.
When you query the database, you will be asked to provide the gender, race, age at time of disappearance and the date the person was last reliably known to be alive. The database will then bring up a list of cases that match the criteria that you have entered. Each case record will contain additional information about a decedent and may also include a picture of a particular item of clothing, jewelry or tattoos, etc. The following is a description of the fields that appear for each record. Once you have carefully read the information below, you may go to Query the Database, fill out the fields and begin your search.
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District Number This field specifies which of the 24 Florida Medical Examiner Districts has jurisdiction over this case.
Medical Examiner Case Number This field lists that district's case number for this case. This is very useful when contacting the Medical Examiner District which has jurisdiction over a case you are interested in.
Date of Death or Discovery This is the date the decedent died or was discovered. Medical Examiners assign the date a body is found as the date of death, which does not necessarily mean the person died on that particular day.
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Estimated Weight This information may help you narrow your search.
Location Found This is the address or general location where the decedent was discovered.
Hair Describes color, length, texture, etc.
Eyes Describes color and other distinguishing features.
Facial Features Describes mustache, beard, goatee and other distinguishing facial characteristics.
Tattoos Provides detailed information about each tattoo and location on body, if applicable.
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Jewelry Provides information about jewelry and watches, piercings and medical alert jewelry.
Clothing and Shoes Provides detailed information about clothing, including shoes, belt, bra, underwear, hat, etc. and describes color, size and brand of each article.
Personal Effects Provides information about prescription glasses, sunglasses, wallets, purses, keys, canes, cell phones, beepers, hair barrettes, briefcases, etc.
Other Details Includes detailed personal information about life style, smoking, drinking, drug use, profession or work, hobbies, activities they engaged in, types of places frequented, vehicle description, criminal activity, if known to hitchhike, etc.
Contact Lists contact information at the Medical Examiner's office handling the case.
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Direct comments, questions and feedback to:
Michael Britt with the District 20 Medical Examiner Office
239-434-5020 extension 1 or
michaelbritt@colliergov.net
I want to know more about the Diana Harris case. The fact that Mark Rippin, Bernie Rippin-Stump-Becker, and Bill Becker all hung out at the drug party house that Diana disappeared from and later all were linked to Tom's disappearance is mind boggling. Diana's daughter says her mothers story will soon be posted on this web site. How long do we have to wait? People with information need to see both stories to make a connection.
On July 29, 1995, 6 days after Tom's disapperance, 26 volunteers walked through the woods behind his house. If there would have been a body there, they would have noticed a distinct odor of rotting flesh. No one noticed an odor. That's because the body wasn't there. The insurance money wasn't paid right away, but I'm sure someone could have been satisfied with Tom's coin and gun collection.
From my knowledge, the police will not investigate this case due to lack of physical evidence or a body. The police say that these missing people are adults and could have made the decision to walk away from their present life and it is just discarded as that.
I don't feel Tom is alive, due to the fact he hasn't contacted his mother or his siblings. The more I read on this Mark Ripen, I feel he is the one who committed the crime. This could have been a murder for hire between freinds. The wife was going to get life insurance, she could have paid him after she received the money. There is definately some if not all knowledge in Tom's immediate family, as in his (then wife).
Those woods need to be searched and something found before the cops will look into it.
To Rose Stump: Have you tried pulling a credit report on your son, activity with his name and number may give you clues.
It is very possible, that he was killed in his house and disposed of somewhere else. With the police not having an investigation, they could have cleaned up the mess in the house. Chemicals are used by forensic techs to bring anything left behind. Science doesn't lie.
If Mark is in Prison, maybe some of his cellmates that are out now, may know something. Have you checked the unsolved homicides/crimes in Fla. to see if he comes up as a John Doe.
I would like to know has the body ever been found? Has anyone gone over the woods mentioned with a fine tooth comb?
Bernie is suspicious because of the discrepancy in her stories.
The way to get answers and get under their reort clique is to start lawsuits!!!! I'm telling you it will work in the long run!! Just start pounding them from all angles. Soon the web will dissolve, and they will not know or remember wwho said whaat to whom and will eventually turn on each other to protect themselves. Thats the way to answers!!
The same people are involved, because that's who lives there in that small resort town. They know or heard about what happened both times. Perhaps most of them are all involved in international drug distribution - that would include a mountain of people in high ranking positions of all kinds. Even if you were not involved, would you tell on them if you lived there? In all seriousness, how are you going to get someone of them to? Any suggestions?
Hi, I am Diana Harris's daughter. My Mom will soon have her own spot on this site where everyone will have more details, of how this may very well be linked to Tom Stump's case. As for the question of there being alot of people interviewed in the disappearance of my Mom. I only know of the one's interviewed in 1995 when her case was reopened. I was 10 when she disappeared in 1981, and her case files were intentionally destroyed by the Sheriff at the time. It was definitley some kind of conspiracy. An officer there now told me this, along with others involved in law enforcement. There were only i believe four people interviewed in 1995. If her files were destroyed, I would like to know how officers not involved in the case in 1981 knew to interveiw Mark Ripin. My Mom and her boyfriend, Gary Argenzio, lived with Mitch Denker in his home, and at one point so did Bernie. Mark Ripin and Gary met in Prison and remained good friends outside of prison. Mark hung out with Gary in this house at the time he was married to Bernie, so Bernie must have known my mother. I'm sure if Mark was good friends with Gary the one he Blames for this & who also died in 1992, he may have been involved and being married to Bernie, she must have been told or found out. They all partied in this house and all used illegal drugs. Police were also many of those who did drugs in this house. Many of them lost their jobs over this. There is proof of marijuana being loaded off from Mitch's home. The last anyone ever heard from my Mom, she had told a friend she thought a big drug deal was about to go down so she had to go, she thought the phones were tapped. She was scared. Most husbands and wives confide in each other, Bernie could have easily told Tom about what she knew about my Mom. She was still friends with Mark. Maybe they were going to interview Tom about what he knew? Mitch was interviewed, and one of the first questions he asked was, does my statement from 1981 still exist? Mitch also told me for all he knew her body could be buried in his back yard. When interviewed he told police it would be impossible because of all of the marble. I had already questioned that, seeing as one of his statments were true, my Mom had also said there were gaurd dogs in the yard.
Anyone who wants to email me, can email this site and it will be forwarded to me.
Their are alot more details in this case, and I'd be happy to answer anyones questions. Diana Lynn Harris, October 6th, 1953.
Who is this Diana Harris and why is she in the story about Tom Stump's disappearance?
I imagine a lot of people were interviewed about the disappearances of Diana Harris and Tom Stump. Does that make them all suspects?
I didnt say Sue for money! Sue to get to the trurh! To get it heard to bring all those together in one area to see who knows what and who will protect who! To bring this case public! To stand up and be heard!! Sue for truth and justice.Screw the money. Sue to get something accomplished for crying out loud!!!
The fact that Mark Ripin is a suspect in TWO missing persons cases and that Bernie knew both victims and was married to Ripin, the suspect in the Diana Harris case when Diana vanished, and then to Tom Stump, the victim in the second missing persons case when Tom vanished, is too much to be coincidence.
How can we find out more about the Diana Harris case?
Someone posted on Friday that Rose should sue.
Money will not buy what was taken away. What price do you put on a son, brother,father, co oworker, companion ?
Do not worry, for the one or ones that know anything about this case of Tom Stump will pay for it when they die. Knowing that is better
than getting money for Tom's disappearance.
Mark Ripin, suspect in Diana's case and Tom's case, ex-husband to Bernie Becker. Diana's case having no action for years reopens in 1995, same time Tom disappeared. Was he murdered to hide what he might have known about Diana's case?, or the people involved in her disappearance? Mark Ripin was being questioned in two missing person cases in the same year. Re-questioned in 1995 along with others in Diana's case. He was said to be innocent because of passing lie detectors test. Mark said in an interview about Diana, " The girl that was murdered", he also stated, her boyfriend had smashed her head into a wall and there was blood splattered on the wall. Mitch Denker said same thing, only the hole was in a different place in Mitch's house. They both stated her boyfriend probably dumped her body into the ocean. Bernie new Mitch, and married Mark Ripin, and eventually married Tom. Diana lived in Mitch Denker's home where Mark Ripin and others partied all the time.
So Rose why not sue the Beckers? Or at least Bernie??
Sincere loving parents is a refreshing feeling.
Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday.
But missing you is a heartache, that never goes away.
Sometimes we even dream of you, and see your smiling face.
Yet, memories and dreams will never take your place.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
Part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
Happy 51st birthday, Tom Love Mom and Dad
Don't know why but I sure do hope it means she's getting something going on this case again!!!!!!!!!! Where does it stand now anyway? Is this still an open case? active open? Its been a horrible hurricane season down there.Lots of family all over Florida are so understandably so frustrated withit all!! Anything get stirred up in the Keys??? I think theres a lot more going on than were being told for sure.How come the Stumps don't answer many questions any more? How come Scott never answers ? Everyone seems to make this into a game of sorts it seems. Why?
On a recent trip to the Keys, Rose was seen coming out of an attorney's office. What was that all about?
There must be a lot more to this case that were not being told. Cops judges fdle etc all let it go for some reason. Even none of the tv reporters or talk shows will look into it. Why is that? This board doesnt do much but go in circles either.Is this case solved and noone told us?? Why doesnt someone take a stand by suing and forcing it into the news?? Why would the keys and florida let it go so long? Why do the Stumps let it go on??
According to a sheriff's report dated 8/16/04: These were the guns removed from the Tom Stump home after his disappearance:
Ruger Model No. P89
Steel Magazines for P89 16 rounds
canvas gun case
Earlier an AK 47 was removed
This constitutes a gun collection?
On and on the unanswered questions go. Guess we can add why not sue to the slew of unanswered questions! Shame
I think suing the Beckers would be a tricky yes,, but well worth it in the long run.Why not Rose? They have gotten away with so much why let it go on? Once it actually got in front of another venue it may not be as hard as it seems!Has anyone ever called any of the talk shows? court tv? A@E? any of the investigative reporters?
Anyone ever find out the truth behind those champagne bottles? black ribbons? has that ex employee ever had to tell his story to Fdle a sherriff or anyone other than this board?
Has Bonnie ever had to answer for her wrongs? Her lies? Her threats to her own families lives?I Dont know why not!!!
Has a hypnotist ever been considered? How about having one walk the area next time you visit the Keys???
Seems this case is at a big time stand still. Time to try a new approach maybe?
Exactly my point! Surely it would be worth it to pursue! Not all lawyers charge for at least a consult.Have any of the Stumps ever tried.It sure would be good to get things rolling along a little.And heard somewhere other than in the Keys.They have to get the case heard in Ohio by real cops real judges real people.I'm sure somewhere theres a sympathectic lawyer or even a law student who can help pave the way.Lots of people these days represent themselves in the courts. Least it would be heard!!!!!!!!!!!! Seems to me it would be worth it.Wonder what version of the story the Beckers would use? Or if they'd contradict each other some more.
I can't believe a FL Keys attorney would be monitoring Tom's message board. Maybe it's the same person who posed as Diana's daughter.
The case would be based on circumstantial evidence. And many have been found guilty on such. The lies alone would make the case,starting with the many told by Bernie.
Then again, maybe the Stumps realize they have no proof and no case. They would lose, and then be held liable for attorneys' fees and court costs, and possible counter-suits. I doubt they want to go down that slippery slope.
A local attorney
Attorneys are in their business for money. That's the bottom line. Unless you've got a great deal of money to invest in a case, no attorney will take the case. Especially a case that implicates a socially and politically connected family.
In other words, the Great American Justice System does not work the way most people think it does.
This question has been asked many times but never answered........ why do the Stumps not start filing lawsuits????????? wrongful death?? alienation of affection????? slander???? on and on it could go!! anything to at least get this public and heard and maybe get some answers!!!!!! Something needs to be done.
So was this a trick by the FL clan to pretend to be Diana Harris's daughter. And what was the reasoning behind it? Are they afraid of what the daughter knows?
Hi, I am Diana Harris's daughter, I would never spell her name Diane, her name is Diana. I have been gone for awhile, and came on to find that someone has pretended to be me. I will get in contact with those who know me.
I feel that it is very special that Sally knkows that she looks like her biological father Tom. How special it must be for her to be able to glance in the mirror and be able to see Tom in herself.
So Sally looks like Tom. That's wonderful. Tom would be so pleased.
Sally has Tom's features...a lovely girl. Her warm personality showed through in her conversations with me. Tom would be so proud of her. RS
Rose, how lovely that you got to see Sally! That must have been a very special thing for both of you.
Every year I have Masses said for Tom on July 24 and Sept. 28...his death and his birth. Sometimes another date is substituted if those are already taken. This year my husband and I were able to attend Tom's Mass at St. Peter's Church at Big Pine on July 23. No one from the Becker family was there. On Sun., July 25, as I sat in the social rooms of the church after the 9 a.m. Mass, Bernie and Sally entered through the social room doors, rather than entering the church entrance. I knew that God had answered my prayers, and I had a chance to see Sally, whom I had not seen in 9 yrs. She was alone as I entered the church door and I hugged her and told her I was her grandmother. I asked her if we could take her to dinner that evening and I gave her our cell phone number to call. Later in the afternoon she did call saying she could not go. I told her I would put her birthday card in her mailbox, which I did. I called to tell her where she could find the card. In the card I enclosed some money and some pictures of her Ohio cousins. This is the only contact I had with the Becker family. I did receive a thank you note from Sally, along with a picture of Bonnie and Sally taken in April of this year. I believe my actions would not be described as stalking.
Rose Stump
Hi, Bernie,
Glad to see you're back on the Tom Stump board after posting all those messages on the General Message Board pretending to be the daughter of the other missing person's victim, Diana Harris.
Please, explain how Rose Stump in Ohio could be stalking you and your husband in Florida? Why would Rose or anybody else want to do that? Especially so many years after Tom's disappearance? Is something new going on that might cause your current actions to be of interest to private investigators who are taking a second look at the similarities between the Tom Stump and Diana Harris missing persons cases?
In what way were you being stalked? What makes you think it was Rose who was stalking you?
Please, clarify.
Does anyone know why Rose Stump has been stalking the Beckers in Florida recently?
Hi all I been away for 6 months and got a chance to catch up on case today. All I can say is why why why?? Its very obvious this case desrves to be opened wide and investigated properly. Yeah its a small cozy resort island and yeah everyone knows each other and yeah its a lot of lies and a lot of coincidences. Its also plain as day that if Tom committed suicide he had help.... dead people cant hide themselves or clean up their tracks,,, he had help,, murdered people dont hide after the fact he had help,,,, walked or drove away on his own will ok still he had help.... Someone somewhere helped in some fashion,, why why why???
My biggest why is it that this is never really investigated? Why no press? Why no investigation further? why did Bonnie get away with posting those threats? why no looking into all the different stories?And now a possible link to another case never solved?? Wow. Maybe a wrongful death suit is a good idea to at least get things started again.
Who knows? Bernie has told so many versions of that day, July 24, 1995. Remember she told the sheriff's dept. that Tom walked in the woods and committed suicide. But she told the car rental people that he drowned in the ocean, and another story she told, was that he had drowned in a canal. How could someone with so many stories pass a lie detector test?
Did Bernie leave the house between the time Tom left and the time she and Bonnie drove up and down calling for him? If so, was Tom's truck or her car checked for anything?
The oldest daughter said she came home at 10:30 and talked with Tom for an hour, so if he was to be picked up by someone at 11, he was late. But, oh, that's right, there were 3 eyewitnesses that saw him walk into the woods.
You know, maybe Tom WAS picked up by someone that day. Bernie mentioned a time by which she had to make up her mind - is it because Tom had something scheduled at that time?
Bernie was seen driving down that road..SR 939B. But she was using a rental car. Was she visiting Tom's grave?
Someone hit a nerve?
I hope all in the Keys are safe while Charley's in the neighborhood.
While hiking down SR 939B, at the 17 mile marker after the KOA Campground on Sugarloaf Key, I thought about how easy it would be to hide a body there...isolated, near the Stump home , etc.
Today was a fruitful day with happiness.
It was filled with kindness, love affection but most of all...time.
Today was a fruitful day of friendship.
It was filled with memories, smiles, hugs but most of all...time.
Time is most important for it slips from each of us quickly.
But spirit although some are in disbelief...exists.
Today was not a sad day.
Today was filled with a softness of several strangers.
Coming together for moments filling the day with what life is about, love.
Not the kind of love that is physical.
The true love...the love of the heart and soul.
Although some don't believe in the soul...it exists.
7/24/2004
To live in hearts you left behind is not to die.
Sept. 28 1953 - July 24,1995
The stump's did not request the lie detector tests. I think it would have been more fitting if the police would have done an accurate job.
To remember the days events
Who was involved
The lies that were told
Calling Tom's Mom
How Sally had her birthday shattered
Finding out that your business partner was not alive anymore
Knowing that you no longer had a Father, son, brother
The person working at the bank and gas station knowing
they may have had the last conversation with Tom
We could go on and on.
Is that why the Stumps insisted that everyone take lie-detector tests? So they could reject the results when everyone passed? Why can't they accept the truth....that these people ARE telling the truth?
A lot of people know how to pass lie detector tests. That's why they are unreliable to the point they are not allowed as evidence in court cases.
Lies?
Not according to all the lie-detector tests.....
Given the information they had, they tried....but just not hard enough. Remember they were fed lies.
Frankly, I think the cops look foolish and delusional.
Let's see, the 3 eyewitness accounts: Bernie heard the fence rattle, Bonnie watched him leave and said goodbye, Sally saw him leave in a car and never come back. I guess they're all telling the truth, huh?
Wrong again.....Anyone who has been to the property knows that it is better maintained now than it has ever been...and still you can't see the fence from the house/patio/pool. The eyewitnesses say so in the investigator's report....that the woods were much more overgrown in 1995, when Tom said goodbye and walked away.
Please stop posting your lies and misrepresentations. They make you look foolish, spiteful and delusional. Then again, maybe you are.
To the person who posted July 15 06:53
Back in 1995, you could see the fence from the house, from the yard, from the pool.
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Fri Jul 16 02:53:06 PDT 2004
If you are really the daughter of Ms. Harris...why don't you use your name? Does anyone on this original web even know WHO Diana Harris is? Is her story on this web? No...your point? And, why don't you put your message on BOTH?
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Thu Jul 15 16:09:05 PDT 2004
Mr. Web Master, It is better for everyone to know this and not just the Stumps who do not tell the truth.
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Thu Jul 15 14:36:42 PDT 2004
The daughter of Diana Harris posted correctly the first time she posted, if it's really her she should enter that important message directly where it belongs. Not hiding behind no password needed to post.
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Thu Jul 15 14:34:13 PDT 2004
Why is the person posting about Stump not using the Stump board directly? What else are they hiding?
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Thu Jul 15 03:59:06 PDT 2004
Please inform Mrs. Stump that the Becker family has never gotten in touch with me nor threatened me.Thankyou, Daughter of Diane Harris
Would it help if you understood that the fence can't be seen from the house or patio? That the thick woods are inside AND outside the fence? That the fence can be heard rattling (but not seen) if someone jumps over it? Does that help you understand the three eyewitness accounts that Tom walked into the woods (of his own free will), jumped the fence, and kept on walking?
In a report of 9/05/95 by Det. Jerry Powell, "Mrs Stump (Bernie) said she did not actually see her husband get to the woods behind their house, but heard the chainlink fence rattle as if he had vaulted over it."
In a report of 6/06/02 by Det. James Norman, ""We were escorted to the backyard by Bernadette Becker and her two daughters. They showed us where Tom Stump had walked into the woods out to the backyard fence."
Another discrepancy in the Stump case, no wonder the family is still searching for the truth.
July 24is getting nearer. I am wondering how the person that took Tom's life can live with him or herself?
Scott, Bernie or Becker has not been on the board. Did someone hit a nerve? It must be horrible to relive the hurt that you have accomplished.
Seek forgiveness
I don't know if they threatened Diana Harris's daughter, but remember they supposedly threatened, Stump's partner, Scott Haskell. And Becker tried to get the family friend fired from her job. I thought the Beckers didn't have anything to hide.
In response to that last post, did the Beckers threaten Diana Harris's daughter after she started posting on this message board? If so, what did they threaten to do to her?
The intimidation done by the Beckers isn't working.
In most jurisdictions, the past case (diane harris) being mentioned again - same circle of people - both cases would have been reopened. What gives? Is it possible the cops are/were involved with those involved in Tom Stump's disappearance too?
Some cops were regular visitors to the Denker party house. Some lost their jobs because of it.
Quite a while ago, someone got away with Diane Harris's disappearance - why couldn't it happen again? Yeah - maybe years from now, when just about everyone involved is gone someone will come forward. Maybe they have been threatened and are afraid to come forward now (weenies) or are afraid of possible jail time.
Must be sad to not trust and always look over the shoulder.
At times, years later someone will come forward to tell what they know. When detectives leave the force, the neighborhood clears out of certain people, moving or dying comes is when it's easier to come forward and be direct with the complete truth.
Living a daily happy life can be a task when you have something on your mind as important as your own born son. It takes a toll on your private moments and can make things harder to keep living with some small happiness.
But never forget that things could come your way, that one person can make the difference, that hearts soften over time and keep praying that someone will have the courage to face the truth and shout it! They will be willing to go the one step more...
Keep up your faith in this case and smile when you think of your loved ones and all your great memories.
Your pal...
Who cares about the missing shoe? The fact that the keynote people linked to the Tom Stump missing persons case are also linked to the Diana Harris missing persons case takes this to a whole new level.
Lets here more about that!
Response:FROM REAL CRIMES: If anyone out there has information about either of those two cases, please, contact us by personal e-mail. Any information that in any way links the Tom Stump case and Diana Harris case will be invaluable to the families of the victims. We guarantee that the identities of those providing information will be kept confidential.
Did they ever find the reason for Tom's missing shoe? No, I don't believe the story Bernie told about the 2 left shoes and sending one back to the company. What is she trying to hide?
I believe the person who posted in defense of his friend, Tom Stump, may have misread the posts and drawn the conclusion that Tom was being accused of killing Diana Harris. That's far from the case.
Just the opposite. Speculation is that the same person/people who disposed of Diana Harris may also have disposed of Tom Stump.
Diana Harris disappeared from the Keys in 1981. No body found. Police reports link Mark Ripin (then married to Bernie), to Diana's disappearance. At that point, Bernie hadn't yet met Tom Stump. But she was very close friends with Bill Becker.
Then in 1984, Bernie divorces Mark and marries Tom. In 1995 Tom Stump disappears from the Keys, just like Diana Harris did. No body found. Bernie then marries Bill Becker.
Two missing persons cases linked by the same individuals. Perhaps it's a coincidence.
Someone investigating the Diana Harris disappearance, typed in "Mark Ripin" and the Tom Stump case came up. They were amazed that Mark Ripin was questioned in both cases. Stump had nothing to do with Harris's disappearance in 1981. He didn't even know Bernie then. She was married to Ripin.
<>
Whoever wrote this is totally full of garbage. I knew Tom better than anyone including his "wife". Casting aspersions and making up lies about a dead man are tantamount to self loathing small minded individuals. End of message. No wonder I no longer visit this website, the garbage stinks.
Sat Jun 19 04:00:06 PDT 2004
Regarding the Diana Harris case, besides the names of Mark Ripin, Bernie Ripin, and Mitch Denker, some other names are Donna Pinder, Richard Crone, and Michael Gilbert (cousin of Denker's). Does anyone know anything about these people.
I believe Diana Harris worked at No Name Pub before she disappeared. Does anyone remember her working there?
"More than strange" is putting it mildly.
What other names are linked to the Diana Harris case? Maybe somebody who reads this message board will recognize them
Earlier on this message board, someone posted about another missing persons case in the Keys. I believe they were referring to the case of Diana Harris, who disappeared from Big Pine Key, FL in Oct. of 1981. Check out The Doe Network case file 1127DFFL. Diana is said to have been living with Mark Ripin's friend, Gary Argenzio, at the time of her disappearance. Mark Ripin would at that time have been married to Bernie, who subsequently married Tom Stump and, then, Bill Becker. Bernie's attorney friend, Mitch Denker, who has since been disbarred, is said to have owned a party house where Diana and Gary lived, and Mark and Bernie were frequent guests there. Mitch Denker suggested to authorities that they speak to Mark Ripin about Diana's disappearance and told detectives she was murdered. Her body was never found. It seems more than strange that people linked to Diana's disappearance/possible-murder would be the very same people involved in the Tom Stump missing persons case.
Will somebody -- Bernie, or Paula if she's somebody other than Bernie, or somebody else -- please, respond to that question about the other missing persons case that involved Mark Ripin?
Is that really true?
Reality on this board is about cover-up and corruption. What a shame some people are so close-minded they can't see that the case was not worked well. Another missing person case linked to Mark and Bernie from 20 some years ago? How many others were there? Do they also involve the same circle of people? Reality is dirt that has been shoved under the carpet - this board tries to get that dirt out.
To the person with some first hand info a couple of posts down - you did not know Tom. Did you know Bernie & Bill in 1995? Lie detector tests are not reliable. If you knew the situation, you would know Bill and Bernie were an item before Tom disappeared. They were involved. You can be all you can be and still lie - pillar of a community or not.
I don't blame the involved for not reading this board - it reminds them of the guilt they live with in their minds.
What a shame that some people are so close-minded that they can't accept reality, so self-absorbed that they must blame others for everything, so eaten-up by thoughts of hatred and revenge that they are rotting from the inside out.
This is NOT Bernie....this is PAULA.
I know for a fact that Bernie does not read your drivel, and now I know why. Unlike you, she has a real life and a loving family. She doesn't waste her time on anything as negative and counter-productive as this website and your sick comments.
Thank you for your thoughts, "Paula" aka Bernie. Your self admiration is in character.
How about responding to the question beneath your post? How many missing person cases have you and Mark Ripin been involved in?
For the person who wants some first-hand information about this situation, I submit these thoughts:
Bill and Bernie Becker are two of the most wonderful, generous, caring people I have ever met. They have lived and worked in this community for more than 25 years and are admired and well-respected. Bernie is the best dental hygienist in the Florida Keys, bar none. And Bill is a pillar of this community. Anyone who saw the Storm Stories special on the Weather channel recently might get an inkling of how much of a hero Bill is to the Keys. They are raising two wonderful, well-adjusted daughters who love them both very much. All four of them have put Tom Stump's disappearance/suicide behind them, as they should.
I did not know Tom Stump. Very few people around here did. But I have talked to a few and they all describe him in the same terms: moody, dark, sullen, anti-social, scary. Nobody enjoyed being around him. It was well-known that he was pre-occupied with guns and drugs. Those who knew him have no trouble believing that he could and did commit suicide.
Bill and Bernie have both passed lie-detector tests. They have cooperated with investigators and answered all their questions. They have been cleared of any possible wrong-doing. Anyone who knows the situation knows they were not involved.
My advice; Leave them be. Let Tom rest in peace. Deal with your grief and sadness in more productive ways. Make your peace with this family. They are not angry with you, they just pity you. Stop blaming them for Tom's twisted decision to take his own life and hide his body. They have forgiven him for that, and you should too.
Written in the spirit of peace,
Paula
What about Mark Ripin? Back when he was married to Bernie wasn't he linked to another missing persons case in the Florida Keys where the body was never found?
Looks like it all goes back to Bern & Bill's actions before and after Tom disappeared. Anyone who knows anything - even if it may seem like nothing, it may be a link to something else - please come forward. You never know, it may lead to something.
I like mysteries. When reading them, you develop your own opinion of who dunnit before the end. After reading this one, I would tend to think Bill first, then Bern (or both) may have had something to do with Tom's disappearance.
FROM THE WEB MASTER:
As we've stated several times before, this is not a web site on which to post excerpts from self-help books, essays about bereavement, etc. There are other web sites that are appropriate for that. All posts of that nature will be deleted.
Tom would never walk away and leave his home and children. He loved them too much. He had worked too hard to accomplish all that he had.
Rose, Tom's mother.
The comment about walking away is interesting...Anyone know something?
Deposition of Bernadette Stump April 5, 1996: Question - Did you have any physical relations of a sexual nature with Bill Becker prior to July 1995? Bernie - "No, absoulutely not."
In the polygraph report of Bill Becker of 2/4/02 by Det. Chad Scibilia, he states, "At the time of Mr. Stump's disappearance, the subject was in a relationship with Mr. Stump's wife."
Response:Thank you for providing the requested documentation.
How are we to believe the people in FL who are involved in the Stump case, when Bernie states, under oath, that "absolutely not" was she having an affair with Becker. But Becker tells Det. Scibilia, they were having a relationship. Now which one is telling the truth? And if they lie about this, perhaps they are lying about Tom's disappearance and the details. No wonder, the parents are questioning the investigation.
Response:To the person who posted the information above:
Please, document this information by supplying actual quotes from the depositions. Otherwise, we will be forced to delete your post.
If it was a suicide.
Or was it murder?
or did he just walk away?
To the person who wrote several posts down about being angry:
Living in a small community, one notices how things can favor the right person if need be. Local persons in a job that helps the community are often less noticed if a crime happens than those who may be another member of the community.
Lets face it, The judicial system in this case is worthless. Why were Bernie and the girls not questioned sooner? Why did the police not wonder why the stories did not match? What were the law enforcement given in trade for not persuing this case? Why are Bernie, Bill and the girls so afraid?
I guess it goes back to the message previously posted about anger.
When those that did wrong pass before the Lord, How angry will he be at you?
Prayers and peace to Tom's family in Ohio.
If you've never been to the Keys, it could be a good program to watch to understand the terrain people have tried to explain - the mangroves, the size of the islands, etc.
Would that be because Bill Becker will be featured?
Anyone interested in this case should watch the Weather Channel this Monday, June 7, at 8:30 pm (ET). The "Storm Stories" program is on the Florida Keys, Hurricane Georges and US 1 Radio.
We know a polygraph is meaningless; there seems to be no believable witness; there seems to be motive; there seems to be no proof. Someone hasn't been truthful. Shame on you deceitful people. Repent ye sinners.
If a married woman confesses to the police that she has been involved in "a relationship" with a man other than her husband, she isn't talking about a platonic friendship. Especially if that man immediately moves in with her.
Is a relationship a friendship? Is a relationship a neighbor?
What's the difference between an affair and a relationship? Someone posted a few back about the wife having an affair, but it's not on anymore. And now it's documented that Becker had a relationship with her prior to Stump's disappearance. So I ask what's the difference?
From a report by Examiner Chad Scibilia, the officer who gave the polygraph test to Bill Becker: "At the time of Mr. Stump's disappearance, the subject was in a relationship with Mr. Stump's wife and the two have since married."
I understand the dog could speak, and he was starting to talk too much
I think I read on the board, some time ago, that Tom's dog drowned in a canal. Maybe he was starting to dig up some "telltale" bones, and had to be disposed of.
Responding to the question two posts down from this one, sure Bernie could have dragged Tom out to the road if she wanted to. Have you looked at her picture on the website? That woman could pull an elephant out of a ditch.
But she wouldn't have had to do that. The person who drove up in the car could have done it on his own.
On a May 7 posting, it mentioned that Mark Ripin was in Key West.
When did he get back from Thailand?
So if Tom's body was dragged to a car, Bernie couldn't have done it by herself. Who helped her?
Another question, was Tom alive or dead when he was picked up? The dog could have followed the scent of his body being dragged out to the car just as well as it could have followed the scent of his walking there.
If Tom was picked up by his/Bernie's "close family friend" Mark Ripin, (Bernie's ex-husband), that might explain 12-yr-old Bonnie's willingness to help her mother direct attention elsewhere by saying Tom "walked into the woods." After all, Mark Ripin was allegedly Bonnie's natural father.
It would also explain Bernie's statement to police that Mark "had not come back up yet." Implying he had been at the house prior to Tom's disappearance and had left and not yet returned.
Good question - who did pick him up? He really may have been picked up by someone because he supposedly told Bern she had to make a decision by a certain time - 10 or 11.
If he left in a car, who did it belong to? Tom's pickup truck was there, Bernie's car was there, and the rental van was there.Who else was involved?
I'd say its safe it to say he left in a car - remember the dog went to the road and then lost his trail. The dog wouldn't be deceitful.
Maybe Tom is in water somewhere. But where? And how did he get there? How close was his house to water? Was it within walking distance? Remember he disappeared in July and it was hot, hot, hot.
Is it conceivable that he could walk to the ocean? Maybe when the youngest daughter said he left in a car, maybe he did. He may have had help. But oh no, Bernie said he walked in the woods, drowned in the ocean, etc.
I'd think it safe to say he is in the water somewhere.
This is how Bernie explained Tom's disappearance:
a) he walked in the woods and committed suicide.
b) committed suicide by drowning himself in the ocean.
c) drowned in a canal.
Wow, this case is something else. I wish there was more proof that Bernie was or was not involved. My gut instincts tell me she was quite the choreographer of this whole thing and should probably get special mention for her dance....and everyone else she duped.
Way to go, Bonnie. Your Ohio Stump family is proud of you.
Congratulations to bonnie on her accomplishment.
She wrote a letter to me stating that Tom used to help her with her home work. Thank you Tom, for being a caring person
Stasia
And now let's ask Bonnie' "In growing up who helped you the most with your homework...Tom or Bernie?"
Do they know that, in her spare time, Bonnie posts murder threats on message boards?
From the "Key West Citizen" May 2, 2004:
RIPIN HONORED BY FLORIDA LEGISLATURE
Bonnie Ripin of Sugarloaf Key was honored as one of the top 30 students on the 2004 All-Florida Academic Team, which was recognized during a March 17 awards ceremony in the Florida House of Representatives in Tallahassee.
The award comes with full scholarships to continue her education. Ripin has also been nominated for the USA Today/Phi Theta Kappa All-USA Academic Team.
Ripin is the daughter of Bernadette and Bill Becker of Sugarloaf Key, and Mark Ripin of Key West. She graduated from Key West High School in 2000, and attended Florida Keys Community College before majoring in dental hygiene at Miami-Dade College. She graduates in May and plans to practice in the Keys.
Nothing is confidential. You just have to know what program to use on your computer. You can find out people's drivers' license numbers, social security numbers, etc. NO one is a private person anymore. That's why identifications are stolen.
This hurts your credability . Post Office boxes are personal information.Noone is given the information.It is confidential.
Do you think you are the only Rose Stump in the whole U. S. of A.? Check your research because you are dead wrong..wrong Bernadette.This is why people do not respond to your pathetic witch hunt.Get the facts right,
When applying for a post office box, you have to fill out a form.
#9 on the form says, "Enter two types of identification and ID nos.-one must be photo bearing (Driver's license, military ID, other)
Why did Bernie have a Tallahassee FL PO Box in July 1994? Yes, it is the same Bernadette Stump that lived in the Keys. Why was she receiving mail at this PO box? Who was sending her mail that she couldn't receive at home? This was a year before Tom disappeared. Was she involved with someone else before Becker came into the picture?
I went back to the posts in March - from then on, the posts involve the other missing person, Diane, also. Before that, the questions about the investigation and Bernie's reactions - none right.
A polygraph still today, does not stand up in court...because they can be passed lying. Why more investigation wasn't done into Bernie's alibi - or Sally seeing her Dad leave in a car. I realize how easy it is to roll over and believe what was told - that don't make it right. It stinks of involvement in something other than just being a small resort town and familiarity.
My question is, what's going on behind the scenes that has caused this sudden lack of posting from both sides?
It's not just one side, it's both sides.
One party must be onto something. And the other party is afraid to post for fear they will say the wrong thing.
Why would Bernie have her 12 yr old daughter call Tom's mother to tell her about Tom's disappearance? Why didn't Bernie herself call her?
From interview with Mark Ripin(husband #2)
He was asked if he thought Bernadette was capable of murdering her husband. Ripen conceded that anything was possible.
bernie allowed the girls to stay at home alone on other times.
why would she change now?
To Mrs. Stump,
There was an article in a local newspaper about someone being convicted of his 1995 murder of his wife. It is not to late.
Truth shall prevail.
The sad part is the wrong people believed them. I still want to know if Bernie was able to verify her story (alibi, where are you) and was Bill's show taped that day or did he go out for lunch? If Mark Ripin was working that day, why did Bernie say he hadn't come back up yet? Was he there earlier babysitting?
One of the local Keys newspapers recently had this quote:
"If you tell a lie loud enough and often enough, it becomes the truth". (Joseph Boebeis, Hitler's minister of propaganda) So the ones telling lies on this board, believe it is the truth.
The lull before the storm.
I wonder what's happening behind the scenes?
Did Scott know of them? I'm sure if he lived there then, he knew of them. It's a small town - a small resort town. The locals know of each other. Some hang out together, some don't. Back then, they were all 20 years younger and partying - question regarding Diane is what do they remember? In 1995, does anyone remember what happened to Tom? I'm sure a couple of people know, but with the tangled web they wove, you'd need a surgeon to separate fact from fiction. There must be someone there who is not intimidated and tired of wrestling with the guilt of their knowledge and unafraid to lift the burden.
Did Scott Haskell know of the party house? Does he know of these gentleman.
What is the police department trying to cover up? I would have to think that the officers would want a challenge and begin searching?
Are they being told not to do so by someone with more authority?
To Bernie Mark & Bill
Do youo remember the saying What a tangled web we weave............
Why have neither the Beckers nor Mark Ripin responded to all these recent questions? Their attorney friend Mitch Denker can't respond because he's allegedly in prison. But surely Bernie, Bill and Mark, who have posted so often in the past, can respond to these questions. Where were all those people when Diana Harris disappeared from Mitch Denker's property?
I just read Tom's case and I wonder why the wife, Bernie, did NOT write her side...Bill Becker did. And he wasn't there....or was he?
I don't live in Florida but, like many others, have been keeping up with this horrible case through the message board. This new information about ANOTHER MISSING PERSON connected to Mark gives me chills.
Yes, it may be a small community, and everybody knows the cops, but every single person living there can't be corrupt. Attorney Mitch Denker's party house must have been public knowledge and many people must know who hung out there during the late 80s and beyond, right up until the time Denker sold it. Those people can send information to Tom Stumps mother or to Diana Harris's daughter by personal e-mails sent through the Real Crimes web site. They don't even have to sign their names. Its just a matter of handing those grieving people pieces of the puzzle and letting the two of them put them together.
One question that jumps into my mind is, did/does Bill Becker know Mitch Denker? Was Becker ever at that party house? Did he know Bernie in that setting back in the 80s, since Bernie stated she lived there with Denker back them?
What I'd be asking myself if I lived in that lovely resort area is who is the next MISSING PERSON going to be? One of my kids?
That is a small resort area. The people living there are going to know each other. They will know the cops too. They may be so close knit that no one will know what happened there. Isn't that a crime - to obstruct justice?
Not just ONE missing person,Tom Stump -- but Diana Harris also -- both disappeared off Big Pine Key with neither body found? Mark Ripin and Bernie Ripin Becker (who was at that point married to Mark Ripin), were living off and on at the "party house" of their lawyer friend Mitch Denker. That's the party house Diana disappeared from during that time period. Mitch Denker has now been disbarred and is serving time for a drug related felony. Coincidences do happen. But this one would set a world record.
I believe there's a lot going on behind the scenes right now.
There doesn't seem to be much activity on the board ...could be the activity is going on elsewhere in finding the answers. That could be a very good thing!
So Bernie has been lovers with Bill Becker, Mark Ripin, and Mitch Denker? They all knew each other and were friends, and lived together. She must have been with Gary Argenzio too, at one time or another, because he lived there too and was friends with them.
In 1980 Bill Becker and Bernie dated. She married Mark Ripin in March of 1981. I think she was with Mitch Denker sometime in that time frame also.
During what timeframe did Bernie and Mitch Denker "live in the same house"? And why did they live in the same house? Were they lovers?
Quotes from deposition of Bernie Apr. 5, 1996: "How do you know him?" (Mitch Denker). "When we lived in the same house."
"Mitch, yes, he is my friend, we occasionally talk on the phone."
"Yes, we last night, we talked on the phone"
Did he give her advice on what to say on her deposition?
What was Bernie's connection with Mitch Denker? Did she know him back in the early 80s, when Christine's mom disappeared? Did Bill Becker know Denker? Was Becker a member of that group back in the 80s?
For Bernie being tested for bipolar, she has very strong signs of having it. You must have been mixed up with S.A.D. It can be confusing with all the medical terms.
Type: transporting monetary instruments, Denker
go to site: Supreme Court Disciplines Attorneys 9/11/03
He was sentenced to 5 months in prison.
I went to that web site that was posted a few messages down and read where the Supreme Court of Florida disbarred attorney Mitch Denker, the good friend of Mark Ripin and Bernie, because he committed a felony. Does anybody know what that felony was?
Christine, do you remember Bill Becker or Bernie or did your mother ever mention their names?
http://www.flcourts.org/sct/clerk/disposition/2003/8/
August 14
Mitchell Denker does not own the house anymore, he sold it to an art gallery awhile back. I do not know if he is friends with Mark Ripin.
The attorney, Mitchell Denker, reportedly owned the house Diana disappeared from. Does Mitchell Denker still practice law in the Keys? Does he still own that house? Is he still a friend of Mark Ripin? Does anybody out there know anything about that attorney?
Perhaps Bernie might have known Diana Harris from 1981. That's when Bernie was involved with Mark Ripin. And now Mark is supposedly involved with the disappearance of Diana Harris in 1981. What is the connection? Did the detectives ever question Bernie about Diana?
Don't get me wrong , I do think Mark has dirt on his hands with this one. The Becker just keep coming up in the middle. They even posted another clue (do you even catch those?) about Bernie being tested for bipolar. Not in Florida! Duh! In the northern states, maybe. So there is doubt. Maybe this person is for real and let's hope it's a good breakthrough as well.
I have a different reaction. To me it sounds like Mark Ripin is prominently involved in two cases in which the "spouses" of his very close friends conveniently disappeared when those spouses became liabilities.
This may just be a coincidence. But what a strange one!!! Especially when this is a guy who served time in prison for a violent crime.
Sounds like someone is trying to divert the attention on themselves and point the finger to the wrong murderer!
You ask if anybody's ever heard of a lawyer named "Mitchel Denker."
Fri Mar 21 05:37:35 PST 2003, Mark Ripin posted on this message board: "Whats the connection ? Manny the shark hunter , Mitchel Denker, the lawyer?"
It sure sounds like this is the same Mark Ripin who was a suspect in your mom's disappearance. There was also a disgusting post describing what happened to Tom Stump's body when it was dumped in the ocean.
Did Mark Ripin ever mention a Mitch Denker? Did he mention a Diana Harris? Diana worked at No Name Pub, and Suger Loaf Lodge. Mitch was an attorney.
Hi My name is Christine, I have wanted to contact Rose Stump. I was very surprized while looking for info. on Mark Ripen to find he was any way involved with any missing person. He was also a suspect in the dissappearance of my Mom in 1981, she too live in Monroe County. He was friends with Gary Argenzio, my Mom's boyfriend. My mother had only lived there for 8 months. She was originally from Michigan. The Police are saying it was probably Gary that killed her. There was never a body found. They say she was probably put in the ocean. Gary died while in prison for another crime, before Tom dissappeared. There is alot more to the story, anyone who wants more info please contact me. I have never been to this site before, so I'm assuming you can reach me through email on my profile.
FROM REAL CRIMES: Posts on two of our other Real Crimes message boards have said: "I understand that you taped the Real Crimes Press Conference that you NM guys held last month in Albuquerque. Is there a way to order a copy of the video? If all the Real Crimes NM cases are on it, I sure want to see it. Also, I'm part of a homicide surviors group in another state, and we'd like to hold a similar press conference. We'd like to see what you did with yours."
We responded as follows:
The videos are currently being run off and should be available sometime next week. If you want a copy, send a contribution in any amount you can afford to NIA/NM (National Investigations Agency of New Mexico), a non-profit investigations agency that performs investigations without charge for families of homicide victims whose cases have been botched by The System. (The NIA web site is at www.realcrimes.com).
Real Crimes guarantees that one hundred percent of any donation you make will be used for pro bono investigations for families whose cases weren’t properly investigated by law enforcement. Your check should be sent to NIA/NM, P.O. Box 845, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949. Please, print your address clearly and include an e-mail address in case there’s a problem with delivery.
Noreen Reiner, FL noted psychic, worked via the telephone, with Det. Jan McClean.
I noticed on several other cases on this board psychics have been used to, in some cases, solve the mysteries/crimes. Has one ever worked with the law on this case? If so, was it someone respected in that field? If not, why not?
After reading about this case, I think the Stumps should hold Bernie responsible for Tom's death. Couldn't they file a wrongful death suit?
If Bill & Bernie are so interested in this olive branch, he would not threaten the news papers to keep Rose's letters out.
Bill is full of hot air.
Excerpts from letters sent to Rose Stump from Bernie:
11-26-95 - "Everyone is in deep pain with the unknown of Tom's whereabouts. I'm not ready to deal with a divorce and the pain of that step." Tom disappeared July 24, 1995. Bill was spending his nights in Aug. of 95.
1-7-96 - "It was terribly sad to not hear word over the Holidays. Tom has nothing to gain by not coming home or getting in touch with someone. If he's alive he needs to be found and come home to sort this out. I want him back." Becker had already moved in by this time.
2-20-96 - "I myself believe anything is possible. Perhaps Tom is alive with amnesia. Perhaps he was murdered." Yet Bernie told the detectives Tom committed suicide.
7-24-97 - Addressed to "Ugly, Ugly Rose Stump. Just want you to know you have NO grandparent rights. You will now never be a part of our lives." Does this sound like an olive branch being offered?
The investigation was clearly not done correctly! Why? Were they paid off? Was one or more involved with the Beckers extra activities? Tom Stump's widow should come clean with all this instead of trying to clean people's teeth.
If Tom's case wasn't suspicious, then why did the detective call in homicide? Was Bernie's friend (the one she went to see on Sun. night)ever questioned? I think Bernie's second husband had something to do with Tom's disappearance. Is that why he stays out of the country? Was Bernie ever checked for bipolar disorder?
Last night I watched the TV show, 60 Minutes II. One of their stories was about Gary Ridgeway, who killed over 40 women. And he passed a lie detector test. So the tests aren't infallible.
There were NO vehicles missing from the Stump home. RS
Why would Tom fill his truck up with gas if he were planning suicide?The truck wasn't missing, was it?
Someone on the board posted that Sally saw Tom leave in the car to get gas. When Tom left at 6:30 a m he was driving the truck. Why wasn't Rose allowed to ask the daughters questions? Bernie said the girls were not allowed to talk about Tom. And this was right after Tom's disappearance. Something sounds fishy here!
It's really a shame the investigation didn't seem to try to verify Bernie's statements, attempt to get phone records, immediately give polygraph tests and broadcast his disappearance.
Judge Taylor made her decision based on the information given to her.
The implication that Circuit Judge Sandra Taylor did anything capriciously or improperly is repugnant to anyone who knows her. For more than twenty years, Judge Taylor has been one of the finest jurists in the Keys, if not in all of Florida. Her decisions have always been above reproach. If she declared Tom Stump's death a suicide, you can be sure she fairly considered all the evidence and information, and made the correct ruling. To suggest otherwise is an insult to this fine woman, and a sad commentary on the person who wrote it.
This case and these sick comments are a prime example of how some people attempt to make a conspiracy out of consensus.
The detectives said Tom could be still alive, Tom could have committed suicide, or Tom could have been murdered. So when Judge Taylor decided it was suicide, did she use the "eenie, meenie, minee, moe" method?
In reference to Bill’s quote “that he is a person that doesn't believe in anything he can't see and wants to change the name of atheist to realist”.
Why does he believe that Tom committed suicide when there is no body to see? Unless he did see it.
Bill Becker wants you to contact him ONLY if you agree with him. He again scared off another newspaper. Someday justice will prevail and the truth will out.
In Bill Becker's response on the "two letters" link of the Tom Stump site, he invites anyone to contact him if they have any questions. Has anyone tried that? What harm would it do?
I find fault in the elected officials, law enforcement.
What are they so afraid of that they were unwilling to do a good thorough job.
Are or were they buying illegal items from Bernie or Bill?
What special favors is Bill doing for the law enforcement, or newspaper reporters?
This is news and should not be with held from the papers.
"Why would anyone in the community think she had anything to do with the disappearance? "
Why would the authorities question and take depositions more than once? Or have you take lie detector tests? Why would your husband be questioned and tested other than he was involved with a married woman who's husband mysteriously disappeared? They didn't give lie detectors to others who were involved, hell they didn't even take statements from them, just the two main characters right?
Marks test was prompted by Bernie herself.. calling in asking them to take it on him per the detective.
Someone who is so hung up on a superficial thing like age, living in a small town has to know people are aware she was married before, she had wrinkles and with a daughter in her 20's is not a young mother. Not as if she moved to a new town and no one knew of her background of marriages and different fathers and looks not to mention other things. Someone must know she has haunting dreams to keep bringing that up over and over. As far as her community thinking down there in the keys, do they think or are they all pickled?
Living like nothing happened was for a few years before it all came out that Tom Stump even existed. Even those two girls didn't admit they had a father for about 7 years. A metal detector will find Tom, why do you say that after 9 years of being in salt water you really think a metal detector would work? Wonder why the detectives didn't try that in the first place or even think of that one?
First - who in that community would think Bernadette would have anything to do with Tom's disappearance? Second - she could convince local law of her story - covered almost all bases....(damn, why did that boot have to come off?) [haunting dreams] To make sure she stayed in control of the story, the girls get no contact with Tom's family - they might slip up like Sally saying Tom left in a car (whew! that was close). As long as the law is believing her, no problem. Wait it out, live like nothing happened. One day, someone with a metal detector will discover Tom's body - maybe at the top of Loop Road - and who's gonna lie about Tom being "all shot up, curled in a ball" with one boot on then?
FROM THE WEB MASTER:
For Those Who Are Interested:
Go to the Real Crimes home page and click on the link beneath the headline about the Real Crimes press conference that was held in Albuquerque this past week. You may want to think about assembling your own group of families to conduct this same type of press conference in Florida.
If Bernie admitted she was having an affair, why would that hurt the case? One detective put in print that there was a relationship going on at the time of Tom's disappearance. The children knew from her own mouth so what is she so afraid of? If Tom didn't disappear everyone would know they split up and that she was with another man anyway.
If the boot receipt does exit why doesn't she produce it? Why won't she give the information on the company so that it can be checked out if she can't find the receipt?
Why wouldn't Bernie tell the truth about where Tom's clothes went if indeed one of the many dear friends she has didn't take them to the dump? Did either daughter see her remove his things? Did they notice when they came home from vacation that his clothes were not in the closet anymore and question her why?
Actually not to much more than clothes was Tom's inside the house? Didn't take much to rid herself of him I guess. Did he have anything except clothes and guns?
Would Bernie admit that she posted a portion of that threat? What difference would it make? Nothing happened to Bonnie regarding it so why not tell the whole truth?
Why would she not insist Bill leave out anything about Tom on the radio to not even bring it up? Or is it that she can't tell him what to do?
There are several questions out there than could possibly be answered by Bernie to create less suspicion so why in the world doesn't she utilize that chance?
The Beckers and her girls don't read the board anymore.......yeah right. I think Billy is not responding to your questions on here is because he can't choose his answer from #1,2 or 3. I think it's because the answer is all three and he is so confused about the rest.
To Bill Becker:
I would like your response.
If you are so hell bent in keeping it out of the papers and trying to get it off cyberspace, why mention it on the radio show?
Is it
1. guilt
2. The demons are getting you
3. You dont know which way is up
Do you not want to keep this played low as not to hurt Bernie's daughters?
It is easy for you to make up untruths about Tom when he is not there to defend himself. If his body has not been found yet, what makes you so sure that he will not walk to his own house(you acquired it by Bernie).
If you can air on the radio, mom should be able to put iteems in the paper. did you learn in school that there was such a thing as free speech?
I await your reply,
Stasia
Bill Becker knew that question was going to be asked. His voice was very nervous during that part of the interview. He said that her former husband had demons and he didn't even know Tom. He said that Tom had a troubled background and he didn't know Tom therefore he had no idea about his background. Remember that Tom was also an educated man but his wife didnt' tell him that? He was not a flunky as Bill would like everyone to believe. He had no business saying any of that on the radio it was just to get Rose Stump's gut. Talk about anger and sneaky that station is his sister station and it wasn't just someone who was looking to know all about Becker. All that information has been put in the gay newspaper and others in the past. All about the monk thing, big deal, nothing new, except that he openly admitted for the first time on the air so he said that he is an a person that doesn't believe in anything he can't see and wants to change the name of atheist to realist.
Mark and Bernies first husband are alive and well, the only former husband that is not is Tom. No he didn't mention Rose Stump, he knew better. He calls all the papers and tells them not to print and keeps ad's from being paid for and put in that don't implement him or his bride in any way. He bullies people every chance he gets, throws his weight around and we have been told the weight is more than it was when they first got together in 94. Wonder how his wife likes that?
I can not believe that Bill Becker has the nerve to say that on his radio station. Although you can't trust Bill Becker ass seen here in this case.
If someone was to ask me a question like you were asked on the radio, I would have answered it present tense. Are you be haunted by all of the lies being told and done?
Bill needs to seek professional help not Rose Stump.
Mrs. Stump, help is on it's way! There is a copy of the interview and you nor your son were mentioned. Did you not make a big deal over Bernadette being married a few times? Are you paranoid you are being talked about?Take the interview to a priest, or council and get on with your sad life.
The Becker's are wonderful people who offered Rose a chance to help her deal with the truth of Tom saying good bye to his children and killing himself. Kudos to Bill for "no more laundry" and to the City Paper for "no more print wasted" on the subject of a Tom Stump.Get help,Mrs. Stump.
To the person who posted Jan. 29 at 13:20, you say you heard the interview of Bill Becker and you never heard him mention Tom's name. But then in the next sentence you thought Becker was especially kind in speaking about his wife's unnamed ex-husband...DUH !
who do you think he was talking about. And you think what he said about Tom was kind?
I live in Key West and I heard the interview of Bill Becker on Conchfm radio. I never heard Mr. Becker mention the name of Tom Stump or Rose Stump during the interview. He was asked a question and he answered it straightforwardly. I thought he was being especially kind in speaking about his wife's unnamed ex-husband, someone who I understand took his own life and hid his own body.
Those of us in Key West who know Bill Becker know him as a fine upstanding person and a valuable member of this community. While we feel sorry for Mrs. Stump on the loss of her son, we feel that her letter was way out of line.
In last week's issue of the City Newspaper, a letter I had written to the editor was printed. In this week's issue, the editor wrote,
"Last week the Key West City Paper published a "letter to the editor" from Rose Stump, mother of Tom Stump. In her letter, Mrs. Stump encouraged our readers to go to a specific website in order to read details surrounding her son's disappearance in 1995. Mrs. Stump also made disparaging remarks pertaining to Bill Becker, a local radio personality and Keys resident. We received a call from Bill Becker who showed concern about the letter. We asked if he would like to write a letter in response, but he declined. Since publishing Rose Stump's letter, this paper has learned that there is much controversy and speculation surrounding this case. The Key West City Paper has decided not to get in the middle nor be a forum for the airing of dirty laundry. Since Bill Becker declined a rebuttal, we will not publish any future letters from either party concerning this issue." Now let's talk about those disparaging remarks. I stated that Becker was having an affair with Tom's wife. Does he deny it? I stated that Becker used his influence to keep it out of the papers? Does he deny it? I stated that Becker tried to get the case taken off the website because of the embarrassment to the daughters. Does he deny it? He stated on the radio interview, that "Tom was a troubled person, troubled background..he had a lot of demons". Talk about making disparaging remarks. Rose Stump
If Tom got in a car with someone, they wouldn't have necessarily used drugs - they just could have whacked him
If the Becker's are so happy and have moved on with their lives....Why would Bill Becker have to mention Tom Stump in an interview when asked about his family?....GUILT!!! You people have not moved on ...you can't....from the guilt you carry on day after day..
If Tom got in a car with someone and that someone knew that the radio wasn't going to broadcast anything they could have easily taken Tom to another location. But how did they immobilize him? What drug can put someone out for a period of time to do that? Five hours is time enough to handle things...where was Mark again? And what was he driving to come up and go back that day, that van?
Since Billy was asked to talk about his "family" on the radio show and had to mention Tom Stump.....the only reason I see for that is pure guilt!!! Why didn't he just come out with the facts and get it off his chest. Now he has created even more doubt in him from all, even his so called friends are whispering.
ps Bill Becker told a story all right, a big fat one. And Rose Stump has never in her life ever talked bad or called those two daughters of yours any names. You are a liar. Even if they aren't her own grandaughters her only words and thoughts of the two of them are loving ones. What has happened to those children is your fault not theirs.
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