Update 10/13/2008 - Break in the case with three arrests. Luther Bonds, 26, Jerry Williams and Steven Brown, both 24 years old. Bonds told police he was Tate’s boyfriend. More info at bottom of article.
Luther Bonds, Jerry Williams, Steven Brown
At Dreamin’ Demon, sometimes we get a story that hits close to home because it involves one of our own. This is such a case. Our member Zibarro emailed us with this story today, and much of the information comes from her. Words really don’t express our sadness for Zibarro and her family - you are in our thoughts. Thank you for sharing Brittany’s story with us. - Imp and Morbid
Indianapolis, IN - On Friday evening, just before 6:00, a man and his son were fishing on the White River just off 10th Street in Indianapolis. They saw what they thought was a mannequin, clad only in underwear, floating just offshore. On closer inspection, though, the mannequin turned out to be the body of a young woman - and she’d been in the water for awhile. Today, that body was identified as Brittany Tate, 21. She’d been murdered and dumped in the river.
Brittany was a cute redhead with stunning blue eyes. She had a number of tattoos, many of which were applied or touched up by her cousin Bryan. Those tattoos, along with her fingerprints, helped to identify her body. Cause of death has not yet been released - police will say only that she was a victim of homicide. Brittany was found only in her panties, and some of her personal effects were found scattered along the shore.
Brittany’s family tells me that she was a sweet, sometimes gullible girl who got caught up in a romantic relationship that might not have been good for her. Certainly after getting involved with her boyfriend, Brittany quickly got a criminal record to go with her new man, and ended up doing prison time for nonviolent offenses like fraud and theft.
But recently, Brittany seemed to be getting her life together. She had gotten out of prison, gone home, and had recently bought a car. But something clearly wasn’t right. A witness reported seeing a girl matching Brittany’s description standing outside a car like Brittany’s sometime in the last week or so. The witness said that Brittany appeared to be arguing with a man next to the 10th Street river entrance - just where Brittany’s body was found on Friday. The car has not been recovered, and the man who was seen arguing with Brittany has not been located.
As of today, there are still more questions than answers. We know that Brittany Tate was likely murdered. We don’t know how, or when, or by whom. All we really know, now, is that Brittany Tate is gone, leaving behind her family and friends. I’ll keep this article updated as information comes in.
Update 10/13/2008 - Bonds told detectives that he, Williams, Brown and Tate were riding in a car together and that Williams was messing with a gun in the rear driver seat. Tate, the passenger, told Williams not to play with the gun and WIlliams replied by shooting her in the head. The three then took Brittany’s body to the White River and dumped her in.
127 responses so far ↓
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1
RockRGrl
Oct 6, 2008 at 5:06 pm -My condolences to Zibarro, family, and friends of Brittany.
2
Rory28
Oct 6, 2008 at 5:09 pm -…Those have to be THEE MOST amazing blue eyes i have EVER seen :-/…
R.I.P
3
SHuff
Oct 6, 2008 at 5:13 pm -Oh, Jeez. Poor kid. Man. You all let me know if I can help, somehow.
4
silvahalo
Oct 6, 2008 at 5:19 pm -I could see the light of life in those eyes!…beautiful baby blues!
I pray Brittnay gets the justice she so deserves.
To Brittnay’s mother, am so very sorry about the loss of your baby girl…*hugs* to you during this most difficult time.
My deepest and sincerest sympathies to the Zibarro family.
May you rest in peace beautiful Brittnay.
5
Stella
Oct 6, 2008 at 5:32 pm -Those are the most amazing blue eyes that I’ve ever seen, bar none. My sincere sympathies to the Zibarro family.
I hope justice is swift.
6
Zibarro
Oct 6, 2008 at 5:40 pm -I want to say a HUGE Thank you to Imp for writing this story. You did a fantastic job!
Also thank you to everyone who’s commented thus far. I myself was not related to Brittany by blood - she is the cousin of my son-in-law. He is so devastated by this, I can’t begin to tell you. He had been corresponding with Britt a lot recently and they were making plans for her to come see his (soon to be 3 yr. old) twins for the first time. Sadly for all - that won’t happen.
What makes this even more tragic (as if it isn’t its own ultimate tragedy) is that Brittany’s immediate family has already buried a family member this year. Brittany’s father passed away a few months ago.
I just pray the police don’t sweep this under the rug because of Britt’s having spent time in prison. I’d hate for her killer to keep walking our streets.
Please continue to pray for Britt’s family and friends and pray her killer is caught soon!
7
Dneilz
Oct 6, 2008 at 5:45 pm -So sorry to hear about this. What a beautiful young woman. I hope the piece of shit that took her life is found and brought to justice. I wish men like this would keep their hands off of women….
My prayers are with the family and in the hopes of justice!
8
cnkc
Oct 6, 2008 at 6:13 pm -What a beautiful girl, such gorgeous eyes….
So sorry for the family’s loss.
9
Lilbay
Oct 6, 2008 at 6:26 pm -Many prayers to you and your family. I pray that they find who done this and that person is made to pay.
Many Blesssings
Bay
10
saltwatergirl
Oct 6, 2008 at 6:27 pm -praying for the killer to be caught… R.I P Brittany
11
sugarglider
Oct 6, 2008 at 6:56 pm -Those almost have to be tinted contacts… Zibarro, aren’t they?
Imp always does!
Zibarro, I’m so sorry. She looks very sweet. I will be hoping for justice.
12
Wildheart
Oct 6, 2008 at 7:20 pm -Zibarro and family - I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful young girl…..I hope they find the killer soon. Why is it always the ones who are trying to straighten up their lives and not the ones who are making life miserable for others??
13
kavelyn
Oct 6, 2008 at 7:49 pm -Rest assured, Zibarro, that lovely Brittney is in a place now without hate, fear, or tears. May she find the peace for which she’d been searching.
14
mjmsepm
Oct 6, 2008 at 7:58 pm -So young and pretty I hope they find who did this and definatly look at the boyfriend who got her in trouble…at least that is what I think!
15
Armywife.Mo.
Oct 6, 2008 at 10:18 pm -Rest in Peace Brittany, what a beautiful girl gone too soon.
16
WhatThe
Oct 6, 2008 at 10:53 pm -I hope for the family that this is resolved soon. If nothing else, some closure may help the family’s grieving process.
17
nadine
Oct 7, 2008 at 6:30 am -Sorry for your loss, rest in peace Brittany and I too hope they don’t throw this one under the rug because of her past because then we have a KILLER LOOSE AGAIN and you know when will people learn they have no right to touch another without permission. I HOPE THIS PERSON IS BROUGHT TO JUSTICE OR JUST SHOT IN HEAD and be done with it, show them that that is the justice to come you take a life I TAKE YOURS and then these demons will stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNTIL THE SYSTEM SHOWS THEM THAT THERE IS ACTION FOR THEIR CHOICES OF ACTION then they will continue to kill, rape, beat, it goes on and on and on and on VOTE FOR ME i will show them how to get rid of some space in prison called ” CLEAN UP:
18
Zibarro
Oct 7, 2008 at 8:27 am -I understand when someone commits a crime against a child and then that person dies and people say “They got what they deserved”.
I understand when someone commits a violent crime against another person and then the perpetrator dies and people say “They got what they deserved”.
I even understand when someone is a career criminal who never gets caught and then during one of their crimes dies and people say “They got what they deserved”.
What I DON’T understand is when a young (21 yr. old) woman is found to have a criminal past and even (so it’s being reported) a past struggle with drugs - but has paid her debt to society and is working on a better future but is murdered and dumped in a river when people make comments like this:
“Blah Blah Blah
How many times have I heard that same story…
Blah Blah Blah
Strange how most all the DEAD people in the news have a felony conviction. Now I get to pay for EVERYTHING associated with her death including the autopsy. “
“Her past? She just got released from prison less then a month ago. So long to white trash. Dumped in the river like the garbage she was.”
“Let’s me know that its not a crazy running around killing people—just people mixed up in bad stuff and getting murdered because of it.(I too think its drugs)”.
These comments were from a local news topix forum here in Indy.
It just breaks my heart that people are so cold and callous in this world.
I know Brittany wasn’t an angel. She had a troubled past and a crappy support system. At a young, impressionable age, she got mixed up with a sweet talking, semi-good looking guy and committed crimes such as burglary and theft. She was caught and she served her time for those crimes. While with that asshole, she also apparently got “turned on” to crack (at least that’s what the news is saying) Highly doubt she was able to continue that while in prison… and not convinced she went right back to it after her release. Regardless - NONE OF THAT EXCUSES HER BEING MURDERED!
No one will ever know how Brittany’s life would have turned out. Her opportunity to become a successful, productive member of society was stolen from her sometime last week. While I don’t believe it was her ex-boyfriend who did this, I will wait for police to do their job and figure that part out. Yes, he was violent (my own daughter dated this scum for a few months before Brittany did, and told me of his temper) but I have a hard time wrapping my head around him being capable of murder (for obvious reasons) Guess we’ll see.
Thank you for allowing me to rant. I’ll let y’all know if I hear anything new.
Oh, and yes… I believe those are contacts. She had very pretty blue eyes… but not quite THAT startling! lol
19
SoUncool
Oct 7, 2008 at 8:54 am -Zibarro, I’m sorry to hear about Brittany and my thoughts go out to you and her family. You’re right she didn’t deserve to die. People can be cruel, especially when they don’t know the whole story. Please keep us posted…
20
Peeperann
Oct 7, 2008 at 9:17 am -Zibarro, Please don’t read those stupid hateful comments people are putting out there. It will only hurt you more.
She does have amazing eyes, wow. I’m so sorry for you and her family and friends. It seems as if she had learned her lesson and was trying to put everything behind her and get her life together.
I will be praying for all of you. Also that her killer gets caught and soon
21
porcelain
Oct 7, 2008 at 10:14 am -I read this earlier and I must say what a tremendous loss
she was absolutely stunning.
Looking at her picture you can visibly see she was a caring and good person.
I hope you guys catch the scumbag who did this to her.
Did anyone give a description of the man she was arguing with?
has anyone looked online to see if she was chatting with anybody or had any arguments with anyone?
22
CassieMomma
Oct 7, 2008 at 11:35 am -What a beautiful young woman. No one deserves something like that. Ignore those comments from those stupid ignorant people, usually people that make comments like that are hiding who they really are. So sad and my sympathies go out to you Zibarro and to the family.
23
mishdabrat
Oct 7, 2008 at 1:24 pm -Zibarro my condolences to you and your family. Please keep us updated on the case.
24
ScotchyScotch
Oct 7, 2008 at 2:01 pm -All,
I am sitting right in the middle of the fence on this one.
*To all of you expressing sympathy to the family and commenting on how pretty she is and her beautiful blue eyes:
YOU ARE ALL HYPOCRITES!!! — If she was fat and fugly, you would all be mocking her and making fun of her.
*TO all of you saying or thinking “She got was she deserves!”
YOU ARE ALL MORONS!!! — You cannot justify her murder with petty theft although it is probably safe to say that if she committed crimes she probably pissed off the wrong people.
It is sad, and the only thing that I regret is she didn’t live long enough to grow up and take responsibility for her actions by becoming a better person, although at 21 - its seems like she should have already been progressing in that direction…
Signed,
Ron
25
CassieMomma
Oct 7, 2008 at 2:29 pm -Personally, I wouldn’t of made fun of her. She was murdered and it’s just sad regardless of what she looked like.
Although I would make fun of the fat, ugly, skanky whore who took her beat up kid to Wal-Mart, she deserves that
26
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 2:31 pm -What do mean you are sitting in the middle of the fence? You mean that half of your brain thinks she had pretty blue eyes (again, those really have to be tinted contact lenses, period) and the other half of you thinks she got what she deserves?
I don’t think anyone who posted here so far would be mocking a murder victim for being fat or ugly–they might do it if she was the culprit, but not the victim.
Really, what are you in the middle of the fence about? No one deserves to be killed and dumped in a river. How could you be in the middle of the fence about that? I don’t understand.
27
lifino
Oct 7, 2008 at 3:58 pm -HUH?
I have been reading this site for a long time and I don’t think I have ever read anyone other than trolls trying to victimize the victim. We make fun of the offender but never the victim.
28
ScotchyScotch
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:08 pm -No, the pretty blue eyes have absolutely nothing to do with any type of sympathy or shouldn’t have. So, if somebody’s pretty - they get sympathy.
I think it would be interesting to do a study on this website and compare articles on people who were murdered between multiple groups. Whether they are “attractive” or not, and the quantity of sympathetic comments they received.
I would BET that there is a correlation to receiving more if you are considered attractive…
29
ScotchyScotch
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:13 pm -Why don’t people just comment on being sympathetic without the comments about the “stunning blue eyes” or “how pretty she was”? Doe those two things make it more of a trajedy???
Just curious…
Someone above said “Looking at her picture, you can visibly tell she was a caring and good person”.
How ridiculus!!! She was caring and good enough to go to prison for being a scumbag…
30
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:17 pm -Errr, did you read the STORY? Are you even slightly aware that this person was related to someone who regularly posts on the Dreamin Demon? You might want to consider that because this person was killed, people are trying to be compassionate and say nice things. Not just about the deceased, but to her family member who is a DD member. If you want to bash victims, maybe you should do it some other site where it will be appreciated, rather than heartlessly slamming someone whose own family member is around and is reading what you write? Have some compassion, dude.
31
ScotchyScotch
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:17 pm -Too bad she died, but I don’t see any reasons for extensive sympathy over any other murder victim.
Looks have nothing to do with it. And, the only actions listed above regarding her life make her a scumbag in my book…
Like I said above, “too bad”. Just like it is too bad for the other 200 people (qty?) who were murdered in the US today…
32
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:18 pm -p.s. if your idea of a scumbag is someone who was convicted of nonviolent crime (fraud & theft), you must be a pretty delicate sort of guy.
33
Abroad
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:20 pm -Not picking on Porcelain particularly; but I think this sort of comment might be what Scotchyscot had in mind. Talk about judging a book by its cover……
That said, I think there is a strong tendency on this site to see beauty where there is little or none as well as where there is undeniable beauty, when we are looking at victims and to see mostly the mockable even in the more objectively attractive-looking criminals. We wear moral-tinted glasses. No harm in that while we remember that that is what we do.
34
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:21 pm -Once again, the reason is that someone who was related to her by marriage is a member…don’t be dense, man.
35
ScotchyScotch
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:22 pm -If the comments regarding her being attractive are directed to the relative of the victim on this site, then I don’t have a problem with that. If you feel that someone on here is like family, and feel that it is the right thing to say to make them feel a slight bit better - I have no problem with that.
But, I think it is human nature to show more sympathy for people who are considered attractive. Just my take. And, I think it has been proven statistically in psychological studies…
Ron
36
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:24 pm -Agreed, and I’d think it’s quite obvious that’s what’s happening. The criminals get mocked, no matter what they look like, and the victims get compassion no matter what they look like. Pretty simple equation. So what?
37
ScotchyScotch
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:27 pm -I carry myself, family and friends to a high moral code. If you commit a crime and especially if you were convicted in a court of law (fraud beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury of your peers), I think you are a scumbag.
There are different levels of being a scumbag. From petty larceny to pedofile to murderer. But, a scumbag non the less… I wish more people had higher moral values - Sugarglider… Clearly you don’t…
38
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:29 pm -Scotch: here’s the header to the story. Above. Quoted. And it’s up at the top of the story itself.
BTW, though, consider a victim like Starlena Pratt. She wasn’t a slender, pretty little thing. She got just as much sympathy. As far as *DD* is concerned, you are dead wrong, I do believe, that the “pretty” victims get more sympathy (I mean, most infants don’t fall into a pretty or ugly category). Now, do people often rely on praise or condemnation of physical appearance when it comes to showing compassion for a victim or for denouncing a perpetrator? Yes. And make of that what you will.
But I don’t think there’s any justification for calling this girl a SCUMBAG over some fraud and nonviolent theft. Jesus christ. What’s next, maybe you’d like to say she’s to blame for getting murdered? I mean, really.
39
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:31 pm -I just don’t see the world through one-dimensional glasses. Do I think someone is a scumbag for, say, stealing a bag of carrots from the Wal-mart Supercenter? No, I don’t. I would be more likely to think someone was a scumbag for seeing the world through one-dimensional glasses and for bashing a murder victim and calling her a scumbag.
Just so we’re perfectly clear on what my moral compass is: In short, no, do not subscribe to your “value system” and your idea of “morals.” Nor am I so insensitive as to sum someone up as a “scumbag” when her own family member came on here and said that she was a caring person who meant a lot to people in her family.
40
Abroad
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:36 pm -So I was worried Scotchyscotch was being misunderstood, - but I took so long framing that response that he dug himself a hole in the mean time. I think “scumbag” is rather a strong word to use about someone who has so obviously paid dearly for whatever mistakes she made.
I have nothing but sympathy for Brittany and the people she left behind. And I hope they find the monster who killed her very soon, - not only for their sakes, but for the sake of the community at large.
41
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:38 pm -I have to sign off, Scotch. I think I’ve made myself clear. Maybe Zibarro will come on and argue w/ ya. I don’t know. But you’re right: you and I definitely do NOT see eye to eye. And I beg to disagree: in my opinion, you do NOT have “high mroal values.” I would say you’re an inflexible thinker and that’s not something I’m down with at all. You’re the kind of person who says, “stealing is stealing. Was it a loaf of bread and she was starving? Too bad! Cut off her hand!” There are societies where you’d be right at home, you know. In the meantime, if you can’t say something nice about Zibarro’s kin, maybe you could just stop yourself from typing on this particular thread about how this girl was a scumbag?
42
justrandom
Oct 7, 2008 at 4:49 pm -ScotchyScotch, it’s called MWWS - Missing white woman syndrome.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.....n_syndrome
It applies to race, ethnicity, looks, and visible social status. However, the media is generally the culprit.
Here at DD, the responses are usually based on the gruesomeness of the crime. In this case, she was related by marriage to someone who is a member of this tight-knit online community, where we support our own, and that is why she is getting the comments.
Also, if you go through ANY thread that posts pictures of victims, you’ll see numerous comments saying things like “what a beautiful little girl, so sorry that happened.” or “oh, what a sweet boy.”
SHE’S A VICTIM.
Now, we do tear apart the people who make these beautiful children victims. Daily.
And that’s why I love this site!
Now, back to school.
43
Komak
Oct 7, 2008 at 5:02 pm -Oh, Scotchyscotch…how high is your pedestal? I want to build one just like it…oh so high…..by stepping on all those “scumbags” beneath me.
Not important….not my problem….step …step…step…..I imagine there are alot of teenagers to step on huh….hell I could probably get my pedestal half completed, by stepping on teens….they ARE the worst decision makers……
I imagine about halfway up, I might have to leave my understanding, compassion and empathy behind….(I know the air that high-up makes it difficult to carry too many things)….
I won’t leave anyone behind will I, anyone I love? Did you leave anyone….you know someone close to you, who perhaps made a bad decision….I know you never made one…..but……did it break your heart to continue your climb…..probably….damn disappointing scumbag…
Broken hearts are simply extra weight, so I figure you left that behind too, just as you approached the top……no heart….must have felt weird…..I am sure…..
You replaced that whole in your chest though…..tell me what you used….oh superior …..of the high moral code…..just how high is your pedestal again?
44
Zibarro
Oct 7, 2008 at 5:13 pm -Sugarglider - You deserve to be the first I address on here.
First, thank you for defending my feelings as well as those of her family (some of which are now my family) and friends.
As for ScotchyScotch? I’d rather have 10 Brittany’s in my life than 1 of him. I despise no one more than the “Holier Than Thou” crowd who thinks their shit don’t stink!
Newsflash Scotchy…. someone in your family has done something illegal or immoral. Perhaps even you. Ran a red light in your life? Sped down the highway? Forgot your seatbelt? Not paid ALL the taxes you should have? Did you turn yourself in? Did YOU pay YOUR debt to society? Brittany did.
I won’t call you names (like you did to Brittany) because I refuse to stoop to your level. I’ll just say you might want to get down off your “High Horse” before someone knocks you off.
To everyone who DOES care:
I have new information but unfortunately I can’t share it just yet. Suffice to say… there may yet be justice for Brittany. Fingers crossed, prayers said.
RIP Britt.
45
Zibarro
Oct 7, 2008 at 5:20 pm -Thank you also to Komak, Justrandom and Abroad.
Komak, you actually got a smile from me on that one! A much needed smile! Thanks.
46
ScotchyScotch
Oct 7, 2008 at 5:41 pm -My last comments on this topic:
1.) I have an equal amount of sympathy for her as any murder victim, regardless of her beauty or lack of beauty.
2.) I would have withheld my personal opinion of her being a scumbag if we hadn’t gotten to the back-and-forth argument about the point I was trying to make and that a few on here cannot grasp: I notice that bloggers on this site provide more sympathy for attractive victims than unattractive victims. Sorry that I consider someone who steals someone elses money and goes to prison for it a scumbag. [be honest that if she stole your money, you know you would think of her as a scumbag] No one is perfect. However, I have never stolen money or property from anyone - let alone been prosecuted and convicted for it. If I, anyone in my family or my best friends did that - I would consider them “scumbags”. Lastly, for the people on this site - if you don’t consider someone who stole money and property as a scumbag, I am led to believe that you either have done or are committing those crimes.
Stay Classy Demonites!
Have a wonderful evening.
Out.
47
Komak
Oct 7, 2008 at 5:52 pm -However, I neglected , to offer my sincerest sympathy, you and yours— to your son-in-law and his family. It is tragic when anyone dies at the hands of another….untimely and horrible……Peace of the heart…. is often illusive….however….that is my hope for all of Brittney’s family members.
48
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 6:40 pm -Good news, Zibarro! I’m hoping.
49
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 6:51 pm -No one has had any trouble grasping any of your points, including your suggestion in *your 1st post on the thread* that you were on the fence as to whether she had it coming to her.
If I can’t “grasp” this, it’s because I haven’t “noticed” it. Feel free to give some empirical evidence, some statistical analysis.
What a hypocrite. You’re not sorry. You probably should be. You have no idea what she stole or whom she stole it from. And she PAID her debt. She did her time in jail.
Oh, my bad, I didn’t realize Brittany Tate stole some money from you.
This last bit simply proves you are a very poor logician.
50
sugarglider
Oct 7, 2008 at 6:59 pm -LOL. I’m guessing his thing is hookers.Oh, and, stay off the road after the scotches, Scotchy.
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