Government Cedes Crucial Element; Opens New Avenues
With a new judge setting an expedited schedule, and a trial date drawing nearer, filings between all sides – the government, the defense and the court – are moving post-haste. And that’s only half the story.
Critical information contained in these filings, which has never been revealed, shows both sides focusing their arguments, shoring up their strengths and minimizing weaknesses as they head towards the May 10 trial date.
Electrostimulation unit found in Dylan Ward's room
In the latest filing to hit the database, the government reveals for the time that according to the manufacturer’s spokesman, the electrostimulation unit found in Dylan Ward’s bedroom (an ET-302R) was not capable of inducing a passive/involuntary ejaculation.
This impacts a crucial element in their theory that Robert Wone was sexually assaulted, tortured and then murdered.
Also revealed for the first time is an EMT involved in transporting Robert Wone’s body who “believes” that the puncture wounds found at the bend of his elbow was an attempt to gain IV access to resuscitate him.
Yet, the EMT also “ruled out” several of the other puncture wound locations “as places where IV access would have been attempted.”
What this may mean for the case, after the jump.
This new information maybe a set back to the government’s argument that Robert Wone was sexually assaulted and tortured. If the electro-torture device could not passively or involuntarily induce an ejaculation, the whole torture argument, and the BDSM lifestyle in evidence on Swann, would not make it into the trial as evidence. This could impair the government’s case considerably in that regard.
The government also admits for the first time that some of the puncture marks could have been created as part of efforts to save Robert’s life. They did not admit this in the original affidavit, where they claim that all occurred pre-mortem and were not used in any effort to revive Robert, or it was just vague.
Yet it also could shine new light as well. What was the purpose of the puncture wounds not used to gain IV access as part of a resuscitative effort? If they were indeed used to inject a paralytic agent, then a sexual assault could have occurred. What is worse is Robert may have been awake, and not passive or involuntarily involved, yet also unable to resist due to a paralytic agent.
This scenario throws some cold water on the intruder theory as it seems to admit that the puncture wounds not used to resuscitate Robert had another purpose that evening. It seems remote that any intruder would have had the time to inject Robert, sexually assault him and murder him in the time line as stated by the defendants.
Some have theorized that no sexual assault took place and that Robert masturbated. But a quick look at the web site that sells the electrostimulation unit advertises it as “…hands-free masturbation…” with the sell line:
“Imagine a device that slips into your pocket and is completely controlled by a tiny 4-button remote control for portable, public, and BDSM fun.”
“Hands free masturbation” yet “not capable of inducing a passive/involuntary ejaculation?” Maybe the manufacturer’s spokesman will clarify this possible discrepancy for us. What he advertises online does not seem to mesh with his statement to government investigators.
What he advertises could have been the case while under a paralytic agent – and that would still be sexual assault.
-posted by David
The advertisers claim to the government is plain BS. There is absolutely no way that this company could know what it would take to make a particular person ejaculate, without testing the device directly on that person. Every individual is unique with regard to what level of stimulation it would require.
JFR,
We certainly expected you to comment, and are so glad that you did because I know you have as much expertise in this area. Reading on their Web site under the discussion of safety they do note that people with a heart condition should not use the product. What happens if Robert had an undiagnosed heart condition that no one was aware of?
David
David: Typically, anyone with a heart condition should not use any type of electro devise as this can stop the heart temporarily or permanently. This holds especially true with any clamps or attachments that can be connected to the box. There is a rule of safety in some e-stim circles and that rule is “Nothing above the waist”. This is put into place because there have been instances where people have died as a result of the misuse of e-stim and other electro toys. There is also a risk of being burned.
There are many devices that are common in the e-stim world that attach to the power box. Some are a simple as a pad, kind of like the ones you have attached to you when you get an EKG at the hospital. A common application consists of pads in sets of two. Some power box’s consist of at least two inputs that would allow two sets of pads to be applied. In men, it is common to apply the pads to the scrotal area and to the penis. This can certainly cause ejaculation as I have witnessed many times.
Other attachments may consist of electro cock rings, nipple clamps and even electro rectal plugs. The “cattle prod” type device that was found in Wards room seems to be consistent with an electro-wand. This would be inserted into the urethra of the penis and depending on how deep and how much power was applied, can and certainly does lead to ejaculation in some men.
I have also witnessed this many times. So to claim that the power of this box is not enough to cause ejaculation is complete and total bullshit!
From what we’ve seen, and hope to have others more expert comment on, Robert’s autopsy didn’t show any signs of heart disease.
– Doug, co-editor
“Also revealed for the first time is an EMT involved in transporting Robert Wone’s body who “believes” that the puncture wounds found at the bend of his elbow was an attempt to gain IV access to resuscitate him. ”
How can the EMT tell that the attempt to gain IV access was to help him and not something else? How could he tell what they were trying to do other than insert an IV needle?
I would assume that the EMT can credibly provide information about the puncture wound at the elbow, because the EMTs caused that wound during their resuscitation attempts. Anybody else make that same assumption?
I guess I thought the emt was commenting on marks they observed that were there before they arrived. Maybe I misunderstood.
Thanks for the new post and the link to the latest discovery filing. Interestingly, my read of the filing gave me a completely different impression of the government’s take on the electro-stim device. Your post above states that according to the manufacturer, the “electrostimulation unit found in Dylan Ward’s bedroom…was not capable of inducing a passive/involuntary ejaculation.” You suggest that the government is ceding a crucial element of its case.
But the wording in the government’s letter is more nuanced than that. It says, “such voltage, IN AND OF ITSELF, could not induce passive ejaculation.” I think the words ‘in and of itself’ are crucial and would not have been included if there was no point behind them.
My read is that the government is saying that the device won’t work – at least according to the manufacturer – without some mechanical assistance. Mechanical assistance could be a hand or a mouth of someone else in the house that night. Likely someone who had access to or possession of the device (I think it would be highly unlikely that Wone sneaked into a “sleeping” Ward’s room and rummaged through the closet in search of a device that he would have no reason to believe was there).
Note also that the filing states that the government plans to introduce as evidence a DVD containing video clips of the electro-stim device in action. I imagine these will be used to show how the device is typically used. Combine that with S&M expert James Plant’s testimony and accompanying pictures and descriptions of all of the gear found in the Swann Street residence and I think the government is planning to go full steam ahead with its original theory. Bottom line, if the device doesn’t work by itself, then there must have been some additional “assistance.”
Similary, with regard to the puncture wounds, I took the government’s bolding of a portion of paragraph #2 to mean that rather than looking at the EMTs conclusion as a negative for their case that the prosecution actually viewed it as a positive. The only bolded words were “ruled out” which emphasized the government’s view that the defense won’t be able to claim that all of the puncture wounds might have been due to EMT work at recessitation. The EMTs stated clearly that they would never attempt to put an IV in those other spots.
Am I crazy for reading this filing this way?
No, that was my take on it as well.
Ditto!
A feather could be used with additional “assistance” to induce orgasm in some people.
The judge is too wise to let the prosecution dig themselves any deeper into this disgraceful hole unless Wone’s DNA was found on related gear.
No drugs. No torture. No sexual assault. Just a stunningly forceful sudden unexpected stabbing by a person known to and trusted by Wone.
“No DNA was found on related gear.”
No blood either. I guess Robert wasn’t murdered afterall, huh, Ben?
My couch is feverish.
Try pacing.
Pacing is relaxing!
“In the latest filing to hit the database, the government reveals for the time that according to the manufacturer’s spokesman, the electrostimulation unit found in Dylan Ward’s bedroom (an ET-302R) was not capable of inducing a passive/involuntary ejaculation.”
That’s probably what they WANT you to think. These companies are bound by FDA regulations. They may market it as a medical device under 501(k) just like the TENS unit does.
They may have business reasons for saying that.
Besides, everyone knows that that’s what they are used for. Stimulation and in some cases electro-ejaculation.
And, the Crew Club is just another 24-hour gentleman’s gym with spacious dressing rooms and ample showers/saunas. In and by itself, it cannot cause impromptu sex between anonymous men.
Even if Robert were not electro-stimulated, that does NOT rule out sexual assault.
It’s a known fact that a man can still ejaculate even under the most unpleasant of conditions. It is a physiological response.
And, by the way, what’s the status of the tests on the blood stain on Dylan’s blankie?
Why is it taking so long to test that spot? Once the results are in, however, Connolly may be having more bad (hair and face?) days.
Just as I expected. The affidavits were negative leverage to force some truth from the tragedy. Full of prejudiced speculation, innuendo & irresponsible opining & suggestions by the ME to fit the detectives hunch.
Unless Wone’s DNA was found all over some of that gear there was no torture. The punctures are now possibly explained so likely no injected paralytics.
If they thought the other sites might be injections, why didn’t they test for the #1 candidate injectable?
To rule out masturbation, why didn’t they test Wone’s hands for his own semen?
Since electricity is kind of my thing, I will be happy to explain the difference between “involuntary” and “hands free”–and there is a big difference. Do not confuse the two as David did.
Did you hear something?
Paragraph 1. Blah blah blah
Paragraph 2. So, using your logic (which I love to do because it’s so fun)….since Robert’s BLOOD was not found all over the house does that mean he was not murdered?
Re the punctures, read the document Ben. The document supports the fact that there are puncture/injection marks in places the EMTs did NOT do procedures. There is still NO explanation for the marks elsewhere on his body (not in the crook of his elbow).
Paragraph 3. They didn’t so, don’t harp on it.
Paragraph 4. They didn’t so, don’t harp on it.
Paragraph 5. I got it, David. And it’s a very good argument.
CD,
I know this is very upsetting for you. This what I called for earlier–the clearing of foul waters–it will lead to the truth from the person responsible.
Stay tuned. It will all be over before you know it.
Ben
Again, dear Ben, you skirt the questions presented and ignore vital facts that support the prosecution.
It will be over for the defendants very soon. And they will be in prison where they deserve to be.
Upsetting to me? No, dear. Not at all.
My dog has perfect pitch!
ROFL!!!
My cat is fluent in french.
My cat’s breath smells like cat food.
– Ralph Wiggums
er, that was Wiggum.
Me fail English?
That’s unpossible!
Stay tuned, indeed.
More to come. We promise.
-Doug, co-editor
Only the Shadow knows … and now a word from our sponsors.
i am picturing a scrawny, balding and blue middle aged man trolling naked around aeriel way tripping fuses and frying aunt marcia’s mother board all in search of the endless boner. how terribly sad if there was no male role model for dyl when he grew up; no father figure teaching him how to be a man. is any career worth it?
Ouch, SDI, that was a direct hit on our favorite massage therapist: keep up the good work!
I’m sure Aunt Marcia feels the same way that you do about Dyl by now, even though she may see Joe as the greater threat to her nephew/niece’s well-being.
“all in search of the endless boner.” I think a lot of guys want to help their boner to come to completion.
agree in part: but not many use electricity as a stimulus package.
if it lasts longer than 5 hours, you should consult your physician.
Can somebody please tell me a story without magical paralytics & fantastical electric milking machines?
Okay, Ben…..let’s discuss the intruder theory. Or the lack of blood on the pull-out sofa where he laid when he was supposedly attacked by said intruder.
The intruder myth may been born out of initial confusion & panic but do not retreat back into fantasy with it. Assume no intruder. I’m listening.
You’re making up “facts” again. This game would be entertaining if you’d just admit that you are shilling for the defense. Otherwise, you are a tired boring poseur.
Exactly, Ben. To quote you “no intruder.” Which means they are LYING. Which means they are GUILTY of the charges. Do you not understand this?
Ben,
I’d like to hear a story about how Robert and Kathy celebrating the arrival of a new child or Robert’s nomination for a judicial appointment, but the facts as we know them just doesn’t make that possible, do they? The same is true for your desire to hear a story about the your idols in this case doesn’t involve their drug use and sexual assault of a houseguest and friend. We’ve all be mugged by certain realities in this case and some of us, namely you, are having a tougher time accepting this ugly reality.
Well said, SKS. Very well said.
Thanks.
Your reality is also your fantasy.
Look at the emerging facts & stop your vapid vamping. No drugs. No torture. No sexual assault. Those are the facts.
They DID NOT test for ketamine. That means ketamine could have been used on Robert Wone.
Ben, let’s talk about the intruder. You believe that Dylan killed Robert. Wouldn’t that mean that they lied and concealed Robert’s murder? Wouldn’t that mean they are guilty of the charges?
Ben, why don’t you answer these questions?
Because then Ben can’t absolve Joe of guilt. The reason is simple: Joe is, at the very least, guilty of conspiracy and obstruction.
Right, Ben? And how were those photos lost again? Your friend’s missing cable and then he found it, emailed them to you, but you put them on a data card and immediately deleted the email? Yet they weren’t ON the data card? Why not ask him to send them again?
Not necessarily.
Depends on on when they knew or figured out their pet murdered their house guest.
I’m positing that they could not conceive of Ward murdering Wone & cleaning up afterwards in their shared bathroom. In my opinion Ward acted alone in the murder, clean up & staging. Ward planted the seed of his intruder theory deception with his “is the back door open?” statement.
They were still trying to figure out what happened during the 911 call–filling in details not provided by the prescription medicated Ward.
Perhaps the intruder hypothesis seemed as plausible as any other at the time they uttered it.
yada yada yada … you are a one-trick pony … boring.
And the photos?
Man, for being in a fugue state, that Dylan can certainly work fast. Even if NO paralytics and NO sexual assault (and then, again, why kill him?) are we to assume he just goes nuts and stabs a man who has such slow reflexes that he can’t prevent even one of the stab wounds not to tear or rip flesh? And then shower a man who’s at least as big as he is, move his body and place it in a bed, clean like a maniac, and then call up to the husbands upstairs – and what? Tell them what, exactly, in the twenty minutes BEFORE they call 911 (remember the scream was at 11:05 – 11:34) such that they all have the same story (at least if you discount the FIRST story Joe told the cop, that they found Robert out back). Are you really NOW saying that Joe and Victor knew nothing was amiss and did not purposely lie to the police?
Before you were convinced the only wrong-doing by your boy Joe was to “cover up” – and now he’s not guilty of that either? Which is, Ben, fugue state or no fugue state? Did Joe lie or not?
Did the knife and bloody rags end up with the photos your friend took?
In other words a Dylan Ward production, in its entirety. Only a showman like Flo Ziegfeld could pull off such a feat.
And Ward, in his ‘fugue state’ managed all of that and was able to spin both Price and Zaborsky that it was an intruder just by asking if the back door was open?
Zaborsky doubtdul, Price never.
That calls for an incredible suspension of belief. Wishing doesn’t make it so.
Send us the Ward pics. Let’s see if he’s Superman in both build and cunning that you speak of.
You not off the hook yet on that nonsense Ben. We don’t cotton to being jerked around.
Craig,
Please ban me. I beg you to silence my cries for rational independent thought.
Rational being the key word here. LOL
Ben,
If the environment here is too hostile or unwelcoming, why do you continue visiting this blog?
Why do you repeatedly plead for us to ban you, BF?
Seriously…what’s up with that?
-Doug, co-editor
What a cop our for someone with nothing more to say.
I think he’d like to see himself get banned and then it would be fuel for a final rant about how “they only want to hear what they want to believe…blah blah blah.”
Ben,
Dylan didn’t plant the seed. Victor did. Dylan was SUPPOSEDLY still in his bedroom when Victor was placing that 911 call.
His “is the back door open?” statement was given to police officers WELL after the 911 call and well after Victor already said it.
Ben,
If you can’t convince us of the validity of your alternate theory, the chances are that a jury will not buy your “facts” either. Joe and his boys are toast. Vamp on that story.
Indeed, SKS. WE are not the jury. A jury of his peers will be selected.
And by the way, Ben, the jury will be voir dired. In essence, the defendants’ attorneys will pick the jury from a large pool. So, if you/they don’t like the verdict, blame the attorneys.
And we know how he feels about DC jurors.
I too would like to hear such a story. In a better world I would only read of Robert Wone in my daily perusal of The New York Times acting in one of the many notable roles that his life’s trajectory would likely have taken him, but is not to be.
Now, the only story that I want to hear is the true story of what took place the night that all of Robert’s potential along with his precious life was stolen from him in a place where he thought he was safe and among friends.
You have a good way with words and expressing them. Thank you!
Ketamine isn’t a “magical” paralytic. In a sufficiently high dose it is a practical paralytic. You can make a restrained man ejaculate without the use of electric stimulation. It’s called a hand-job.
Smother a repine man with a pillow until he loses consciousness. Inject him with a massive dose of ketamine and he becomes your plaything. You can carry him to the tub; you can masturbate him. He won’t even fight back when you plunge a knife in his torso.
Absolutely NellynDrew.
Please continue on nelly. How would you best smother this man and most practically inject this paralytic?
That’s a really creepy question, John. You’re scaring me.
The thought police who frequent this this site continue to be to the detriment of its mission.
Nelly, I remain interested how you think someone would proceed to “Smother a repine man with a pillow until he loses consciousness?” so quickly on arriving at that house that evening. Esp. if you’re thinking its Dylan, who is of small physical (and, of course, ethical) stature.
John, do you think this is impossible? Robert’s body (eyes) showed that he was possibly suffocated.
An incapacitated man could easily be suffocated. Even by a small man like Dylan.
And “ethical”? Where did that come from?
John, who are the thought police?
Wone goes to bed a short time after arriving at the house. He does not take a shower. That little detail is invented later to cover up the fact that his body has been rinsed clean of blood.
After Wone has been lying still in the guest room for about ten minutes Ward creeps in, holds a pillow over his face and straddles him on the bed. Ward has the element of surprise on his side. Wone struggles briefly before passing out. One he has lost consciousness it is easy enough to stick a needle in him.
People who pretend it’s impossible for the residents of the house to have done any such thing have to overlook the immutable fact that somehow somebody managed to inflict a great deal of injury on Wone in a short amount of time. If Ward couldn’t have committed this crime than neither could an intruder.
John, dude relax. Some people are more easily spooked than others; that hardly indicates the formation of a thought control division on the site. Just speak up. I for one am interested in what you have to say. I haven’t seen any insane lying and confabulating from you, and that’s the only thing I lose patience with.
I think the nelly n drew scenario is very likely. Robert put his night guard in and went to bed. He was probably asleep or close to it when smothered. The rest followed easily (unfortunately).
The problem I see with the “already in bed” scenario is that there are no defense wounds/ bruises/ scratches. Nothing under his fingernails. He may also have bit into his mouthguard.
I think the mouthguard was another part of the staging when they put him on the bed in the guestroom.
I think they may have tried to smother him to kill him, but resorted to stabbing him because smothering him was too difficult.
And in that case, carrying him somewhere to contain the blood when stabbed would be very likely because the stabbing was beyond premeditated at that point.
Agree, CD. I think the W&M shirt, with holes, shorts, and mouthguard were added after the fact – otherwise the clothes would be bloody. With all the assault and stimulating and stabbing and showering they did with poor Robert, I suspect his mouthguard would have dislodged. Maybe not – but certainly the clothing and body placement were staged, thus making me think they found the mouthguard in his bag with the shorts/t-shirt.
I don’t think he ever got to tuck himself into bed, otherwise the ensemble that he was in when the EMTs arrived (W&M Shirt ~ with the faked knife holes in it , shorts, mouth-guard) would be drenched in blood.
I think that the evidence will show that these garments and his mouth guard (amazing as that may seem ~ maybe it was just sitting on the night stand and Joe though it would give a touch of verisimilitude, it has certainly side-tracked me for a long time) were put on (in) after the fact.
I think that they attacked him in the shower or bathroom when he was naked.
We should also recall the terrible heat that night in the district and that Robert had been walking around in that heat going from destination to destination, stopping for a Subway sandwich then going on to Radio Free Asia. I think that he brushed off or even gently but firmly (expressing maybe exasperation or a kindly version of outrage) declined to play with Joe and Dylan and headed for a shower. I don’t think he would go to bed sweaty and gritty after that long day.