Recap:
In Chapter 58: A Search For Answers-The Death of Alex Vandalsen, we covered the suspicious circumstances surrounding Alex's death. Alex was a 21-year-old Trans man who, on February 3rd, 2022, walked out the door of his home at 11:45 pm. It was 20 degrees outside with a real feel of 4, with 25 mph winds. He headed out on foot dressed only in a long-sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt, a pair of jeans under some sweatpants, a beanie, and shoes. he proceeded to the end of the driveway, after which the family surveillance camera lost sight of him. He would not be found for almost 6 days when a snowplow driver came across his body on the afternoon of February 9th. The police, after admitting in body camera footage that Alex's death was most definitely a homicide, ruled his death a suicide via a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This cannot be possible for the reasons listed below. From the moment his mother, Jennifer, reported Alex missing, there have been inconsistencies in the police's narrative and there was blatant disregard and bias towards Alex and the investigation into his death.
The Inconsistencies and Problems with the Investigation:
- Jennifer called the police at 10 p.m. on February 4th, after her daughter spoke to Alex's girlfriend and realized that no one had seen him since the night before. Police took 2 hours to arrive at the home to take the missing person's report.
- On the 5th, Jennifer learned of a retired officer with a search dog. This officer agreed to conduct a search and informed the police she would be doing so. Two deputies arrived and one implied that he believed that Alex had run off based on a wellness check that was conducted in the past (Alex, in reality, had overslept and was late for work). the officers left after 2 hours because "they weren't dressed for a cold weather search."
- On the 8th, a detective made contact and said he would be taking over the search-he didn't show up until well into the day on the 9th to take background information on Alex.
- Dt. Tislow would show up later that day to get an identification on the body that had been found 4 miles away. he claimed "there were no obvious signs of trauma" he also claimed that he had not been at the scene. This was false.
- Based on Dt. Tislow's own police report, he was at the crime scene and viewed the body.
- Alex was found on his back, hands in his pockets, legs crossed with a gunshot wound to the head.
- body camera confirmed that police believed he was posed. They also believed, based on body camera footage that his death was a homicide. They explicitly state that they did not believe the gunshot wound was self-inflicted.
- The detectives, once realizing that the decedent matched Alex's description, made disgusting remarks, dehumanizing him. "he, she, whatever it is"
- The Deputy coroner said the entrance wound was on the left and the exit was on the right side-Alex was right-handed
- The ME that conducted the autopsy (only a partial one was conducted) stated that the entrance wound was on the right side and the exit was on the left. His death was ruled a suicide
- No Shell casing or bullet was found at the scene,
- Based on speaking with a firearms expert-it is physically impossible for someone to commit suicide and then put their hands in their pockets.
- It's also impossible unless a revolver was the weapon used, for there not to be a shell casing. This means someone would have had to "police their brass." meaning the shell casing was picked up and removed from the scene.
- Jennifer found out the method of Alex's death from the funeral director-NOT the police.
- Jennifer, trying to conduct her own investigation, was given the wrong body camera footage. When she received the correct ones, they were heavily edited.
- When asked about gunshot residue testing-she was told by Lt. Payne, that "they don't do that anymore." again, this is a false narrative and easily verified.
The Aftermath
Jennifer asked for the Lafayette Police to reopen Alex's case and for a thorough investigation to be conducted. the Lafayette police were looked into on the grounds of conduct. She received a letter in the mail saying, in layman's terms, that they did everything correctly and Alex's case would not be reopened. Jennifer has been fighting for answers for almost 3 years and has been consistently lied to and given the run-around. it is UNACCEPTABLE
A Call to Action
Alex VanDalsen, a transgendered man, was murdered, but his case was conveniently labeled a suicide. His mother, Jennifer VanDalsen, has spent nearly three years fighting for answers and justice. Due to recent events where Jennifer was once again tossed away and considered disposable by local authorities, we gathered together to have a round table discussion and refresh on his case, as well as a firm request of everyone listening to not only say his name, but bring awareness on his case. We want everyone in the true crime arena to please cover his case, we want authorities to dig deeper into their investigations, we want senators and government officials highlighting this case and we want Jennifer to finally have answers because ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
The following podcasts in todays discussion are listed, and linked to the episodes on Alex VanDalsen are as follows:
F**k that - https://www.spreaker.com/user/16866625/e-17-what-happened-to-alex-vandalsen
Beyond The Rainbow - https://www.spreaker.com/episode/48406263
A Nefarious Nightmare - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-nefarious-nightmare-true-crime/id1579771353?i=1000596205541
Book of the Dead - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-book-of-the-dead/id1639787484?i=1000630594070
Criminal Activity - https://criminalactivityshow.com/shownotes/1/
Don’t know where to start? You can call or write the following officials and authorities we spoke about in this episode:
Contact info
- ACLU of Indiana:
1031 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Indiana House of Representatives:
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
You can address the letter to: Rep. Sheila Klinker
317-232-9600
- State Senator Ron Alting:
200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-9400
- Captain Bryan Harper:
20 N 6th St # 3, Lafayette, IN 47901
317-232-7269
- Attorney General Todd Rokita:
Indiana Government Center South
302 W. Washington St., 5th Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Below is a template that you can use to send to the agencies listed above.
If you decide to cover the murder of Alex VanDalsen, feel free to reach any one of us so we can help lead you to the correct sources.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Government Official's Name]
[Government Official's Position]
[Government Department]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Urgent Call to Action: Thorough Investigation into the Death of Alex VanDalsen
Dear [Government Official's Name],
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today as a concerned citizen, seeking your urgent attention to a matter of grave importance. The purpose of this correspondence is to bring to your attention the suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Alex VanDalsen, a young trans man from Lafayette, Indiana. It has come to my attention that the police investigation into Alex VanDalsen's death was insufficient, failing to adequately address the available evidence and leaving his grieving mother, Jennifer VanDalsen, with unanswered questions. Despite the evidence suggesting foul play, the case was swiftly deemed a suicide, causing further anguish and distress to the family and friends of Alex.
I implore you to use your esteemed position to bring together the necessary resources, both manpower and expertise, to reevaluate the evidence and explore all possible leads that may shed light on the true circumstances surrounding Alex's passing. By doing so, not only will justice be served, but it will also restore faith in our law enforcement agencies and demonstrate our commitment to protecting the rights and lives of every individual in our community. Furthermore, I would like to emphasize the importance of providing Jennifer VanDalsen and her family with the support and empathy they deserve during this difficult time. The lack of transparency and communication from the authorities has only deepened their sense of loss and frustration. I kindly request that you ensure they receive the necessary updates on the progress of the investigation, promptly addressing any concerns they may have.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. I kindly request that you keep me informed regarding any developments or actions taken in response to this call to action. Together, we can strive for a society where every life is valued and justice is served.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
