Crime and Crooks

Wingnut Lonnie Ramos met his maker when he was killed in a car crash in Mexico yesterday after shooting his ex-wife in the face and abducting their 9-year-old son Ryan last Wednesday. I'm thinking he's got a lot of explaining to do. His wife survived, but needs extensive reconstructive surgery. The safe return of her son will help her recover, her mother told the press today.

Ramos unsuccessfully tried to buy tickets for himself and his son at an Orange County airport when he refused to show identification. I mean, if you're going to shoot your wife in the face and kidnap your own son, you would think he'd have a better escape plan. What a clown. Ramos decided a giant purple and gold motor home was a good get-away car and road it all the way to the border, where he abandoned the giant bread crumb and crossed over.

Ryan's paternal grandfather told police they could find Ryan at a Mormon church in Juarez after his son checked in with him by phone. The boy was found safe, his Dad, not so much. Ramos was killed in a violent car crash near Juarez.

Domestic disputes, especially child custody situations, are some of the most dangerous emergency calls officers respond to. People are emotional, angry and often irrational, and their crazy decisions show it. Ramos went off the deep end during a custody exchange. Many times the process of physically handing the child over pushes the unstable parent over the edge.

Domestic violence victims are in a tough spot. Beyond restraining orders, law enforcement usually can't arrest anyone until something serious happens. Saying mean things and even making threats are not going to get someone arrested. If you find yourself in this situation, at least file for a restraining order. Then, officers have court-ordered conditions to enforce when your whack job ex comes looking for you or your children.

Consider making custody exchanges at a police station if you feel unsafe around your ex. If he/she wants to hurt you or snatch your kid, chances are a police parking lot or lobby is not their ideal location to do so.