This is the type of story you see in a bad Lifetime movie – a suspense/drama thriller that goes beyond the norm of what “normal” people will do. I can’t imagine how this poor woman has lived out such a real nightmare for so many years.
After nearly two decades, Tracy Lundeen can stop hiding. The man who has stalked her since 1994, since the two were middle schoolers in Renton, Seattle, has been sentenced to more than 26-years in prison. Prosecutors are calling this the longest sentence for stalking in memory.
Shawn Moul, 31, received the exceptionally long felony stalking sentence last week after a jury found he “demonstrated an egregious lack of remorse” for his actions. At one point, Moul had reportedly threatened to cut out the heart of a deputy prosecutor unless he turned over Lundeen’s address and phone number.
Moul began stalking classmate Tracy Lundeen in 1994. Lundeen saw him at the school library struggling with his homework and offered to help him. Afterwards, Lundeen said Moul began following her and wrote her more than 100 letters. The letters alternated between threatening her and vowing to kill himself. He also contacted Lundeen’s family members and demanded that she contact him.
Moul has already served eight years in prison for repeatedly violating a previous order to leave Lundeen alone. Apparently, eight years wasn’t enough to deter him because after his release, he again initiated contact through Lundeen’s sister.
Lundeen addressed the court and spoke of the long nightmare Moul has placed on her and her family. “We never asked for this,” Lundeen said. “We have, from the beginning, asked for one thing, and that’s to be left alone.”
Tracy also addressed her stalker directly in court, saying: “Mr. Moul , please listen to me. I don’t love you. I don’t like you. I don’t intend to ever be with you. Please quit trying to contact me or my other family members.”
Lundeen added she believes that until Mr. Moul is dead, “nothing changes,” the Seattle Times reported. Last year, Lundeen told the Seattle Times she believed that Moul would never leave her alone. “The letters will never stop,” she told The Times. “It’s never going to stop.”
Senior Deputy Persecuting Attorney Alex Voorhees said the prosecutor’s office has taken steps to ensure Moul is unable to send Lundeen letters from prison.
Moul also spoke at his sentencing and did not oppose the lengthy prison term. “I don’t mind being in custody for the rest of my life,” he said.
“I think it has been a long time coming for this family,” said Voorhees. “Our office has been working with them for the past 14 years. To give them a sense of peace I think is a big help.”
Maybe now Tracy and her family can find some peace. Mr. Moul could use some psychiatric help.
I know of a woman who was stalked for one year. It was difficult to collect evidence. For example, she would see his car parked in the front of her house, but when she ran out to take a picture or video, he would drive away.
If you need help building a case, you can contact MSI Detective Services. You should also try to take as many protective measures as possible such as carrying pepper spray and a personal alarm. Some states will allow you to purchase a stun gun. Our U-Spy website, under “Personal Defense/Stun Guns,” has a list of states where we cannot ship stun guns and a link for laws in your area.
Always let someone know where you are going. Stalking is being taken much more seriously than it has in the past. Do not be embarrassed to ask people for help.
Read story@ msnbc
Other Source: mynorthwest.com
Tags: crime, Safety, security, stalking, U-Spy Store
