so angry I could spit

And people wonder why women stop reporting domestic violence--reporting it often DOES NO GOOD! Fukcing ineffective criminal justice system. "911's a joke" isn't just true for those in South Central LA. Warning: The following news story contains disturbing content

Slaying suspect's violent past 8 felony convictions, but he'd never been sentenced to prison

Jaxon Van Derbeken, Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writers

Scott McAlpin stalked, harassed and threatened his former girlfriend for three years, once even carrying her down the street in an attempted kidnapping until someone maced him, authorities say.

On Monday, the 24-year-old El Sobrante man was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Anastasia Melnitchenko, 21, of San Francisco, and stuffing her body in the trunk of his Honda Civic.
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At the time of his arrest, McAlpin had eight prior felony convictions, all for domestic violence, and had been in and out of jail -- as recently as last week -- yet had never been sentenced to state prison.

"Anastasia said she always believed Mr. McAlpin would kill her,'' said San Francisco prosecutor Leslie Cogan.

McAlpin was on probation stemming from his multiple acts of domestic violence against Melnitchenko. In addition, he was under a court order to attend a yearlong domestic violence program as well as monthly court evaluations before a judge -- and he had missed the past two meetings, which resulted in his arrest last week.
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Critics point to the death of Melnitchenko as symptomatic of larger problems that plague the system aimed at stopping domestic violence in San Francisco, saying that McAlpin should have been in state prison, not free.
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Authorities cite the following history of violence between McAlpin and Melnitchenko.

-- On Dec. 23, 2001, McAlpin went to Melnitchenko's place of work in San Francisco, forced his way in and threw Melnitchenko against a wine crate, prosecutors say. Charges were filed, but McAlpin went free pending the outcome of the case.

-- In March 2002, McAlpin went to Melnitchenko's home in San Francisco, put his hand over her mouth, pinched her nose and held her so hard that her mouth bled, according to prosecutors. He held her hostage for two hours, at one point ripping the phone out of her hand, prosecutors say. He was arrested and jailed briefly.

-- In July 2002, McAlpin, who was free again despite the two pending cases, allegedly broke in to Melnitchenko's home. "He said, 'If you don't come back to me within a week, I'm going to kill you, bitch,' '' Cogan said. He fled when San Francisco police arrived, leading officers on a pursuit to the East Bay, prosecutors say. He later turned himself in.

-- On Oct. 31, 2003, McAlpin admitted to stalking, assaulting and threatening Melnitchenko in charges stemming from the three cases.

-- In December 2003, Cogan sought a six-year prison term, but McAlpin was allowed to plead guilty, over prosecutors' objections, to retired Judge Herbert Donaldson, who sentenced him to time served and probation. "We felt his acts were so significant to warrant state prison, even without a prior criminal history. I brought in Anastasia, her mom and sister to testify,'' Cogan said. The judge, she said, granted probation "over our strong objection." Donaldson also ordered McAlpin to undergo counseling and spend 52 weeks in a domestic violence program.

-- On Aug. 1, 2004, McAlpin allegedly tried to kidnap Melnitchenko as a co-worker escorted her to her car after work. McAlpin allegedly slapped her and carried her down the street, saying: "You're dead, bitch!'' Melnitchenko escaped when a passer-by sprayed McAlpin with Mace. Melnitchenko suffered scratches to her face, prosecutors said.

-- In October 2004, Melnitchenko failed to show up at the preliminary hearing in the case and could not be reached, despite what prosecutors described as "numerous attempts.'' Upton said Melnitchenko was doubtless scared of her attacker and justifiably afraid of testifying. "If the system had sent a message it could protect her, she would have moved forward."

-- On Dec. 1, 2004, the case was resolved with a guilty plea and a sentence of one year in jail.

-- In the spring of 2005, McAlpin was freed under a judge's order that he attend domestic violence classes and come to court each month. He had progress reports in April, May, June and August, but failed to show twice, including this month. A judge issued a bench warrant for him on Oct. 13.

More at the link.

harvesty goodness

Over the weekend I harvested a few pounds of tomatillos from the garden as well as several pounds of tomatoes and a few bell pepeprs. Oddly enough, we still have tomatoes ripening. Yay for Mediterranean climates! The tomatillos will be turned into salsa and possibly a soup. The tomatoes we are just eating and eating and eating... Last night was capellini tossed with olive oil, garlic, basil and lots of cherry tomatoes. Yum. The night before was my version of my favorite breakfast cafe's "Hacienda Homefries"--steamed yukon gold potaoes lightly pan fried with green bell pepper, scallions, yellow tomato, red onion and butter then topped with cheddar cheese and salsa, heated until the cheese melted then served with a bit of sour cream and tabasco sauce. Really, really good. The pepper, scallions, and tomatoes were all from the garden as well. I love our yard!