Monday, July 9, 2007
News Unequal coverage: Monica Renee Bowie
Posted by Andisheh Nouraee on Mon, Jul 9, 2007 at 2:36 PM
Last month, the disappearance and murder of 26-year-old pregnant Ohioan Jessie Davis attracted international news coverage. Her face was on the front page of CNN.com so often that I can still picture it. The news coverage was so extensive that she's the first hit if you Google "Ohio pregnant."
Last week, two men were kidnapped on Glenwood Avenue in East Atlanta and held hostage for 14 hours while their kidnappers went shopping with their credit cards. The two victims were rescued by police and, two days later, flew to New York to appear on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Last Thursday night, DeKalb County police believe Monica Renee Bowie was kidnapped from her Lenox Park Apartments home. Lenox Park is just outside Atlanta city limits in DeKalb County, near Lenox Square mall. Neighbors say they heard a woman screaming for help at around 11 that night.
Local TV news stations reported the abduction fairly quickly, but compared to Jessie Davis and the East Atlanta kidnappings, relatively little attention has been paid to Bowie's disappearance.
No national news outlets have mentioned her.
The AJC didn't report her disappearance until Sunday.
Her face doesn't even appear on the DeKalb County Police Department's missing persons web page.
Why do think that is?
Comments (57)
Showing 1-50 of 57
Yes I know I was googling her just now, there is very little there, but I read on a message board that her family has not been speaking to the media, and I know that's not going to help. Black people never seem to get the coverage white people receive when they go missing. I know the fact that she had a felony drugs/weapons case pending probably is related to her kidnapping, IMO.
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She is an ex-stripper who quit dancing within the past year. She aquired all of these businesses and cars and luxury apartments within the last year. Her boyfreind was paroled from jail for drug charges within the last year. Her boyfriend was recently arrested on drug charges in her car. If you start talking about things like that it makes the victim look bad. She was a good person overall but the choices that she made in life makes her look bad.
Amanda, what is the source of your information? John, I described what happened and posted her picture. That's as "going for it" as I can manage. I can't make Nancy Grace to a show about her or the Dekalb County police update their web page.
i agree with zola., this is something that has been bothering me since the story has occured. When i went to search for information on her it took at least an hour for anything to be found even after looking on the news websites. it wasn't even in the top coverage of the news. i guess a dancing burglar (car theif) was more important. I sure was in the top stories that was on the websites. Then my question is why was her criminal history broadcasted the same day that the kidnapping happened. Were we looking for her or reasons to not look for her????? i feel that was another way of saying she another number that's going to be forgotten about. i know her personal but what the media is airing or her past is not the Monica Renee Bowie that i know. Why didn't we look into the criminal history and put that into the media, on the runaway bride that was found in Mexico. I feel that they are a little bit more into her personal life then her where abouts.
Monica Bowie\\\'s background was recently tainted. It all stemmed from working in the strip clubs. That is how she got involved with her boyfriend and anyone who knew about her knows that those kidnappers did that because of her drug dealing boyfriend.
Amanda, Who are you? I grew up with Monica in Pittsburgh and you CLEARLY do not know her. First of all, Monica was NEVER a stripper. Second of all, she has a degree in business and worked hard to develop and grow the businesses she has. Lastly, her boyfriend was arrested because HE was driving her car while/after smoking weed and they cops found HIS WEED, HIS GUN, and HIS MONEY in the car. Monica was NOT with him, and was only arrested when she received a call that her car was being towed and went to try to retrieve it. She may be guilty of making a bad choice in a mate, but not of being a DRUG-DEALING, STRIPPING, CRIMINAL. GET THE FACTS BEFORE YOU COMMENT. We, in Pittsburgh, are worked sick about her and disgusted with the lack of coverage by the mainstream media. To them, it appears black lives aren't as worthy of coverage as others.
I grew up with Monica also. We both went to Perry together in Pittsburgh. I spend summers at her house, she really was my best friend!!! She had an accounting degree from Cheney and we were actually roommates for a little while when she first moved to Atlanta. I can't even describe how sick i am over this right now!!! I really need to get in touch with her mother...can anyone help me?????
Let me say this, whether she was into drugs or not a stripper or not it does not matter! NO One deserves to be kidnapped and possibly murdered or hurt! I can say this that no matter what you think you know about someone you don't really know...a person only let you see what they what you to see and know about them...you may have grown up with the person but that was who they were at that time. I know for fact that she was a stripper more than a year ago and I can tell you what strip club she worked at ...the detectives already know.....i live in atlanta and i know trust me i know....i know she dealt with and work for a big time dealer who she was seen with the day she was kidnapped...here is the problem...people here in atlanta georgia know what's goin on but they refuse to speak and tell all they know....it is important to know the facts about her life and lifestyle in order to find the people who took her..to lie or try to say she wasn't something or was is only making it harder to find the people responsible.....the media will report the bad more than good we all know this.....however, it is the people closest to her who know things that is responsible for getting coverage and fighting for her and telling everything they know.....so all you people out there GOD has given you a gift that gift is information to help bring this girl home....use it do GOD's WILL is WORK tell what you know to set her free...
Commenting on the reporters and writers....you can make a big impact by using your gift as well..don't make excuses because you're not nancy grace you never know your story may bring this to nancy grace's attention or someone like tyra or oprah who may do a show on them....don't underestimate GOD'S WORK...just do it...and you will see GOD'S BLESSINGS COME DOWN ON YOU!
We the family of Monica Bowie would like to thank everyone for their prayers. We will be holding a prayer vigil on Monday July 16, 2007 in Pittsburgh @ Oliver High School (Field) @ 7:30 p.m. Please continue with your prayers and support. Please email us if you plan to attend kenntai2@aol.com
Nika, Her mother just admitted to her stripping. What happen to her is what happen to a lot of people who come to Atlanta. Atlanta is the city of dreams, but the jobs don't pay enough to finance those dreams. Its hard living in a city where everyone is seems to be living the glamorous life. Don't ever assume what a person will or won't do. I have seen too many of my friend move here and get hooked up in all these get easy money schemes. This girl had some skeletons in her closet. I'm not saying she deserved this, but take it from me Atlanta has a lot of shay characters.
The bank fund and any funds will help give a larger reward to get someone to give more info they need leads they need answers. So donate to raise money to help find her it doesn't mean that we're counting her out....it means we want to find her we need all the resources necessary and the more money we have the more ability we will have to get more people to talk.
I don't know Monica, but I'm praying for her safe return. As a mother of a 4 year old, I can't imagine the pain her mother feels. No one deserves what Monica is going through.
10 days!!! It's been 10 days since my friend disappeared and NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW ANYTHING!! This is bull and y'all know it!!!!! Somebody knows what happened to her!!
She was my captain on the Perry drill team. She was a senior, I was a freshman, but she showed me love...Praying for your safe return, Monica!
Truth be told, yes, Monica was a dancer. I used to work with her at the club. However that does not take away from the person she was, and by the grace of God still is. Whatever she did in her past is just that, and if she is still continuing to do that in her future, that is her business. No one, and I mean no one deserves to have their life put in jepordy. The only thing that we should be concerned about is her well being and safe return. It doesn't matter if she was some big time drug dealing stripper. What matters is that that is someones family and friend and she is missing. Monica should be in our thoughts, not what the media deems is important, only to minimize the importance of her disappearance. She is a sweetheart and her family has my prayers for her safe return. Lets stop focusing on this womans "shortcomings" and focus on whats important. The media has their priorities messed up (nothing new) Monica's face/kidnapping should be plastered across every newpaper, television news cast, and radio station. But I guess it's not really that important, since her skin color just wasn't the right shade. Whats worse about this situation, I had to hear about this from a friend. I never even heard about the coverage. When I came on line to find the information concerning her, this is the only place that I have found with anything about Monica. SAD TO KNOW We still live in a messed up society, where the color of our skin is still determining our importance. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU MONICA & To YOUR FAMILY
Is there a website or contact number if someone DOES have any information on Ms.Bowie's case?!
I stand corrected. I was not aware that Monica was dancing, not that I should have been, as that is her business. I was just so very UPSET by the fact that more news outlets weren't covering this story, that I thought that someone (namely Amanda) was trying to besmirch her name. I apologize, Amanda. I don't care WHAT she was doing, I just want the will of God to be done. Monica's mother said it best last night at the vigil in Pittsburgh, (loosely quoted), "It is not our battle to fight or to obsess over, because God put this series of events into action for a reason. He already knows the outcome and where Monica is and he will resolve this in his time."
Just wanted to put this out there but I just emailed Nancy Grace to ask for her assistance. If we continue to email her about this subject maybe she will air this story. I may not know Moncia but I pray that she is ok. Continue to put Monica's name in the media and they will have to air this story and maybe it will bring light to the subject. Oh by the way here is the website: http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/nancy.grace/ Thanks, #1 Steeler Fan
I just called nancy grace's victim hotline and asked them to please cover it if more people call 888-grace-01 they will cover it!
I wish we all could have been more honest about her lifestyle. Maybe time would have been on Monica's side instead of against it. It is not fair to wonder if she would have been judeged. You guys in Pittsburgh should have told the truth about what she was doing. My mother would have been the first one to yell "Check with that drug dealing boyfriend of her's whose on parole! Or, ask those who worked with her at that strip club, perhaps they can help with leads!!!" Every guy she ever dated from there should have been a suspect. And what about that dude she took $2000 from that time 2 years ago? Was he questioned? No! because SHHHH, it is a secret. We don't want anyone to know that about Monica! Even if it means her life!! Think about it, is it really the media? How can they report what no one tells? You guys not only hindered the media but also the investigation. Perhaps evidence would not have been lost and Monica would be back by now. Black people quit being ashamed of what we do, no one is perfect and no one deserves this type of sugar coating just to save face! It could mean the difference between life and death!!!!!!!!
I spoke with Ms. Bowie's attorney, Gerald Griggs, this afternoon. According to Griggs, she has no criminal charges pending against her, nor has she ever been convicted of a crime. Additionally, he said that he's very happy with the job Dekalb County Police have done so far.
My prayers are with the family and friends of Monica. What she fell into as far as lifestyle is of no consequence as far as the uregncy with which all agencies involved should be looking for her. Nancy Grace is a fair and unbiased media outlet and just needs made aware of the circumstances to broadcast the case.
There will be two public searches this week for information about Monica Renee Bowie's disappearance. Details: http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2007/07/18/search-for-monica-renee-bowie-continues/
Amanda, If you read many of the posts from the people from Pittsburgh, most of us had no clue about Monica's activities. In my spirit I feel that you don't have a genuine or "pure" interest in her safe return, as all of your posts generally attempt to "put her personal affairs on blast." You are NOT listening: those that love her (and know nothing of her activities) only want information on her whereabouts, and her return to her family. You seem to have alot of information...are you just a "hater", or do you know something more? Something YOU need to share with the police?
I kind of agree with Amanda. By no means do we want to trash Monica's image, but info about her drug dealing boyfriend and companions may lead police in the right direction. But if you know specifics about Monica's life (exam--the man she took $2000 from 2 years ago) then tell the police. Don't just put it out there to ruin her image. We have all made bad choices before, so do not judge her--but do give info that will help us find her.
Unfortunately the police have ruled out the man she stole that money from. Oh I am sure that I wasnt the only telling police who to go to. That guy is in jail on drug charges and has been since 2006. And what about that Campbellton road clicque and her and her fiance's affilation with? Why cant they bring any of those gang members in for questioning? Oh because we dont want any one to know how the good girl was gang affilated. These things are sure to lead to someone being held responsible. Any law enforcement official will tell you that you need to be honest about her friends and lifestlyle not to hate but ot help!! Monicas family is f***ed up for not helping police with the truths about this woman. And by the way those charges on Monica were picked up by the State and they indidated her and her man on July 10th. There is no such thing as she didn't know the drugs were hers in her car with her fiance who is currently on parole. If she was so educated why diddn't she get a better man? There are plenty of good non-drug dealing men in ATL. We cant deny that her lifestyle is the reason she is gone and it may be the clues to finding her dumb ass ! Dumb ass cousin Nika!!!!!!
Once again, Amanda, share your information with the police. FYI - I am not Monica's cousin. Get your facts straight.
I wonder if the police tried to track her phone using GPS tracking. They could track from the time she was taken, the locations the phone been in as long as it was powered on. The process isn't long especially for the police. Someone please Pass this on to her mother . I heard that friends of hers were doing their own search of the area the car was found. The police should have been on that as soon as they linked the car to the kidnapping. And the guy they got for stealing the car is involved. what, did he take the car from someone else , then someone takes it from him. that is to coincidental. Are the cops in Georgia that country dumb. Just to thimk that I was considering moving down there. My prayers go out to the family of Monica. I hope she is returned to her family whatever the outcome so they can have closure.
Has anyone heard of any updates. the police need to torture the guy who stole the car. He knows way more than he is telling. It has been 17 days now, and nothing new. They need to maybe bring Homacide investigators in to question that boy. I have been wondering, what is the police dept. stats for solving cases. Do they just have a bunch of people collecting paychecks, holding positions and don\\\'t know how to do their job. Cases have been made off circumstanial evidence. They need to charge that boy with foul play in a kidnapping.
My prayers go out to the family and friends of Monica. I pray she comes home safe and sound. I also pray for the family's strenghth during this ordeal. "Amanda" you need JESUS, perhaps some mental evaluation and it appears you know more that US regular folk, please continue to help the police find her.
I don't care what that woman did, we all have things in our past that we don't want aired. The bottom line is this young woman was taken against her will and the energy being wasted focusing on her past should be used to try and be supportive of her family. I know Monica from college. When we attended CHEYNEY, she lived across the hall from me and back then I knew her as a funny, caring and intelligent person. Although I have not seen or heard from her since we all graduated, it breaks my heart when I keep hearing all the negative things about what she used to do and people who don't even know her passing judgement about the type of person they think she is. Alot of these comments are from people who have not spent a single moment with her or getting to know the kind of person she is. I want her family and loved ones to know that there people out there who are praying for Monica's safe return everyday.
I went to Cheyney with Monica as well. (I know Aretha and probably everyone else fron Cheyney on this board) I heard about her abduction through other Cheyney grads. Like everyone else here, I feel terrible for her and her family!! I wish there was more I could do to help. Amanda, I don't even know why you're on here. It seems like most people on here are genuinely concerned with finding Monica. There is no need for name-calling and personal attacks.
I went to elementary school with her for a brief time. Then we met back up in middle school (we were very close) and Monica and I graduated high school together from Perry T.A. High School in Pgh. Of all the years i've known her, she was nothing but sweet. Very smart. Funny. Loud! Just a great person to be around. I remember..."Dance Tickets" ...through the halls of Perry High. I loved her and who she was. Although she and I haven't kept in contact through the years, I still feel like I should comment on this situation. I loved her! It sounds like (from reading other comments) she hadn't changed from who she used to be. Life is crazy! And sometimes WE do things, say things, that we ourselves can't believe we've done or said. Did I mention LIFE IS CRAZY? It is! Don't judge her and her decisions. We've ALL done things that we are not proud of. We've ALL made bad decisions. Thank God for a forgiving and loving GOD! My prayer is this: God be with Monica. God wrap your loving arms of protection around her. Protect her God in every way...physically, mentally, spirtually. I pray that she comes out of this safe from all harm. I pray that she comes out of this with a wonderful testimony of your grace and mercy. No matter what the out come, God is good. I lift up her family. Extend grace to them Lord. Be everything that they need you to be for them and to them in this time of uncertainty. I love you Lord and I thank you for the wonderful blessing Monica has been to each of us. I pray that upon her safe return, she will continue to be a blessing to all of us. Be with all of us. In Jesus' name, Amen!
I heard about Monica's disapperance like a lot of you in Pittsburgh, through the news. I am very sorry to hear that this has happened. I also attended Martin Luther King Jr elementary school and Perry Traditional Academy high school with Monica. I remember Monica to be very bright and musically gifted, we attended Centers for the Musically Talented together on Saturday's at Allderdice and Peabody. Monica is funny, smart and a great person. Although I never kept in contact with her, I have love for my "dance hall ticket queen"! I'm sure their are a lot of things that was in Monica's life that not everybody was aware of and I'm sure she just like most of us made choices that were unwise. Despite all of this, if anyone has information that can help bring her home to her family please tell the investigators/police etc. It doesn't matter how she was living...we just want her living and back with her family and friends.
Please pray for Monica, her family, and friends during this time of despair. I know I will.
Has there been any breaks or updates in the case? Did the poloice release any more information regarding the car used to kidnap monica ?They were waitng for forensic to inspect the car.
I wrote a story about Monica's disappearance in this week's issue: http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A273309
When did they find the car?? I am In philly, and we don't hear anything at all down here, unless it's through another Cheyneyite.
I don't know exactly when the car was found. The driver, Jasper Keels, was arrested on July 8. According to another news story (I don't remember which, off the top of my head) he borrowed the car from a friend but did not return it. The friend reported it stolen.
The last article I read about the car said it was found but it had been torched. The article also reported that the car had been in fact stolen, allegedly by Jasper Keels. They said when the police questioned him about the kidknapping, he stated that he had a messed up hip and a dislocated shoulder so how could he kidnapp anyone. They stated that the judged questioned if he could have possibly gotten those injuries abducting someone, but again there was not enough eveidence to hold him on charges for that. If you go to www.myfoxatlanta.com and type in suspect denies involvement in DeKalb kidknapping case, that particular article might still show up.
My Aunt Linda, (Monica's mom) will be on Headline News tonight with Nancy Grace. It will air @ 8:00 p.m. est.
I missed this episode of Nancy Grace, I'm just reading this today!! (1 week later) Any new updates???
Many people love Monica, regardless of what she may have been involved with she deserves to be afforded all the protections of any other person. Being critical of the choices she's made won't help her being returned to her loved ones. I would never wish the pain and suffering this has caused on my worst enemy. WHEN she is found and if she has the oppurtunity to read these posts- I hope you all have the courage to say these things to her. Your support is needed and your critizism is unwarranted
Have there been anymore updates. I have been searching the net and other blogs and it seems that there is no new information. Those of us in Philadelphia and surrounding counties are still hopeful and continue to keep Monica and her family in our thoughts and prayers. I know this is not the forum for it, but I was thinking about the time in College when Monica and I both had casts on our ankles from separate injuries. We went to a campus party that evening and was still trying to do party walks, limping around the Body Shop. That memory and others makes me think about how funny she was back then and that she probably still is a comedian.
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