Report Reveals New Information in Trooper’s Suicide
Report Reveals New Information in Trooper’s Suicide Save Email Print
Posted: 4:35 PM Aug 24, 2007
Last Updated: 4:12 AM Aug 27, 2007
Reporter: Mike Waterhouse
Email Address: mike.waterhouse@wsaz.com

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The West Virginia State Police cites personal problems in the suicide of Corporal Marlo Gonzales, a 13-year veteran of the agency.

Gonzales died on July 18th from a shot fired from his service weapon while sitting in his cruiser, which was parked at his father-in-law’s driveway on Sycamore Road in Putnam County.

Inside the 41-page report written by First Sergeant R.W. Lively, statements were given by troopers who had contact with Gonzales in the time leading up to his suicide, Gonzales’ father-in-law, and Gonzales’ wife, and ex-wife.

According to the report, a statement from Gonzales’ father-in-law says that Gonzales "shared with him information that he had been attempting to take a leave of absence but had been denied and he had concerns that his temporary assignment at South Charleston would be extended."

The report goes on to state that Gonzales’ father-in-law’s "statements reflected his beliefs Cpl. Gonzales was not treated fairly by the State Police."

First Sergeant Lively pulled these files out of Gonzales’ personnel record he thought would be pertinent to this investigation:

- May 18, 2006: Request from Gonzales for voluntary transfer/reassignment to be transferred from the Winfield Detachment to the Clay Detachment.
- May 19, 2006: Special order from the WVSP transferring Gonzales from the Winfield to Clay Detachment.
- June 4, 2007: Special order from the WVSP temporarily transferring Gonzales from the Clay Detachment to the South Charleston Detachment.
- September 11, 2006: A correspondence letter of commendation addressed to Cpl. Gonzales from Colonel D.L. Lemmon.
- Two WVSP employee performance appraisals given on August 25, 2005, and September 8, 2006.
- Seven WVSP leave request forms containing leave requests for Cpl. Gonzales.

The report does not specify the time period of the seven leave request forms, nor does it specify whether or not the requests were approved or denied. WSAZ contacted the WVSP for further clarification on this issue, but we were told to file a freedom of information act request for this attachment to the report.

Statements made to Lively also indicate Gonzales was depressed. Gonzales’ father-in-law said Gonzales had mental health issues and had stopped taking his medications four days before his suicide.

A trooper who spoke with Gonzales less than 12 hours before his suicide indicated that Gonzales to him "appeared to be relaxed and no indications of problems were noted or discussed."

The day after Gonzales' death, Colonel D.L. Lemmon told the media there were no indications that Gonzales was in trouble.

"Obviously, we have things in place if we anticipate a situation like this, we are able to try to address them," said Lemmon. "He was a friendly guys, outgoing. We talked to several people who worked with him last night and today. Caught everybody by surprise."

Gonzales left behind a note, a tape recording, and cited a Bible verse: Psalm 128.

Governor Joe Manchin ordered a special team to examine trooper suicides – and to see if this is a problem in West Virginia. This team is still continuing to conduct research and compare West Virginia with other states with similar law enforcement systems.

Gonzales was the second state trooper to commit suicide since 1999.



- Click here to read the original story with nearly 1,000 comments.
- Click here to read the story about the number of resignations at the state police.

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Posted by: Most Popular on Aug 28, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Why is this article not on the main page of WSAZ when it already has more comments than the ones listed? Is it because of the content?

Posted by: civulian on Aug 28, 2007 at 01:41 PM
I cant wait to find another Job!!! I think Now that minimum wage has went up, I could make more money working at McDonalds..Its pathetic...Its not what ya know..Its WHO YA KNOW..and ya gotta be in the F.O.L.D.

Posted by: Kim on Aug 28, 2007 at 10:16 AM
I don't doubt the WVST has it's problems. That's not my point. My point is that trying to use the tragice death of Gonzales to go after the WVST management is bull sh*t. Period. It's exploitive and sensationilistic to try to capitalize on Trooper Gonzalez's death to grind an ax with the WVST management. That was my point. And anyone who manipulates another's tragedy to their own ends is self serving. Think what you want.

Posted by: To Kim on Aug 28, 2007 at 08:47 AM
To call people stupid and self-serving without knowing them, or their situations and their point of view shows how callous and patronizing you really are. To speak with such a supercilious and superior attitude, one might think you yourself went to the WVSP academy. People have rights to their opinions, including you. Some of us are disillusioned and disenfranchised with the current administration and with good reason. We try to come forward, but are bullied and frightened into staying quiet for fear of the "police" state we live in. No, I am not a kook or extremist. I'm just a citizen sick of watching those in power like Bush and Manchin AND the SP getting by with murder while we live in too much fear to exercise our freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. When we protest at all we are threatened, harassed and tormented. The WVSP is the biggest gang in WV. Try crossing the big green wall, and see what happens to you. I dare you! They can cover anything up and have!

Posted by: Someone who cares on Aug 27, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Has Manchin went and seen Gonzo's wife and their only child? NO! WHY? Because if he don't see the hurt and pain then he don't have to deal with it. Just like the WVSP if he don't see the problem he does not have to deal with the problem and that is so SAD!!!

Posted by: kim on Aug 27, 2007 at 02:54 PM
The report on Trooper Gonzales reveals nothing surpising. The poor man had a history of clinical depression, he was having marital problems and he had evidently jeopardized his job as a result. Most of these posters who are trying to manipulate Trooper Gonzales's death into an indictment of the WVSP management have it backwards. If Trooper Gonzaeles was having problems at work it was probably a direct result of his emotional problems and personal problems - not the other way around. It's a sad, sad shame when someone does what Mr. Gonzales did - they leave quite a mess. Suicides stain a family for generations. I know. The pain and guilt of the survivors never really leaves. Then there is the whole abandoment issue his children will face. For the most part, suicide is the ultimate act of selfishness. It's all very complicated and anyone who wants to blame the WVST is stupid and self serving.

Posted by: Tammy on Aug 27, 2007 at 12:59 PM
I think this invesigation needs to be handed over to Nancy Grace, CNN, and all other media. They may be able to cover up small time political corruption in these small towns but if they would turn over this case with the evidence that has been submitted from the State Police, the media would do a real invesitigation and put a stop to this typical " small town politics. "

Posted by: Biil W. on Aug 27, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Who is Fed Up, Fired up talking to. Is woodsy the only one wnting this shut down so far? And one Anonymous from the inside who wants this to go away like the rest of the administration. Good work to those who believe in the truth, and would like to see justice served.

Posted by: Debbie on Aug 27, 2007 at 09:13 AM
If I remember from the first article, did it not say that he had put in a request for a leave of absence but was denied and yet in this article it just says that there were 7 forms in his folder. Manchin is just as bad as these guys. If he honestly wanted to know the truth he would have gotten a outside team to do the investigation. If he runs again, I for one will not vote for him because all he wants to do is sweep this under the rug and doesn't care that a man killed himself, that a wife no longer has a husband and that children no longer have a father. Its too bad that the family couldn't have a team investigate themselves. I bet the farm that the results would be completely different. How stupid do these people think we are. They have someone in the police force investigate and sugar coat the results to make it look like it wasn't their fault.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2007 at 08:08 AM
With all due respect to everyone involved if this man did not have a problem within himself he would not have taken his own life. It would not have mattered what kind of personal problems or work problems he had been going through. You can not blame the WVSP for this man taking his own life. He is the one who chose that path. I am so sorry for his family and friends because when a person takes his or her own life it is the most selfish act possible. I hope everyone soon can just let it go and let his family somehow mend their lives.

Posted by: Fed up, Fired up...! on Aug 27, 2007 at 12:59 AM
ENOUGH! I have had it up to HERE with the mealy mouthing, backbiting and whining that has gone on here for far too long. It's time some of you gutless wonders showed a bit of good old fashion gumption and put your money where your running mouths are. Get off your collective arses and MAN up if you have a problem. Slithering back over here to sound off like so many griping grannies is beyond incredible. I for one would appreciate it if you would either stand up like you've got a pair or haul yourselves back to whatever pathetic existence you had before the WVSP made the mistake of hiring you in the first place. Too many Troops and others have REAL issues that need to be solved without the likes of you cluttering up the business with your incessant grumbling. Be gone with you I say, and good riddance to bad rubbish! And no, I don't work for the Lemmons or any of the rest of those you wish I did. They will have their own answers to give at the judgment day. God Bless my friend Gonzo.

Posted by: Civilian on Aug 26, 2007 at 08:48 PM
I, for one, have lost all respect I once had for F/Sgt Lively. I never thought I would see the day he would be such a company man that he would so betray the guys he once responded to calls with. As for the requests for transfer, I thought the last article WSAZ did about the statistics under the current administration said the WVSP did not keep those on file.

Posted by: Surprise on Aug 26, 2007 at 01:02 PM
I would like to know when the seven requests for leave were filed. I would like to know if anyone really believes he put in for transfer without being coerced. I would like to know if ANYONE has heard from Jim Spears on this issue or any of the MULTIPLE complaints he has received.

Posted by: Concerned Employee on Aug 26, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Now that an attempt has been made to cover up the real, and true, issues, lets demand for those who are in charge, those who have been accused, those who may not be able to sleep at nights, andmost imporantly, those who are tuly at fault, please step forward and you shall be heard.

Posted by: Mark S. on Aug 26, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Is this truly the end of all that in which has been revealed here? The very small production of information such an awesome tragedy? There is still a tragedy left unaccounted for. There is still huge matters of misconduct yet to disclosed. There is still need for a full investigation into all matters being presented here during the last several weeks. The horses are out of the barn. To further hide the true issues inside this administration is still another, horrible, huge tragedy.

Posted by: Mary on Aug 26, 2007 at 10:23 AM
It is good that the roots of this matter now gets to continue, and under the right perspective, and under the heading of “ Investigation Reveals New Information”. That is exactly what needed to be established here. A means of getting deeper into the current administration’s malfeasants and misconduct in office. How long will it be before the insiders begin to beg to shut thise series down?

Posted by: B.W. on Aug 26, 2007 at 10:02 AM
You know ladies and gentlemen, I work within this administration. I am an insider looking out. And the majority of these statements are really true. The shades are being pulled from inside of the administration’s offices. The administration has began to go back to sleep at nights thinking they have this problem all wrapped up tight. I lose sleep because I’m associated with it all. Let me tell you, if there were truly a full investigation made into the functions, actions, and coverups of this administration, within these walls, there would be many department heads fall along with our sitting occupant of the governors Manchin. I would be horrified if the F.B.I. or other federal agencies were to begin any investigation here. The administration is well aware that the Feds would prefer not to get in the mess that now exists here. Its bigger than all of them.

Posted by: Sam E. on Aug 26, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Now that the only factors released regarding this tragedy is a closed case as far as the administration is concerned, now what about the roots of the true problems? Where does all the abuses of powers lay? When does the administration admit its major mistakes in inadequate appointments to strategic agency head positions? Who will get the next appointment(s) to buy off any real contenders for the office of governor? Any real contender would naturally be concerned of the vast amounts of money the current administration now has, especially with the horrendous amount of,alleged under estimated,tax dollars that came into the coffers now available to election dollars.Are we seeing any signs of that now? Will there now suddenly be more highway funds available for paving than there were for the last three years? When an administration is allowed to use state tax dollars, for reelection purposes in the last year of their first term,and to buy back the offices in which they hold with tax funds.

Posted by: woodsy on Aug 26, 2007 at 02:53 AM
no1 but himself is to blame for pulling the trigger!!!!

Posted by: Carl R. on Aug 26, 2007 at 01:13 AM
Now that the preliminary matters are out of the way, and the cover has been attempted, now is the time to get to the real truth as to the matters within these agencies that the true major problems. The department heads still must be relieved of their duties. Now comes the insiders trying to get WSAZ to shut this blogg down just like they did the previous one. Don’t let this all die and go away now. One has given his life, in all indications, as a partial result of the gutless wonders inside the current administration. The administration has just fed one possible candidate who would likely have had a chance to be governor the next term. A top administration appointment just recently took care of that threat. This is one reason that the status quo theory that the setting democrat gov. will have enough of the taxpayers money at hand to spend, and a number of administrative agency head vacancies, to just literally buy the office back with taxpayers money.I’m not firm believer of that!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2007 at 10:30 PM
We knew nothing would be done!! And so did Barnette and Tucker!! What a shame!!!!

Posted by: sad on Aug 25, 2007 at 10:05 PM
what's up with the state police investigating the state police? How bout some one who isn't biased investigating all the allegations. Someone who is not under David lemmon. A fair investigation would be nice and maybe the rest of the troopers could work in peace.

Posted by: Christy on Aug 25, 2007 at 06:23 PM
This is a down right blatant LIE!! Something needs to be done!!!!

Posted by: friend on Aug 25, 2007 at 05:27 PM
well folks did you think there could be any other out come to this mess.the state police have always investigated ever mess they have made.col lemmon can now promote f/sgt lively for his creative writing.why did lively only talk with troopers who worked with gonzo who are afaid of being transfered.why not to talk with deputys and city police who could care less what the great col thinks of them to get the real story i am going to guess he and a few capts do not want to hear or come out.if the wanted to know the real facts they should have brought in the f.b.i. to look into the case but you can not take that now can you col.rest in peace marlo

Posted by: Jim on Aug 25, 2007 at 02:24 PM
This sounds like a typical political, cover my but, cover up. These political hacks are never going to admit that they could be wrong and someone else could be right.

Posted by: John on Aug 25, 2007 at 01:26 PM
This is a sad story , however, the man did take the weak way out of life. Obviously, he couldn't deal with the day to day life .

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2007 at 12:10 AM
Just so sad.

Posted by: Pam on Aug 24, 2007 at 07:10 PM
Well what did we think the WVSP were going to do, other than make someone elses fault. They will never take the blame, because they are above the regular citizens of WV. When will the committee make a report on their findings of the WVSP. You can bet it will be the same ole same ole and nothing will ever be done about the complaints that were submitted. I know for sure I have complaint in the pot and I have never hear back of it and it was hand delivered to Spears. And one of your articles said that most complaints were anonymous and that is not correct. I gave my name and number and have not hear from anyone.

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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 1/4
  • Posted By: Fixed that for youAny one who is paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them. Its simple NO TEST, NO CHECK. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for our money to go to people in government and on welfare who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: Chris to WSAZTo all the workers and employees of WSAZ: Thank you for being there and allowing comments about the news.Our family watch only WSAZ news and enjoy each of you. I know that the recognition that you receive is little to none,but you deserve better.This goes out to the producers,cameramen,to everyone behind the scenes and the ones that are seen too. Thank you for having the best news program available to the public. God Bless Each and Everyone of You. Chris
  • Posted By: redbaronin response to pablo on comment dated 01/06 - EXCUSE ME!! I do believe FIREFIGHTERS also risk their lives for total strangers and no they are NOT law enforcement!
  • Posted By: omgI am so sick and tired of hearing how public school teachers are indebted to the public for their salary. Many of you are so freakin nosey that if your neighbor stopped too fast, you'd have to get a crane to remove your head from their rear. I am so tired of this drug test line. Teachers deserve to pee in peace and so do you. Why should teachers be forced to have their personal lives paraded all over the news? That is exactly what would happen. If a typical joe blow got fired from the coal mines for drugs, it wouldn't make front page news. A teacher being fired for drugs would. You people expect teachers to be the mother, father, grandparent, clergyman, counselor, as well as the teacher. You don't do anything with your kids but expect the teacher to fix all the problem you create. Some of them probably need drugs by the time they are done raising your spoiled kids who think the world owes them something on a silver platter. Take your own drug test before you get pregnant.
  • Posted By: SophieRe: The student (Hinzman?) being expelled for using foul language after being bullied & beaten on school grounds; you should not have been expelled for expressing your hurt, anger & disgust. You were a victim and did nothing. It is unreasonable to punish the victim - so what if he cussed - I'd cuss too if someone beat the beegeebers out of me. The kid who beat you should receive jail time & counciling; the kid who filmed you & released it on U-Tube should too. It has often been said that television is desensitizing our children so badly they have no empathy for others. This is a prime example. I hope the school board will have enough common sense to clear this victims school record of the incident as he should not have been expelled, and get him counciling also as such a trauma will surly have an effect on a young life.
  • Posted By: BoydAny one who is employed and gets paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them for their work. Its simple NO TEST, NO JOB. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for federal, state and municipal employees who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: GeorgeAs a parent I have no problem being drug tested. I'll stand in line right behind Katy.
  • Posted By: goodorbadI look at it like this-if you dont have anything to hide, shut up and do the test!
  • Posted By: RickI think all teachers should be drug tested, I drive a transit bus for our county and I want the public to know I am drug free and teachers should want everyone to know the same, that their children are not in the care of people on drugs,if you have nothing to hide why object to random testing I know I don't
  • Posted By: TeaI can't even imagine that our teachers have not been drug tested up until this time. Anyone who refuses should be fired. These are our children!!! People take drug test when they don't even work with people, let alone children. These are government jobs and we should have a say in what they have to do.
  • Posted By: AriCheers to Rob-I feel ya!
  • Posted By: joeI have worked for companies all over this nation and have had to take drug tests. Why should teachers be exempt from this practice? It is now common to be randomly tested(and I have been) so what makes a teacher any different than a steel worker. I can say proudly that I passed but I have seen those who didn't. They chose to use drugs and lost their jobs I didn't.
  • Posted By: KatyAs a teacher, I have no problem being randomly drug tested...as long as you agree to drug test the parents who enter the doors of my school as well. Most teachers deal with students who are exposed to/use more drugs and alcohol than any of the teachers. If these students or parents who are using drugs (and are not drug tested) enter our schools, the safety of the teachers and students are at risk. Since children spend more time with them, let's randomly drug test PARENTS, too!!!
  • Posted By: stephenWhy the heavy emphasis ont he damage to property and life Israel is doing . Where was the media uproar for years that Hamas was rocketing Israel irespective of innocent israelis.. Hamas is actualykilling their own citizens by firing rockets from UN schools and residents. Why does UN allow Hamas to use facilities for attacking Israel, then complain when Israel responds to protect their territory and citizens. Israel targets military targets, respons to from whence rockets or gun fire comes. What would we fire at if Huntington was attacked?Why does the media not put bla,e where balame belongs, and give moral support to the aggreived.What would America do if attacked? to whom would we listen? Russia, Saudi Arabia,Iran?.Media get REAL! Who has given Hamas and the Palestinians millions with which they could buy weapons---American taxpayers money!
  • Posted By: RobertAlthough I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
  • Posted By: BoydIf the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
  • Posted By: RobWhy does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: ChrisTo Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: PabloTeachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: CraigIf what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresaracist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-OfficerI agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: GarlandWhat's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: RobertWe the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
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