Posted on November 17, 2008
Filed Under Celebrities, Laws |
Paula Abdul, former pop music queen and current American Idol judge, was the focus of an obsessed stalker who was found dead outside of her home. The stalker had been a contestant on American Idol and was judged harshly by the panel, including Abdul.
The stalker, Goodspeed, 30, admitted she made “life-sized drawings of Paula” during her 2006 American Idol audition. Her body was found in a car that featured a license plate “ABL LV” and had a photo of Abdul hanging from the rear view mirror. Goodspeed had a history of showing up to Abdul’s home and “disturbing the peace.” Los Angeles Police Captain James Miller confirmed that the LAPD had been investigating her for stalking Ms. Abdul.
Stalking is a criminal offense and should not be taken lightly. In California, the definition of stalking includes a series of actions that puts another person in fear for their safety. Stalkers begin with repeated, bothersome behavior toward another individual or celebrity by means of the Internet, personal contact, telephone, cell phone, email, facsimile, or other methods of communication. When this unwanted behavior persists, it is considered stalking and punishable by California Law.
In California, stalking can be a felony or misdemeanor, and the second misdemeanor conviction for stalking has 4 year maximum. The California Stalking Law Penal Code Section 646.9 has greatly evolved over the past fourteen years and has become more increasingly harsh in defining and addressing this crime. California now has one of the strongest stalking laws in the country. From 1991 through 1993, stalking was a misdemeanor punishable by only one year in county jail when no restraining order was in place. Under the current law, a first-time stalker can be sentenced to a felony charge and sentenced to State Prison for up to three years. If a court or restraining order is in effect, the stalker can be sentenced up to four years in prison or if he has previously been convicted of felony stalking or other related crimes, he could face up to five years in prison.
Written by Joe M
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