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Author
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Topic: Astronaut Lisa Nowark charged with battery
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-05-2007 06:42 PM
   
NASA astronaut Lisa Nowak is facing charges after allegedly attacking a rival for astronaut Bill Oefelein's attention at Orlando International Airport, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Lisa Marie Nowak drove from Texas to meet the 1 a.m. flight of a younger woman who had also been seeing the male astronaut Nowak pined for, according to Orlando police.Nowak, 43, is charged with attempted kidnapping, battery, attempted vehicle burglary with battery and destruction of evidence. Police considered her such a danger that they requested she be held without bail in the Orange County Jail, reports show. Nowak told police that she was "involved in a relationship with," Bill Oefelein another NASA astronaut, and categorized the relationship as "more than a working relationship but less than a romantic relationship," according to the charging affidavit. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 02-05-2007 06:45 PM
I had to check my calendar to make sure it wasn't April 1 after reading the subject line. This is stranger than fiction... trench coat, wig, diapers, and all.The scary part is that she had a knife, rubber hosing, trash bags, and latex gloves as well. Granted, I'm only drawing my own conclusions here, but that sounds like a kit for doing serious bodily harm and then disposing of the evidence. She is lucky she didn't get to follow through with whatever her plans were. I hope she gets whatever help she needs. |
KSCartist
Member Posts: 2896
From: Titusville, FL USA
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 02-05-2007 06:53 PM
WOW! |
ejectr
Member Posts: 1751
From: Killingly, CT
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 02-05-2007 06:56 PM
That ends that career... |
art540
Member Posts: 432
From: Orange, California USA
Registered: Sep 2006
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posted 02-05-2007 07:17 PM
Well, maybe. Cernan crashed his aircraft and still went to the moon. |
ea757grrl
Member Posts: 729
From: South Carolina
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 02-05-2007 08:08 PM
I'm still having trouble believing it, and it's been two hours since I read the initial reports. I guess it reminds us that although these people fly in space and do amazing things, they are still *people*... |
spaceman1953
Member Posts: 953
From: South Bend, IN
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 02-05-2007 08:56 PM
After hearing about another ISS Spacewalk this weekend to "fix stuff", I commented to the former Mrs. Bella, that I would not leave the ISS with the only other astronaut on board out there with me, in case someone accidentially closed the door AND locked it !She said they would never let a paranoid person fly in space... much let be an astronaut. This story about one of our heroes would have been better left totally unreported. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 02-05-2007 09:19 PM
According to an AP story posted on Yahoo News, Nowak could face life imprisonment if convicted of attempted kidnapping. Granted, that's the most severe punishment that could be handed out, but it shows the severity of the crime. |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 400
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 02-05-2007 09:54 PM
Ya know... I've been head over heels for a few women in my life but never have I been so lost in it that something like this would come to mind. This is truly disturbing. What was she expecting her actions to accomplish? Geez.I hope and pray that she gets the help that she needs. |
MrSpace86
Member Posts: 1618
From: Gardner, KS, USA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 02-05-2007 09:55 PM
I am in total shock after reading the story and seeing her mugshot. As someone mentioned earlier, astronauts are people too... they are prone to snap just as anyone is. But still, you would think out of all people, astronauts are trained psychologically trained to handle any type of situation.I hope all turns out well and that Lisa Nowak receives the proper attention, help, and punishment for the acts. |
AstronautBrian
Member Posts: 287
From: Louisiana
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 02-05-2007 09:56 PM
quote:
Originally posted by KSCartist:
WOW !
That's the only expression I could come up with, too. |
SpaceCat
Member Posts: 151
From: Florida, US
Registered: May 2006
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posted 02-05-2007 11:36 PM
I think it's simply a function of the numbers--We expect our astronauts to be perfect, just as we expect police or pilots or surgeons to be perfect; but eventually the sheer volume will dictate that one will not be. Depending on what list you go by, it looks like the US has trained somewhere between 347 and 442 astronauts to date. |
Mike Z
Member Posts: 451
From: Ellicott City, Maryland
Registered: Dec 2005
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posted 02-05-2007 11:56 PM
I was so sorry to see this happen. We have not heard her side of the story. Bill Oefelein has always been a real good guy. I was extremely sorry to see his name involved in this.It hurts me seeing her arrest photo! It just does not look like her. Lisa is from the next county from where I live Montgomery County, Maryland, we live in Howard County, MD and her parents still live there. We pass by her high school often. You have to feel for them. I'm sure they were so proud of their daughter going back to the U.S.Naval Academy. They're all in my prayers along with Lisa Nowak. You never know what causes people to do the things they do. |
Gordon Reade
Member Posts: 334
From: USA
Registered: Nov 2002
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posted 02-06-2007 12:18 AM
I suppose that in some way or another everyone of us is a little crazy. I never lost control to the same extent that she did but I could have.I just hope she gets the help she needs and doesn't have to spend any time in jail. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 02-06-2007 01:10 AM
Couldn't agree more.Astronauts are not "heroes," they're humans in the first place. Or we should all consider ourselves as heroes, trying to make it through the day. This story, no matter how sad it is, just shows that we're all alike- and sometimes a little something can drive you over the edge. |
kyra
Member Posts: 583
From: Louisville CO US
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 02-06-2007 01:34 AM
Temporary insanity. Love can make people do things that are pretty over the top. Definitely some prayers are in order. I'd hate to see what shape she's in when she comes down from the mania and has time to reflect on all that occurred. She'll probably not even clearly recall the trip... |
zee_aladdin
Member Posts: 781
From: California
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 02-06-2007 02:02 AM
Our needs for Love and Affection can overide our Education and Career sometimes. This seems to be the case... a person who wants love...Aristotle said that people outside society are either gods or beasts, and this just shows that we are all human and that we constantly need each other for love and guidance in life. I've learned over and over in my life that Stress can cause many problems! Good luck to her and I hope this situation does not turn out to be another soap opera! |
heng44
Member Posts: 3387
From: Netherlands
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 02-06-2007 02:22 AM
What I find disturbing also is that a police affadavit, complete with Nowak's address, is posted on an open forum. Where does that come from? |
Bill Hunt
Member Posts: 399
From: Irvine, CA
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 02-06-2007 02:43 AM
Yeah, maybe not the wisest of decisions. Troubling that such personal information as a person's address could or would be posted on an open forum. Sounds like the situation is bad enough as it is without wierdos showing up on her doorstep. |
ASCAN1984
Member Posts: 1049
From: County Down, Nothern Ireland
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 02-06-2007 03:36 AM
Holy Cow!!!!I am just waking up to the story and I can't believe this. Just think of her poor husband and children. What they must be going through now. As well as William Oefelein, his girlfriend and his children. A terrible set of events. By far the worst to happen. But agree with previous posts that astronauts are humans. We forget that many of the early astronauts were unfaithful to their partners. Donn Eisele for example. We all know that story. I haven't been as shocked since that terrible day in February 2003. I really do feel for everyone involved. Shocking!!!
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1202 Alarm
Member Posts: 436
From: Switzerland & France
Registered: Nov 2003
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posted 02-06-2007 04:08 AM
She really appears like a Charles Manson family member on her mugshot.. what a difference a photo can make.. now I realise that everybody can look like a serial killer on that kind of police photo, from now on I'll be very careful by judging someone based on these. |
ASCAN1984
Member Posts: 1049
From: County Down, Nothern Ireland
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 02-06-2007 04:57 AM
This, from CNN. |
Trinitytrash
Member Posts: 15
From: London
Registered: Jun 2006
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posted 02-06-2007 04:57 AM
After spending a week with Lisa and the STS 121 crew when they came to the UK last year, I must say this has shocked the hell out of me.I had to be told that the arrest image was actually Lisa, as it looks nothing like her. Totally agree with a lot of the sentiments here, love does weird things to a person, but I am still shocked. I am sure that the Navy and NASA will look after her and make sure she gets any help she needs. She is a great ambassador for the Space Industry and spoke to hundreds of children while she was here, a million miles from where she is now. |
Joe Holloway
Member Posts: 74
From: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Registered: Jan 2007
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posted 02-06-2007 05:00 AM
Well, folks, it's now gone "international," hitting the headlines on CNN.With the likely budget cuts at NASA and uncertainty about Ares I's capabilities, this couldn't have come at a worse time for the agency. |
martyn20
Member Posts: 13
From: Burgess Hill, Sussex, UK
Registered: Aug 2006
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posted 02-06-2007 05:17 AM
Just so very sad for all concerned. |
ASCAN1984
Member Posts: 1049
From: County Down, Nothern Ireland
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 02-06-2007 05:37 AM
I am praying this is just the biggest of hoaxes but I think the chance of that is not likely. Maybe she was framed. Lets hope it was just a momentary bit of madness and she does not require special medical attention. Poor Billy Offelein. He did nothing wrong. I hope this story has been blown out of all proportion and that the truth is not as bad. |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 02-06-2007 05:42 AM
I'm afraid it is; if you go to the Florida Today website they have a link to the full police report with all the arrest details. |
KSCartist
Member Posts: 2896
From: Titusville, FL USA
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 02-06-2007 05:54 AM
It's very appropriate that we all send our best wishes to those involved and hope that Lisa gets the help she needs. Obsession (if that what it turns out to be) can be a powerful and damaging thing.While I urge that we all hold judgement, to say "poor Billy O he didn't do anything wrong" may be premature. IF there was a relationship between Bill and Lisa, he DID do something wrong. It's bad enough that the media will paint this as some kind of Fatal Attraction. It certainly looks bad for Nowak's career and it could also damage Oefelein's career as well. Hang on tight - it's going to be a bumpy ride. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-06-2007 06:34 AM
I heard that when asked what her favorite dating apparel was she responded - "well "Depends!"Actually this speaks volumes about the efficacy of the psychological screening in place... am sure there will be a few changes made within the BHPG process after this... |
dennisl
Member Posts: 59
From:
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 02-06-2007 06:54 AM
I do not know the nature of her relationships with her husband or Bill O but I am praying for strength for her children. What a horrible situation for them. |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-06-2007 07:05 AM
quote:
Originally posted by heng44:
What I find disturbing also is that a police affadavit, complete with Nowak's address, is posted on an open forum. Where does that come from?
It may be considered public info. At least here in NJ, when somebody gets arrested (and they're not a juvenile), we get their name, age, and either the town they live in or street. Separately, tax records are also public info, so anybody can look up anybody's address. |
Cameron Stark
Member Posts: 45
From: United Kingdom
Registered: May 2005
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posted 02-06-2007 07:06 AM
This sounds like a series of tragic events for all concerned. It's worth bearing in mind that Ms Nowack might prove to be unwell. |
Rob Sumowski
Member Posts: 466
From: Macon, Georgia
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 02-06-2007 07:40 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo:
It may be considered public info.
Hart is right. Her address is a matter of public record. |
RISPACE
Member Posts: 67
From: Warwick, RI USA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 02-06-2007 07:47 AM
This is all so unreal. I thought I was seeing things when I saw the news this morning. I feel so sad over what has been reported. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-06-2007 07:50 AM
quote:
Originally posted by heng44:
What I find disturbing also is that a police affadavit, complete with Nowak's address, is posted on an open forum. Where does that come from?
The link to the affidavit leads to the Orlando Sentinel, where it was posted last night. It has since been published on other websites, including Florida Today. We are not hosting the file ourselves. |
Scott
Member Posts: 3307
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001
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posted 02-06-2007 08:12 AM
It's now the lead story on CNN.com.I would like to not suspect the worst, but the part in the police report about the steel mallet, rubber gloves, rubber tubing, knife, several large garbage bags and directions to the other woman's house really gave me the creeps. I feel terribly sorry for her husband and children, and also for her. |
Lunatiki
Member Posts: 237
From: Amarillo, TX, USA
Registered: Dec 2006
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posted 02-06-2007 08:39 AM
I've seen several posts saying "I hope she gets the help she needs". How about fired in disgrace and prison time? If this was your daughter or wife she tried to mace, kindnap and do God knows what else, would you just want her "to get the help she needs"? |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-06-2007 08:44 AM
I find it interesting that people want to discuss this here on cS, yet people also also thought Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper's faltering during the crew return shouldn't be discussed or be news... |
Rodina
Member Posts: 836
From: Lafayette, CA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 02-06-2007 08:47 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Lunatiki:
I've seen several posts saying "I hope she gets the help she needs." How about fired in disgrace and prison time?
I'm with you there. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-06-2007 08:59 AM
Former NASA flight surgeon Pat Santy has posted her thoughts on the story to her blog: This story makes me glad I don't do psychological consulting for NASA anymore. Santy is the author of Choosing the Right Stuff: The Psychological Selection of Astronauts and Cosmonauts. |
Topic Closed
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