David and Amanda Blackburn
Many people are disturbed, and rightfully so, by the behavior of Pastor David Blackburn as he talks so emotionally-void and happy after the murder of his wife, Amanda. He is clearly demonstrating behaviors that are troubling and inconsistent with a grieving husband. Two men have been arrested for the murder of Amanda Blackburn. I will be following this case to see if anything else develops, and to see what evidence is presented in this case. My eyebrows are raised without question.
What do you think?
More videos from YouTube of David Blackburn that are disturbing (be warned):
Video 1, Video 2
Thank you for posting this, Eyes. I’m in Indianapolis, and this past year there have been a few home invasions by black men in ‘safe’, affluent white neighborhoods. If the husband wanted to kill her, faking one of those would seem very easy, might seem that it would just slip in and out of the news cycle, and would get tons of sympathy too.
The reason I mention the racial element is that these particular crimes have been *REPORTED!!!* disproportionately around here; stoking fear of ‘others’ really gets the viewers.
TRUST ME, the cops have NOT cleared this dude, despite what may have been reported.
How do you know they haven’t cleared him? Are you privy to any sensitive information? It seemed like they cleared him way to quickly. I am also in Indy and have been following this case very closely.
I wasn’t claiming any serious behind-the-scenes knowledge.** It’s a common police tactic to tell people they’re cleared, or to tell the public the same. Police certainly don’t advertise their every theory, and anyway (as you mention) IMPD said the husband was ‘cleared’ absurdly fast, well before they even found the suspects to ensure he hadn’t HIRED them. Hell, I think CA police even told Scott Peterson he was cleared at one point. It’s just calming BS until the investigation is done.
**I do work with several IMPD detectives (not homicide) in my job, and their laugh-out-loud reactions at the notion of him yet being truly ‘cleared’ is all the reassurance I need.
I don’t know much about this case but I do know cops routinely tell the public that a suspect has been cleared so that the suspect feels at ease. Where I live there were two teenage boys who went missing 18 hours apart from the same neighborhood and they had both been last seen with the same guy and the police said after questioning him that he was cleared. Well long story short this guy would have gotten away with two murders if he wouldn’t have ran his mouth while in jail for something else. They weren’t even entirely sure the boys were dead until the guy threatened someone in jail by basically saying they would end up like those boys if he messed with him.
The police KNOW he’s guilty which was so obvious from the very beginning. Why? Law enforcement and media have a very symbiotic relationship. The latter needs controversial and exciting stories to essentially sell advertising. Police need witnesses to reveal what they know or see. Stories in the headlines motivate those who normally avoid the police to post anonymously on sites added info. Since crime writers fear being sued IF they even imply that a 100% innocent man might be partly guilty, which is actually very easy to do, police have learned to place a restrictive block on certain cases and not allow any coverage by reporters. That’s certainly not the case here.
It’s creepy that right away law enforcement said he’s 100% cleared. That’s impossible. I also feel their statement to the killer that “you’re not as smart as you think you are” was aimed at him because nothing the guys who were arrested did was sly or sneaky. They didn’t cover their tracks at all.
Thanks for identifying what I was feeling when I first read this remark by the detectives.
It really stayed with me!!
Curious what (if anything) you make of the police affidavit saying Davey
Blackburn was on his cell for about 70 minutes before finding his wife:
6:00 AM: Davey Blackburn leaves home for the gym
6:40 AM to 6:45 AM (about): Blackburn neighbor hears scream
and gunshot
7:10 AM defendant’s cell phone leaves the area of the
Blackburn home
7:10 AM: Davey Blackburn leaves the gym for home
7:10 AM (about): driving home, Davey Blackburn begins cell phone conversation with his friend, Kenneth Wagner
7:30 AM: Davey Blackburn arrives home; sits in his car in
the driveway talking to Kenneth Wagner until 8:20 AM
8:20 AM: Davey Blackburn enters his home and discovers his
wife mortally wounded
Wagner posts about their conversation on Twitter.
Blackburn leaves at 6:10 AM for the gym — when he customarily leaves at 5:30 AM.
I believe this is the key to this case. I don’t know if he went to the gym like clock work but if he did why was he late that day? Why did he stay outside for a long period of time? Why did his friend who he was on the phone with just happen to post at the moment they hung up that he always talks at this time? Also odd that screams and gunshots heard but police not called.
Apparently, he **did** go to the gym like clockwork — at 5:30 AM.
Also, his buddy had never tweeted about their supposed weekly conversations (at least for the past six months).
And, today, he just posted again about their great BFF conversation.
Interesting.
I think DB is strange and has abnormal behavior. Not showing much emotion about his murdered wife is really weird, I’ve said it all along but just this moment I thought of my step-son and a friends son who have Aspergers, a form of Autism, and they don’t show emotions either. Maybe DB has a form of Autism and has trouble showing emotions.
DB’s behavior’s do not show any other indication of AS, so I highly doubt that. He shows many other traits that align with a much more serious and dangerous diagnosis, though I am not an expert in diagnosis. People with AS struggle to read people and manipulate them. DB has zero problem in this area, which tells me it is a very low probability.
I’m wondering how much of his absence-of-grieving might be attributable to his being a Christian minister. Many of the ones I’ve known take very seriously the idea that they have to present a positive affect in the face of death, a “they’re not dead, they’ve just changed living places and we’ll see them again someday and now they’re happier than they could ever be down here and we need to be happy for them” sort of thing.
It’s kind of an unusual thing to observe, and it seems to me to interfere with grieving.
But there’s **way** waaaaaayyyyyyy more than the absence of grieving here.
It’s obvious that he’s not grieving. I’m suggesting that there might be more than one explanation for that. In the absence of grief — controlling for that, I should say — what else is there? What do you see that I am missing?
Watch the parent’s talk about their daughter, they are also Christians (Dad is a Pastor) who would have the same mentality of “she’s in a better place.” Their demeanor is night and day in comparison with DB. They talk about her and her personality, what they loved about her,etc, but you can see the grief in their face and hear it in their tone. I really can’t put it into words, but I can see it….a striking difference!
Her parents are her parents. Not the pastor of a church.
I hate this whole “trial by social media” thing. Maybe he’s hiding something. That doesn’t tell you what the something is. Maybe the something he’s hiding is his grief.
Of course he’s a suspect. He’s still a suspect. Nothing wrong with that. But it’s wrong to pronounce him guilty in the comments of a blog post.
Why can’t we? Aren’t we theoretically just like a group of people/friends sitting in a big room discussing a subject.? People usually interject their opinions and others agree or disagree. That’s the same thing we are doing here. No matter what we discuss here, has no say on a trial. This isn’t court. It’s a free country and we should be able to say how we feel and why we feel that way. P.s. Her dad IS a pastor of a church.
If this were a big room, you’d be absolutely right. But it isn’t. It’s a public forum, just like a town square, and Many of the things being said here could be considered defamatory. It may be a free country, but we are not free to slander one another.
Provided he’s every tried and found not guilty, of course, or if someone else is tried and found guilty. I DO realize there’s still the possibility that he orchestrated the whole thing. The “cleared” idea is a great tactic, and I hope it doesn’t get over-used.
As Renee said in her post: his behavior is inconsistent with what we tend to expect, and it raises questions (and eyebrows.) But that’s all it does. There are no answers in his behavior.
I think your general opinion is coming from a good place, but it discounts human nature and is more a reflection on your personal moral threshold on gossip and speculation. You seem comfortable stating his behavior is questionable and engaging in comment sections about him, but less so on questioning why he’s acting so atypically. People like to talk about things that make them outraged, curious, shocked, sad, etc…and this is no exception. Nobody here is slandering the husband, they are making observations on what they see he is doing, or in this case, not doing.
Legally, there is nothing here that rises to slander, defamation, or libel, unless the comments are false and the person making the statements knows or should know them to be false. Typically, there must also be a component of ill intent or unreasonableness as well. Here we have a semi-public person involved in a public crime, which makes the commentary even harder to call a legal issue.) The best example I can think of here to show how far off the mark this comment section and blog are, would be Nancy Grace. Her show is a public forum that is constantly filled with scathing and incorrect commentary by Grace and others, but because it’s done within an opinion format it passes legal standards of free speech. You don’t have to like it, but that’s where the law has drawn the lines and it favors freedom of speech over the tendency of some people using their right to say awful things.
Socially, the type of commentary that occurs on social media is a way of understanding and reinforcing our ideas of proper behavior. It is also a way of connecting with others to cope with situations we need to work through or to understand things fascinate and shock. While I generally agree that “trial by media” creates some problems, there are many tools used by the justice system that prevents it from hindering a fair trial. Thus, in my opinion as a lawyer and a general curious citizen, the value of free speech for everyone trumps that of potential concern of the feelings of a few people. There is legal recourse available for those injured by abuses of free speech and press; but, as a whole, our society has decided it’s more important to preserve the right to speak one’s mind in most (but not all) forums on most (but not all) topics.
What a lovely, well-thought out comment. Thank you for this!
Actually, her dad is the pastor of a church. There’s a link somewhere where you can watch her dad & Davey preach side by side. 🙁
Check out all of his ministry youtubes prior to Amanda’s murder.
I’m sorry, I thought I had replied before.
Please check the youtube videos, and follow Peter Hyatt on Facebook.
DB’s own words and behavior behavior, before and after the murder, say much more than I, or anyone, could.
Thanks for the excellent comments Michael. I’ve read a lot of comments and I find many, if not most, very troubling. Thanks for saying what needs to be said. This is a guy who is used to be on stage. That doesn’t mean he is the same in private. I do think it’s possible that rather than dealing with the horrifying reality he’s focusing on being a model to his church and a kind of hero in the face of unbelievable heartbreak. It may be his way of staying in control and avoiding pain. But when Jesus heard of John the Baptist’s death “He wept” and withdrew. Being a Christian doesn’t immunize you from pain, and to be human is to suffer. Having said that he said himself he was still pretty “distanced” from the event. He admitted it hadn’t really sunk in, which is to say he may still be in the denial phase or in shock. Both are normal ways for the body to protect itself after a trauma of this kind. These are phases that come to an end and it is only then that the person starts dealing with the tremendous nature of the loss. Their friends and family have been very composed as well. In a community that places emphasis on faith in the midst of trial they may also have a short period of immunity before the full weight of the tragedy is truly felt.
Guilty. As. All. Get-out.
Eyes for Lies, I’d been waiting on you to start blogging about this case!!!!!!!
Dateline NBC took it on right away, and has been posting on it periodically.
It’s as if we were watching Guilty Party Behavior 101.
I certainly hope that the entire truth is uncovered, and there is true justice exacted in this case.
I’m still willing to consider that this is just a case of extreme narcissism on the pastor’s behalf, but…….
David Blackburn’s twitter account… https://twitter.com/daveyblackburn
Why does an evil sinner have to have a diagnosis? If he wanted her dead it would be perfectly normal to not show any sad emotions, becuase he IS showing emotion…. happiness! I am just getting really sick of all the psychological diagnosis’ being always thrown around. It is called evil. Period…end of STORY.
“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.…” Case in point. We are ALL capable of dangerous sins if we allow ourselves.. And further more…look into Davey’s eyes. His eyes are full of darkness.
It looks like his eyebrows are raised too. Literally! His level of excitement is creepy.
OMG. He is selling t-shirts to “help him and his son get through this.” HE IS ATTEMPTING TO NOW PROFIT FROM HIS PREGNANT WIFE’S DEATH. (Here’s the link) http://www.fabricd.com/store/p74/%23ForIndy.html#ForIndy.html
He’s claiming Amanda helped design the shirt. And now they’ve included her initials on it. All money goes to hubby.
And here’s more of the new widower’s rationalizing bullshit that she is somehow better off:
http://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-davey-blackburn-says-his-murdered-wife-amanda-is-sun-tanning-in-heaven-151365/
I think I’m going to be sick.
I saw this same thing earlier today! DISGUSTING! My heart hurts so badly for her parents and Weston. And I am pretty sure I have seen this shirt design before now. I bought a necklace just like it as a gift to give to a friend who was moving out of state last year. Also, thanks for your reply to my comment yesterday. I do hope they are still considering him a person of interest.
First of all, it’s so good to see you come out of “blog retirement” from time to
time! I’ve missed your insights, but know you have a very busy
work life. Just a couple of comments after watching some of these videos.
The Davey Blackburn who is talking with the reporter is a very different man
from the one giving the “sermons” on marriage in his church. Very
different voice and body language. Secondly, in interviews he keeps using the word
“we” instead of “I”, which I find most disturbing and
unusual when speaking of the horrific loss of his recently murdered wife—is it
an indication he trying to distance himself from the situation? Thirdly, there
is absolutely no grief on this man’s face. The raised eyebrows, the chirpy
manner, the constant talk about her being in a better place. I hope the police soon
find the right answer to their investigation! And poor little Weston–I feel so sorry for him.
I definitely think his repeated use of “we” is a distancing technique here, though for what purpose we can’t yet be sure…
David Blackburn’s YouTube channel for those interested… https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpvXRaryB8oaSSLbGoOuSag
Many feel that Davey’s sermons prior to the murder reflected a man who was not happily married. You
can listen yourself on youtube. One specific issue that has been mentioned several times on Peter Hyatts blog is that he also seemed to blame pregnancy as being a cause of relationship issues. While alone are not red flags, when you this same mans wife and unborn child murdered, I think it becomes relevant.
So man who is unhappy loses wife who is also pregnant
So… lets look at the highlights…
2 days prior to the shooting he was waving a gun in his sermon (wife killed with a gun and wth who does this)
Then the day she was killed…..
He left for the gym later than his usual time
He left the door unlocked (mind you also the robbers broke in thru the back doors of the other
homes yet entered the front door of Daveys home)
He sat on the phone for an hour outside his home upon returning home
His friend who never posted about their “Tuesday calls” prior to this day posts on this very day
Awful lot of coincidences here…
And I am tired of the “religion” excuse for him not showing grief
Grief is grief
You not only lost your wife and unborn child, but you witnessed a horrific crime
I would have more trauma over seeing a stranger with multiple gunshot wounds with blood all over
than he has show for his own wife
This mans only real concern has been getting more people to his church.
And he was doing his shows a week after he murder. Maybe sooner? Not 100% when the first one was.
But at least take some time to grieve in private. Instead he went right into the spotlight. And some videos he is almost smiling.
This man wanted nothing more than to be in the spotlight to get more followers in his church
This is not a man who loved his wife or god
There is more to this story. The only thing I have seen that may be a possible link is that he was a
teacher at the school of one of the men. Not sure how accurate this is, but if true,
is sure interesting or up there with all the coincidences…
The other thing, he talks about sex more than normal in his sermons. ALOT. Even joking about using “butter” once. He may call himself a pastor but he is no man of god.
I watched the Q&A on the Resonate Church website. The first time I listened, then I watched again and turned the sound off. To me, Amanda looks very sad and troubled. Does she smile at all? Maybe a brief smile which passes quickly. http://resonateindianapolis.com/2015/10/qa-with-davey-and-amanda-part-3/
This is disturbing to me, but what also disturbs me is that I can’t put a finger on why it disturbs me. I remembered back to a case about Raven Abaroa ( a student who killed his wife, but she supposedly was killed by intruders while he was at a soccer game), and the pastor’s demeanor reminds me of Raven’s while he is being interview on camera by the police. He smiles a lot, gives too much information that has nothing to do with the question (I call it smoke screening, our kids do it all the time to avoid a consequence) and just seems a little too enthusiastic, but no sadness detected when he speaks of his wife.
I have not watched any of the pastor’s videos on youtube. When I see someone like this, I just feel like they are in such control of their emotions (i.e. not wanting to show any emotions) that it feels like an act. And I wonder if his wife knew things about him that were not in keeping with being a pastor.
When I first saw this case though, I thought there was something off, and I didn’t believe that someone burglarizing a home would really want to kill a young women, and the door being left unlocked by the husband, when his wife and young son were home sleeping seems off as well.
Also Eyes, when I saw this, I was really hoping you saw it too. I wondered what you would think, but since you don’t blog too much I didn’t want to bother you about it, so I am glad you did!
I was trying to think of who Davey Blackburn reminded me of a bit – and then it occurred to me: Raven Abaroa, who Eyes covered a few years ago and who entered an Alford Plea in the murder of his wife: https://www.eyesforlies.com/blog/2009/09/my-thoughts-raven-abaroa/
I had read that psychopaths frequently use exaggerated hand movements (and a lot more of them say over the average person) when talking. This dude can’t quit, can’t be still for one second. Also, “psychopaths are notorious for not answering questions posed them or answering in a way that seems unresponsive.” Hare, R. Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us. He also talks A LOT about sex…now I’m just waiting for all of his girlfriends to come out hiding. I think 1). he is a psychopath in a position of power and control (congregation and wife). 2) A sex/porn addict. 3) Evil. 4) LOVES all the attention his wife’s murder is gaining him (you can see happiness leakage on his face). Finally, 5) Made a comment on how he is trying to “figure how to grieve”…most normal people with true emotions and empathy already know how to grieve, you don’t get to be 30 something and NOT know how to grieve. Give me a break!
He thinks the future will be even better for him. Doesn’t seem sad in the slightest. He didn’t even find the photo taken of a possible suspect as helpful to him (or us – whoever he may mean by that). Seems very glib. I would guess he’s a psychopath or along those lines.
This also is so weird to me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5uFV4iUWuw