Why Personal Protection Orders Are A Joke
A 55-year-old man from Michigan faces charges after allegedly shooting his ex-partner near her workplace, mere days after she filed for a personal protection order (PPO) against him.
Barry Garza stands accused of the murder of 40-year-old Amber Jo Thomas, a woman he had been in a relationship with for nine years. The violent episode unfolded at the Linden Square Assisted Living facility where Thomas was employed. Garza is alleged to have arrived at the scene and, in broad daylight, opened fire in the parking lot of the former UAW Hall, injuring not only Thomas but also a 67-year-old male acquaintance, who were both on a break at the time.
According to authorities from the Saline Police Department, the incident was declared an “active shooter” situation at approximately 11:35 a.m. The police response was swift, but Garza managed to flee the scene in a tan Ford Focus, leading to a subsequent crash. The County Sheriff’s Deputy apprehended him shortly thereafter at a different location, where Garza reportedly resisted arrest and was subdued by a Taser.
Amber Jo Thomas was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries, resulting in the murder charges that Garza now faces. County court records reveal a series of charges against Garza, including open murder, assault with intent to murder, and a felony firearm count. The accused was presented before the court on Saturday, August 5, and was denied bail.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Blanch detailed that Garza made damning statements at the scene of the crime, indicating his lack of remorse and clear intent. “He showed up to her work, shot her in the neck, and then shot a male victim who was near her. He made terrible statements on the scene which showed his intent, like ‘I’m not sorry I killed that fucking bitch.”
During the court hearing, Judge Anna M. Frushour underscored the weight of the evidence against Garza, describing it as “devastating” before denying him bond.
Amber Jo Thomas had sought legal protection just one week prior to the tragic incident. She had filed for a personal protection order, outlining a history of physical and verbal abuse at the hands of Garza during their nine-year relationship. Thomas expressed her fear for her life. Although the PPO had been granted in late July, it was never served on Garza.
A probable cause conference in Garza’s case has been scheduled for August 17 at 9 a.m.
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Barry Garza stands accused of the murder of 40-year-old Amber Jo Thomas, a woman he had been in a relationship with for nine years. The violent episode unfolded at the Linden Square Assisted Living facility where Thomas was employed. Garza is alleged to have arrived at the scene and, in broad daylight, opened fire in the parking lot of the former UAW Hall, injuring not only Thomas but also a 67-year-old male acquaintance, who were both on a break at the time.
According to authorities from the Saline Police Department, the incident was declared an “active shooter” situation at approximately 11:35 a.m. The police response was swift, but Garza managed to flee the scene in a tan Ford Focus, leading to a subsequent crash. The County Sheriff’s Deputy apprehended him shortly thereafter at a different location, where Garza reportedly resisted arrest and was subdued by a Taser.
Amber Jo Thomas was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries, resulting in the murder charges that Garza now faces. County court records reveal a series of charges against Garza, including open murder, assault with intent to murder, and a felony firearm count. The accused was presented before the court on Saturday, August 5, and was denied bail.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Blanch detailed that Garza made damning statements at the scene of the crime, indicating his lack of remorse and clear intent. “He showed up to her work, shot her in the neck, and then shot a male victim who was near her. He made terrible statements on the scene which showed his intent, like ‘I’m not sorry I killed that fucking bitch.”
During the court hearing, Judge Anna M. Frushour underscored the weight of the evidence against Garza, describing it as “devastating” before denying him bond.
Amber Jo Thomas had sought legal protection just one week prior to the tragic incident. She had filed for a personal protection order, outlining a history of physical and verbal abuse at the hands of Garza during their nine-year relationship. Thomas expressed her fear for her life. Although the PPO had been granted in late July, it was never served on Garza.
A probable cause conference in Garza’s case has been scheduled for August 17 at 9 a.m.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
