Lets Talk A Bit About Jennifer Pratt

[DarkDante]

This is a very early case I believe from the first season involving a girl hit by a 2x4 while riding on a motorbike with her boyfriend Curtis Kroft. I know we all talk about the most shocking moments on UM relating to everything from the segments themselves to the artist renderings of the criminals but to me the most shocking moment occurs in this segment when comparing the original photographs of Ms. Pratt (another girl who wore that big 80s hairstyle very well) to the interviews after the attack. I'm not trying to insinuate anything here but seeing Jenny Pratt in that state after the incident was truly a shocking moment for me and one I'm likely not soon to forget.

But back to the case Curtis was driving Jenny home when they were attacked by a bunch of teenagers in a pickup truck who whacked them with a 2x4 since Jenny was "seated" behidn Curtis she took the brunt of the blow. She had to be emergency lifted to the hospital and ended up in a coma and with significant brain damage which left her with several severe physical and mental functioning problems which unfortunatley probably persist to this day. In laymans terms from how the segment portrayed it Jenny Pratt's injuries would be akin to someone suffering a stroke.

The really upsetting thing about this crime is it occured I believe in 1988 and is very solveable in fact I join many in believing Curtis Kroft who was a drug informant was the intended target of the attack and has to know who attacked him or have a pretty good idea. In fact there are probably dozens of kids from that area (friends of Curtis and Jenny) would know who these teenagers were that attacked Jenny Pratt. Curtis at the time of the attack was being threatened by teens he informed on and at one point even admitted to police he knew who attacked him before clamming up and saying he was pressured into these statements. At some point one has to wonder what are these people so afraid of? - I mean we are not talking hardened criminals or a professional hit here but stupid moronic kids who were out for a joyride and probably thought they'd pull a funny stunt and attempt to knock Curtis off his bike. I doubt they heavily considered the kind of implications that the wooden board would have upon impact and I doubt that now almost twenty years after the fact that they want to face the repercussions of this juvenile act.

The thing is twenty years later what do the other occupants in the truck have to be afraid of: I mean knowing they totally destroyed a beautiful young lady's life is a heavy weight to carry on your chest and twenty years later they might no longer even associate with the person who actually hit Jenny with that board. (which according to the segment was the only person the police were actively searching for). In addition why isn't Curtis Kroft talking if he knows something. Possibly these people now in their early thirties and in Curtis's case approaching fourty don't want to impact their lives (possibly they have families by this point) by dregging up something that is "ancient history". The problem is it isn't ancient history to Jenny Pratt and her family and as Jenny herself says in the segment that someone stepping forward to identify the attackers would be extremely important to her.

To me it's unfathomable that this crime hasn't been solved as it is truly one of the saddest cases ever profiled on UM. It is interesting to note that both Jennifer Pratt and Curtis Kroft both still reside in the Carlsbad, CA area so maybe this crime is still solveable all these years later.

Later.

[U.M. Fanatic]

I know what you mean DarkDante, this was an absolutely senseless crime. (as so many of these cases are) Seeing the before and after photos of Jennifer was shocking to me too. A crime is always solvable as long as someone is still on the case, there is always hope. It just amazes me that after 20 plus years nobody has come forward with more information regarding this heinous act. :mad:

[New Brandon]

Is it okay that I dig this up? If not, my apologies.

I just saw this segment and it was, as Dante said, shocking. I've met people with brain damage and this wasn't a mild case of it. Jenny's mom even alluded that she'd almost rather Jenny had died. (And I think that's common among those who suffer from brain damage.)

I agree, this case is 100% solvable... Why hasn't it been solved? Perhaps because it's not a homicide and maybe not a priority. And poor Jenny has to sit around and wait while the people who ruined her life run free. It is a very sad story.

At the beginning of the segment, I actually thought it was another one of those boyfriend-killing-girlfriend stories, as her mom mentioned how skeptical she was about him being 24 and everything.

[wiseguy182]

New Brandon, it's perfectly ok to dig up old posts - happens farily frequently

I believe that at least one person, probably even multiple persons, know exactly who did this to Jenny Pratt. My answer to the why hasn't this case been solved yet question is this: I might be going out on a bit of a limb here, but I think the person or persons who know what happened aren't telling because they don't want to be labeled a "narc". There is a fear aspect that might be a part of it, but when you think about it, it is very unpopular to be caught "telling", at least in grade school: and a lot of the kids that were interviewed by police were in grade school. I think the whole "don't tell because it's not cool" mentality of a lot of schools is ridicioulous. It basically tells peole to just cope with whatever happens to them while the bad guys run free. Absurd.

[SitcomsAreTheWay]

New Brandon, it's perfectly ok to dig up old posts - happens farily frequently

I believe that at least one person, probably even multiple persons, know exactly who did this to Jenny Pratt. My answer to the why hasn't this case been solved yet question is this: I might be going out on a bit of a limb here, but I think the person or persons who know what happened aren't telling because they don't want to be labeled a "narc". There is a fear aspect that might be a part of it, but when you think about it, it is very unpopular to be caught "telling", at least in grade school: and a lot of the kids that were interviewed by police were in grade school. I think the whole "don't tell because it's not cool" mentality of a lot of schools is ridicioulous. It basically tells peole to just cope with whatever happens to them while the bad guys run free. Absurd.

I think it's ridiculous that such a phrase exists. AMW had segment regarding this same subject. There is a phrase "Stop Snitching" and it's idiotic. To top it off, the same man who created the t-shirt baring the phrase is calling an end to all of the senseless violence and in my opinion, he's no better because he's actually contributing to it by having created the shirt in the first place. Seems to me as if he's glorifying it.

It's been so long since this incident occurred and Jennifer's parents have to be quite frustrated as well as angry that the suspects have yet to be caught. I've always felt that Curtis Kroft truly didn't didn't care about Jennifer's well-being and considering the fact that he had been hanging out with the wrong crowd anyway, how could he have been taken seriously?

[UMLongtimefan]

I think it's ridiculous that such a phrase exists. AMW had segment regarding this same subject. There is a phrase "Stop Snitching" and it's idiotic. To top it off, the same man who created the t-shirt baring the phrase is calling an end to all of the senseless violence and in my opinion, he's no better because he's actually contributing to it by having created the shirt in the first place. Seems to me as if he's glorifying it.


There is always a counter culture and those who want to make money off of it. Whether it be multinational corporations trooping back to make sales at Woodstock's anniversay or street vendors selling shirts that say "Stick it to the Man".

Sadly that culture can do some very serious damage in their rejectionist efforts. I certainly understand those square pegs who want to resist being pounded into round holes in fact many of us cheer for them, but when it comes to damaging other people (whether its the stop snicthing or peer pressuring children to become disinterested in their education) then it needs to be spoken out against.

[greatgarrett2]

New Brandon, it's perfectly ok to dig up old posts - happens farily frequently

I believe that at least one person, probably even multiple persons, know exactly who did this to Jenny Pratt. My answer to the why hasn't this case been solved yet question is this: I might be going out on a bit of a limb here, but I think the person or persons who know what happened aren't telling because they don't want to be labeled a "narc". There is a fear aspect that might be a part of it, but when you think about it, it is very unpopular to be caught "telling", at least in grade school: and a lot of the kids that were interviewed by police were in grade school. I think the whole "don't tell because it's not cool" mentality of a lot of schools is ridicioulous. It basically tells peole to just cope with whatever happens to them while the bad guys run free. Absurd.

Exaclty. Her life is now ruined by something that she probably wasn't even involved in if the board was aimed at Curtis in the first place. She might have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Too bad.....it seems she had potential to become a model. But, that's beside the point, tho. When she was struck with that board on that warm night, something was taken away from her.....her livleyhood. Your brain is the center of your intellect, creativity and personality. And, most of it is taken away in a couple seconds. This case touched me deeply, as I have it in my collections.

Now, nobody seems to want to talk and her attacker(s) are now running free, while, if I recall, it took around a year for her to properly walk and talk. All that time she had to invest to regain her 'freedom', while her attacker(s) never once spent a day in jail. That's not justice. She's walking around with a brain injury and SHE'S the one apparently paying the price, all because of one fateful night.

I just wish one could place the attacker(s) in her shoes for one day or more and see the carnage they've caused.

[DarkDante]

New Brandon, it's perfectly ok to dig up old posts - happens farily frequently

I believe that at least one person, probably even multiple persons, know exactly who did this to Jenny Pratt. My answer to the why hasn't this case been solved yet question is this: I might be going out on a bit of a limb here, but I think the person or persons who know what happened aren't telling because they don't want to be labeled a "narc". There is a fear aspect that might be a part of it, but when you think about it, it is very unpopular to be caught "telling", at least in grade school: and a lot of the kids that were interviewed by police were in grade school. I think the whole "don't tell because it's not cool" mentality of a lot of schools is ridicioulous. It basically tells peole to just cope with whatever happens to them while the bad guys run free. Absurd.

The thing is Croft would now be in his early fourties and Jenny Pratt and most of their friends just a bit younger. Its time to figure out what happened here I mean so many years have passed although then again maybe the people who are aware of whom harmed Jenny just wanna "leave the event in the past".

Croft and Pratt still live in Carlsbad, California to this day apparently. Also Kane mentioned that Jenny Pratt was also on a special edition of "Unsolved Mysteries" done around the holidays (I forgot whether it was Christmas or Thanksgiving) several years after the original segment aired. Stack apparently began close with the family and invited them back on the show but according to Kane the case was still not updated at that time and this was a number of years after the original case aired I believe.

Oh yeah and GG I agree prior to the accident Jenny was quite pretty but thats not the point here as you said.

[greatgarrett2]

Croft and Pratt still live in Carlsbad, California to this day apparently. Also Kane mentioned that Jenny Pratt was also on a special edition of "Unsolved Mysteries" done around the holidays (I forgot whether it was Christmas or Thanksgiving) several years after the original segment aired. Stack apparently began close with the family and invited them back on the show

Yes, I think I've seen that special segment when I was younger. Stack was on camera with Jenny, interviewing her. That was sad. Sad, sad case. I don't have it in my collection now, though (I have the segment but not the special). Stack was close with the family?

[DarkDante]

^ Well I assume so if he invited them back onto the program. That was NOT a common thing apparently. I'm not saying they were "best friends" or anything but given the circumstances and what a geniune human being Robert Stack seemed to be, I can't help but think that he felt some degree of compassion towards them and their situation.

I mean this girl was nearly killed in a senseless attack, ended up severly brain damaged and her family was nearly crippled by the medical bills as well as Stack mentioned in the original segment. So yeah I assume that that the family either stayed in touch if not with RS then with someone on the UM production team because the "inviting back" scenerio didn't happen anytime else I don't think...could be wrong though

Also I can't say how I know this but the case is apparently still unsolved to this day which to me is just tragic.

[Huskerz85]

I feel compelled to bring this particular thread up again after 7 months, because unfortunatly........there are some (albeit thin) paraells between my life & that of Curtis Kroft.....

I didn't always hang around the best crowd back in my HS days and I'll freely admit that weed & other such trash had an influence on those I hung around with....

Anyways.......one night, a handful of these idiots piled into a van and thought it'd be fun to drop rocks off an interstate overpass. Well one of the 'rocks' happened to be a landscaping boulder a little bigger than a brick....it ended up crashing through a lady's windshield and snapping her neck.

The cops came upon two kids who were on the 'fringes' of the group (i.e. they just hung around for kicks) and with a bit of pressure, turned them quite easily and now, the ringleader is serving out a 12yr sentence for manslaughter.

The feelings I have towards idiots who do this kind of BS and think it'll never hurt anyone, or never hurt anyone 'that bad', are indescribable.........:mad:

I wonder now, about Jennifer Pratt's quality of life and if, like her mother said, it "really is living at all....."

Like Dante said, I wonder what Curtis really had to be afraid of in the first place? Sure, he may have been somewhat of an idiot who made bad choices and associated w/the wrong kind of people......but if a gang of kids his age were truly the only ones responsible......then how likely is it that said kids could've sought retribution once Law Enforcement got hold of them?

Curtis Kroft is a two-faced coward and although he can't change the fact that his one time girlfriend now lives with the mental capacity of a child, his refusal to give up the people who did this, condemns Jenny and her family to a lifetime of anguish :mad:

[RightOnDude]

I feel compelled to bring this particular thread up again after 7 months, because unfortunatly........there are some (albeit thin) paraells between my life & that of Curtis Kroft.....

I didn't always hang around the best crowd back in my HS days and I'll freely admit that weed & other such trash had an influence on those I hung around with....

Anyways.......one night, a handful of these idiots piled into a van and thought it'd be fun to drop rocks off an interstate overpass. Well one of the 'rocks' happened to be a landscaping boulder a little bigger than a brick....it ended up crashing through a lady's windshield and snapping her neck.

The cops came upon two kids who were on the 'fringes' of the group (i.e. they just hung around for kicks) and with a bit of pressure, turned them quite easily and now, the ringleader is serving out a 12yr sentence for manslaughter.

The feelings I have towards idiots who do this kind of BS and think it'll never hurt anyone, or never hurt anyone 'that bad', are indescribable.........:mad:



I remember this. It happened in FLA, right? The victim was a young lady who taught elementry school in Alabama I believe.

Some idiots can't look 2 seconds into the future and see what pain their "goofing around" might cause others for the rest of their life.

[Awsi Dooger]

Some idiots can't look 2 seconds into the future and see what pain their "goofing around" might cause others for the rest of their life.

No kidding. I was in Florida for the holidays this year and saw some geniuses firing guns into the air to celebrate New Year's Eve. Apparently that's very prevalent in Hispanic culture. Gravity never occurs to them. I read that it causes an average of two deaths and 25 injuries per year in Puerto Rico.

[AVERMAN]

I remember seeing this story on Aussie TV back in the 90's.

This is a really sad case, especially when Jennifer feels like she was actually targeted.

I believe this incident was a case of collateral damage, or a random attack. Maybe someone wanted Curtis gone, so they attacked them, hoping to get one of them, If they got Curtis, good, if they got Jennifer, then it would send Curtis a message. Sadly, they got Jennifer. This could also have been a random attack but it seems unlikely considering Curtis's history.

I believe Curtis knows who did this but is keeping quiet out of fear of reprisal.

Any news on this story?

[dynoguy88]

In the reenactment, it showed the idiots in the truck cheering as they drove off after attacking Jennifer and Curtis. If that is what in fact happened, were they too blind (or stupid) to see that it was Jennifer that took the major hit of the attack?

They MUST have been driving slow enough to realize this because like the segment said, if they were driving fast, the blow would have killed both of them.

[RightOnDude]

No kidding. I was in Florida for the holidays this year and saw some geniuses firing guns into the air to celebrate New Year's Eve. Apparently that's very prevalent in Hispanic culture. Gravity never occurs to them. I read that it causes an average of two deaths and 25 injuries per year in Puerto Rico.

A little (a lot) OT, but do you like the Colts +7 and the over for a Super Bowl parlay?

[Awsi Dooger]

A little (a lot) OT, but do you like the Colts +7 and the over for a Super Bowl parlay?

Hey, if you can find the Colts +7 count me in. They are -7.

Well, I'm overwhelmingly a first half bettor. I use situational and statistical systems. My stuff was 6-0 in the NFL playoffs until the championship games, then I went 0-2, taking the Saints and Colts in the first half in my Yards Per Pass Attempt system (YPPA).

This time I have the Colts in the first half, since they barely fit my YPPA differential criteria of at least a half yard better than the opponent at +1.37 to +.87. I know that doesn't sound like a glamorous way to pick a game, but over the years I've discovered I do much better with the numbers than with subjectivity. Plus there's no second guessing and less time expenditure, once the systems are in place.

I will point out one thing: the Bears are the only team with a signficant defensive YPPA edge over the Colts in this year's playoffs, allowing 5.83 (best in the league) to 6.52 for Indianapolis. In the past three seasons the Colts have always been knocked out of the playoffs by a team with at least a half yard edge over them in that category. Peyton has gotten a bit of a bad rap. His defense was always significantly worse than the team that knocked them out.

I suggest the Bears take the lead, for their sake if not for my bet. Grossman has established himself as a pure front runner. He averages an excellent 8.1 YPPA when Chicago is leading, but an inept 5.6 and 5.5 if the Bears are tied or behind. He is also vastly different this season depending on the opponent's conference, 7.1 vs. the NFC and 5.5 against the AFC.

As someone who appreciates basic football, I wouldn't mind winning my bet then having the Bears rough up the Colts with fundamental I-formation tough guy football, right up the gut. Actually, either way is fine with me. I like both teams. This is the first season I tired of the Patriots so basically I rooted for them to lose. Along with the Eagles since I loathe teams that don't run the football, and Andy Reid has become increasingly pass-wimpy in recent seasons, especially when McNabb is healthy.

I'm not a parlay guy but you have the right idea in favorite and over. The advantage correlations are favorite and over, or underdog and under. The sharp guys here focus on those two options when making side and total parlays.

On edit, after the game: that was a bad beat if you had the over. The total was bet down to 47.5. Indy passed up an easy field goal with less than 2 minutes left, and the score 29-17. I guess they were concerned about a block and runback. I'm not Adam Vinatieri's biggest fan right now. That missed short field goal on the last play of the first half cost me bigtime, since the first half spread was in the balance. I did have some future book money on the Colts based on their yards per pass attempt differential numbers. That's always a vital stat in identifying the Super Bowl champ.

[DarkDante]

Getting back on topic again now that football season is over:

I was just watching this segment again and was thinking perhaps Curtis did see those people in the pickup truck but not well enough to testify to it in a court of law. Remember when the board hit Jenny Pratt, she likely hit into Curtis perhaps impairing his faculties when the pickup truck went speeding by.

Perhaps Curtis has an idea who attacked them but not enough to make a case against them. Therefore coming forward with his suspicions would do little good besides draw the ire of those involved with the crime.

[Fletch]

I go to Carlsbad every Summer with my Wife's family to camp at the beach and I always think about this case when I'm there, especially if it's late at night. When we go this summer, I may try to track down the exact site of the accident if I have time.

[leafygreens]

I don't think it's a good enough excuse to say people are too scared to come forward. What happened to anonymous tip lines? I don't know how anyone can live with themselves knowing what happned to Jenny.

[combsisthebest]

I watched this case for the first time today, and out of all the cases I've seen this one really stuck out to me. First off, it was really heartbreaking to hear Jenny speak about the incident. You could just see the pain in her, but you could also see the remarkable strength that she had to fight against the odds.

I know this has been mentioned once before, but I too tend to believe that Jenny wasn't "accidentally" hit. While Curtis may have been the intended victim, I believe that the kids in the truck were going slow enough that they could see who they were hitting. If they were going as fast as Curtis said they were going, both Jenny and Curtis would have died.

I also read that some time (I'm sure of the exact length) after the UM interview, Curtis killed himself. I haven't been able to confirm that anywhere, so I don't know for sure if that is true.

It would be really nice to see an update on Jenny, and the progress that she has made since the last UM interview 18 years ago.

[MegtheEgg86]

If Croft had been acting as an informant, why should he have been so worried about coming forward if he knew anything? You'd think if you'd been "telling on your buddies" to the police all the while, you wouldn't think twice about naming them as possible suspects.

Like a lot of y'all, I do lean towards the idea that he does know something. But the behavior just doesn't make sense.

I always thought that mugshot they showed of him was freaky. It looked like he was made of plastic or wax or something.

[combsisthebest]

I don't understand why he wouldn't disclose information that he knew. He could've gone into a witness protection program or something, if he was that worried for his safety. I'm sure the police would've gladly helped him out if he had cooperated with them. For some reason, I still am very intrigued by this mystery.

[marlins3]

I don't understand why he wouldn't disclose information that he knew. He could've gone into a witness protection program or something, if he was that worried for his safety. I'm sure the police would've gladly helped him out if he had cooperated with them. For some reason, I still am very intrigued by this mystery.
He's dead now

[combsisthebest]

He's dead now
Thank you, but I already knew that.

[Cori aka ChrisSCrush]

Thank you, but I already knew that.

Did he really kill himself? Did he leave a note stating any reasons why or offering any clues?

[Tap Dancer]

He's dead now

Please provide proof of this.

[crystaldawn]

I'm trying to do some digging and see if I can find anything to confirm this so if I do I'll be sure and post it.

[combsisthebest]

Unfortunately, the only "proof" that I could find really isn't proof at all. There a few postings on there that are made from people who lived in the area, and knew about it. However, no way to confirm it. Hopefully CrystalDawn can find something a bit more solid.

[Cori aka ChrisSCrush]

If that doofus was going to kill himself he could at least have the courtesy to leave a note stating what he knew about who attacked Jennifer and why, even if, with him gone, it is only hearsay evidence.

[maxxx]

I go to Carlsbad every Summer with my Wife's family to camp at the beach and I always think about this case when I'm there, especially if it's late at night. When we go this summer, I may try to track down the exact site of the accident if I have time.
It happened near the corner of Olievenhain Rd and Rancho Santa Fe Rd. I grew up near there. My aunts and uncles went to school with Jennifer and think they know who did it. I think they are all still a little afraid of the guy they suspected.

[Tap Dancer]

It happened near the corner of Olievenhain Rd and Rancho Santa Fe Rd. I grew up near there. My aunts and uncles went to school with Jennifer and think they know who did it. I think they are all still a little afraid of the guy they suspected.

It's a shame that no one will talk. :(

[crystaldawn]

It happened near the corner of Olievenhain Rd and Rancho Santa Fe Rd. I grew up near there. My aunts and uncles went to school with Jennifer and think they know who did it. I think they are all still a little afraid of the guy they suspected.

Thanks for posting. Do you happen to know what became of Jennifer Pratt and how she is today?

[MissFit29]

Jenny's friend who was interviewed in the segment seemed to have a pretty good idea of who the perpetrator was as well. You can't just name names without having something concrete to back it up though.

Crystaldawn - did you ever find any conclusive proof of Curtis' death?

[crystaldawn]

Crystaldawn - did you ever find any conclusive proof of Curtis' death?

No I tried but couldn't find an obituary. Maybe we can get Kadrmas on the case. I believe a cousin of Jenny's posted a while back. She didn't seem to know her well and was across the country from her (or where she used to live anyway) but said she was going to try to find out more about how she's doing but never posted back. If you google you'll find some Jennifer Pratt's but its hard to know if any of them are her.

[Oldschooler81]

Yeah, this is a really sad case I've always been interested in. It was senseless and I hope Jenny is doing alright today, she'd be about 38.

I wonder if the dude portrayed in the reenactment who confronted Curtis outside the pizza parlor the day before the attack might've had something to do with the attack? While they probably didn't target Jennifer on purpose, they probably didn't care enough not to do it either (if they noticed that she was on the motorcycle with him), if they were so set on avenging Curtis.

[bugnpinky]

I remember watching this when it first aired when I was younger....watched in in re-runs as well. The guy came across as SUCH a tool....a total lack of caring about her, no emotion about her, nothing. He was concerned only about himself. He complained about the pressure the police put on him to name some names. Total trash.

On another note, I wonder what good (if any) a helmet would have done for her had she worn one. It's one reason why I'm so paranoid about helmets now...about my husband wearing one and me (as passenger) wearing one.

[TracyLynnS]

bugnpinky, you are soooooo right about the guy she was with when the attack happened. He's so self centered that he can't even attempt to comprehend that someone was victimized, and the victim wasn't him. What a whiner...

And that's a good question about the helmet. I wonder if she was wearing one, if the force of the board hitting it may have either snapped her neck, or else completely protected her from suffering such a debilitating injury.

Or maybe even the force the board hitting the harder surface of the helmet might have made the board flip back and hit the guys in the truck.

[Mysteryphile]

You know, I was thinking...maybe we could write to Jennifer's family. We could say we are on an Unsolved Mysteries message board and that Jennifer's case is one that we would most like to see solved, and we were wondering how she's doing now. I think the family would really appreciate knowing that there are people out there that haven't forgotten what happened to Jennifer and still want to see justice done for her.

Or do you think they just want to forget it ever happened???

[TracyLynnS]

Mysteryphile, I was wondering about that. I know her mother really seemed to be terribly upset about Jennifer being brain damaged, and I think in the segment, she mentioned something about that it might have been better for her to have died than to experience the quality of life that she has after the attack.

[everybodylovesrs]

You know, I was thinking...maybe we could write to Jennifer's family. We could say we are on an Unsolved Mysteries message board and that Jennifer's case is one that we would most like to see solved, and we were wondering how she's doing now. I think the family would really appreciate knowing that there are people out there that haven't forgotten what happened to Jennifer and still want to see justice done for her.

Or do you think they just want to forget it ever happened???

I don't think anyone knows how to reach them. Most people just don't like bothering people on UM. I would love to know if she is any better or at least send the love from the SitcomsOnline users

[Necco]

I would be very careful contacting people. If I were in their shoes, I would probably assume that someone contacting me was either a "kook" or worse, somehow involved. It would be one thing if the family had put up a website regarding the incident, but otherwise, I'd leave them alone. Just my 2 cents.

It might be a good idea to contact local media though. Perhaps, now that time has passed, teenagers/young adults have turned into men and women and may now have more courage to discuss what happened. A followup article might get publicity for answers AND get an update on Jennifer.

[wiseguy182]

what happened to Jennifer was terrible, but I definitiely wouldn't recommend contacting Jenny's mom. Contacting any vicitms/familes is risky business because it has the possibility of dredging up bad memories they may be trying to forget, but particulalry Jenny Pratt's mom. She acted very inapproriate towards Jennifer throughout the segment and follow-up interview. I understand she's bitter about the incident and deservedly so, but it's caused her to say and do inappropriate things around Jenny.

here's a thread where we talk about Jenny's mom
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=199503&page=2&highlight=pratt%27s

[Mysteryphile]

Hmmm now that I've read what people have had to say about it, I guess it really is better not to try to contact them. The only reason I thought it was a good idea was because I thought it might...I don't know...make the family feel happy that people still cared about the case.

[Mastermind]

While it is great to have contact with victims families of cases on UM, it is important to use caution.

1.These are open investigations.

2. Even with anonymity...remember that these are unsolved cases and their are living killers, kidnappers, rapists..etc... It is not that far fetched that you could actually wind up contacting one of these guys impersonating a relative!!!:eek:

Not to start accusations or a flame war, but i am pretty certain at least one wanted criminal that has been profiled in these cases has probably posted or is a member of this message board. (now Ive done it.)

If he's alive, I'm pretty sure the Circleviller Writer would have posted on this site or other Unsolved Mysteries forums.

Hmm. This would make a great thread.

[Oldschooler81]

Yeah, I'd have mixed feelings about contacting the Pratts. On the one hand, we're all sympathetic and hope Jenny is doing alright (she's about 37 now), but it could go either way too. Some relatives might be appreciative that there's still interest in the victims as well as solving the case, while others might want to just let it fade into the past.

I wasn't on the board yet, but I loved for instance, knowing that Lisa Kimmel's mom posted here and was happy to know people are still interested in the case.

I didn't see Jenny's live interview with Stack, but I agree with you guys that said something about her mom kinda rubbed me the wrong way as well. I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but I could see her being one of those types that took it the wrong way. I'd be more interested in just hearing through a third party how Jenny is doing these days.

[Mysteryphile]

On another note, I wonder what good (if any) a helmet would have done for her had she worn one. It's one reason why I'm so paranoid about helmets now...about my husband wearing one and me (as passenger) wearing one.[/QUOTE]

I was thinking about this...

If she had the helmet on, then the board would meet more resistance at impact. For some reason, I was thinking this might cause her neck to break (why was I thinking this????) Can someone tell me if I am a complete idiot and wrong about this?:)

[Phanekim]

To me, this case is solvable. Police and private investigators know who did it. Its probably the guy who the boyfriend confronted. Lets resolve this case all it takes is one person to talk. She's not dead lets just get to the truth. I hope someone talks. Probably when oen of thsoe guys need to snitch it will happen.



Also, I"d like to reemphasize mastermind's comments of

"Even with anonymity...remember that these are unsolved cases and their are living killers, kidnappers, rapists..etc... It is not that far fetched that you could actually wind up contacting one of these guys impersonating a relative!!!"

practice common sense.

[Oldschooler81]

I just for the first time, saw the live interview with the Pratt's and I have to say her mom's attitude really rubs me the wrong way. She probably wasn't trying to be smarmy or negative, but it sure came across like that. I'm not trying to beat up on her, but I didn't like her cutting Jennifer off and being so unoptemistic (although I can see where she's coming from and definitely has the right to be angry at whoever hurt her daughter, she should've been more encouraging to Jen's progress). That was exactly the opposite of her dad's more positive attitude.

I get the feeling Stack was thinking the same thing, but was too polite to call her on it, especially on a live broadcast.

Did anybody notice when Diane (her mom) first says "I don't think it'll ever be solved", both Stack AND Jenny try to interject as if they're kinda annoyed and taken aback? ;)

[Airganda]

I was friends with the Pratt family and i also curtis croft, i was good enough friends with curtis that if he knew who hurt jenny he would of told me. However through the grape vine i did hear that the driver could have been tim stollar, and the guy who threw the board may have been jimmy clark who is now dead due to suicide. back when i found this out the detectives where aware of that story and did interview both Tim & Jimmy but nothing ever came out of it. Totally baffled by that but what can you do??
P.S. Curtis is not dead for your :confused: to people who thought he was.

[crystaldawn]

I was friends with the Pratt family and i also curtis croft, i was good enough friends with curtis that if he knew who hurt jenny he would of told me. However through the grape vine i did hear that the driver could have been tim stollar, and the guy who threw the board may have been jimmy clark who is now dead due to suicide. back when i found this out the detectives where aware of that story and did interview both Tim & Jimmy but nothing ever came out of it. Totally baffled by that but what can you do??
P.S. Curtis is not dead for your :confused: to people who thought he was.

Thanks so much for posting! Can you tell us how Jennifer Pratt is doing today?

[Necco]

To back up airganda's statements, there's no Social Security Death index listing for a Curtis Croft of the correct age, but there is a James Clark in San Diego who was born in 1961 and died in 1994. Could this be the Jimmy in question?

Perhaps this is why the sleuthing led to no evidence of Curtis being dead. He's not.

[Oldschooler81]

I was friends with the Pratt family and i also curtis croft, i was good enough friends with curtis that if he knew who hurt jenny he would of told me. However through the grape vine i did hear that the driver could have been tim stollar, and the guy who threw the board may have been jimmy clark who is now dead due to suicide. back when i found this out the detectives where aware of that story and did interview both Tim & Jimmy but nothing ever came out of it. Totally baffled by that but what can you do??
P.S. Curtis is not dead for your :confused: to people who thought he was.

Hey, welcome to the board.:) I'm curious how Jenny's been doing too, if you've heard from her after the late 80s. Thanks for the info too. Yeah, I get the impression they were probably close to being able to solve the case, but just couldn't prove anything.

Have you heard anything about Curtis recently either? I don't think he was a bad guy, just kinda clueless from what I could tell in the segment. If he was afraid of retaliation, I'm surprised he didn't talk once that Jimmy guy passed away. I'm sure the attack was somehow related to his drug activities.

[browneyes106]

I remember the Jenny Pratt case. Very sad story. I think her mom was just frustrated over what happened and the Jenny she had before was gone.

[Airganda]

Im not sure how Jenny is, i moved to arizona and dont get back to encinitas that often, if i do find out i will post it, thanks

[synthisislab]

What would the charge be even if they were able to apprehend someone and charge them for this and have the statute of limitations run out on this case?

[MissFit29]

Assault with a deadly weapon?

What is the SOL anyway - 25 years? Time is running out. :(

[Mastermind]

Assault with a deadly weapon?

What is the SOL anyway - 25 years? Time is running out.

Probably easier to indict them for narcotics and other assaults or murders. If they haven't already.

[Todd Mueller]

If he's alive, I'm pretty sure the Circleviller Writer would have posted on this site or other Unsolved Mysteries forums.

"The letter write is alive... and he lives in Circleville. The letter writer is alive... and he lives in Circleville." I just laughed when I read your post because I picture someone with the user name "CirclevilleLetterWriter" having his First Post which reads: "YOU EL SICKOS WILL PAY." :lol:

(Sorry... I couldn't resist... :D)

Back on topic...

Did anyone ever figure out why Curtis was rumored to be dead? Seems funny some were so convinced and now it appears they were dead wrong (no pun intended).

[DarkDante]

Pretty detailed article from the LA times from January of 1988 on Jenny Pratt. Almost all of the people who were involved in the UM segment are interviewed for this piece. I agree with Jenny's step-dad, it really seemed like Jenny fell into an adult world before she was ready for it and was blinded by her love for Curtis Croft. Croft comes off like a grade-A jerk in this article lamenting what Jenny's accident did to his reputation as a "popular guy".

I wonder if Sydney Stanger or any of Jenny's other friends are aware of this forum and maybe could give us an update on how Jenny is doing. I still find myself thinking about her often:

http://articles.latimes.com/1988-01-10/local/me-34774_1_girl-s-life

[hostedbyrobertstack]

Dante, I was reading these older Jenny Pratt posts last night as I was watching the segments again ,and then I came on here this morning and you had bumped that same post. I think it is very heartbreaking that this has happened to her and that it was back in 1987, I can't believe it has been that long.

That was an interesting article. I didn't realize she had a sister almost the same age, very interesting. I tried to look the family up, and it does look like they still live in the Carlsbad area. I would think someone around Carlsbad would know an update. I would love to hear. There would have to be a local newspaper or something I would think. Maybe we should try to contact that paper and see if they can get anything going.

[DarkDante]

Some more:

http://articles.latimes.com/1988-10-03/local/me-2533_1

http://articles.latimes.com/1989-02-05/local/me-2358_1_jennifer-pratt
==================
A few interesting things. First off it was really wonderful that the actress who portrayed Jenny in the UM segment became close with her enough to want to put together a fund raiser for her. Also it's interesting that there were plans for a TV-movie based on this case and also apparently there is a PEOPLE magazine article out there on Jenny from around the time of the UM segment. Maybe someone could dig it up.

[wiseguy182]

Croft comes off like a grade-A jerk in this article lamenting what Jenny's accident did to his reputation as a "popular guy".

I'll have to disagree with you there. Curtis said he wished it was him instead of her. I think that when he said his reputation was damaged, he really was talking about he was probably blamed for the accident, which I believe he was, but it really wasn't his fault. Sometimes Curtis gets picked on, but he wasn't the one who swung the board. And he was a victim himself. Granted, his injuries weren't nearly as severe, but he was hit with the board as well. And then, as a victim, had to endure being bullied and threatened by the private investigator. Granted, Curtis isn't a man without mistakes, but he gets a worse rap then he deserves and it seems like he was trying to turn his life around.

Man, Diane Strom was surprisingly calm in that article. I kept waiting for her to come in at any point and tell us how she thought Jennifer's life was over or how she thought the case would never be solved, but she didn't. She must have been having an off day.

[combsisthebest]

This case has always intrigued me for some reason. I think it may have been because it seemed like it was so close to being solved then nothing. Has anyone been able to see how Jennifer is doing today?

[Cardiff-Local]

I went to high school with Jenny. She was such a nice and beautiful girl, and the thought someone would do something like this to her sickens me. Months after the accident she used to come into the store I work at with her mom and buy shoes from me. She was still learning to talk and walk. I haven't seen her in years, and hope she is doing ok.

As for Curtis I also believe it was a hit on him. So kind of drug deal gone wrong. To bad a sweet girl had to pay the price for this idiots faults.

I will try and find out details on how she is doing. If I do I will post for you.

[crystaldawn]

I went to high school with Jenny. She was such a nice and beautiful girl, and the thought someone would do something like this to her sickens me. Months after the accident she used to come into the store I work at with her mom and buy shoes from me. She was still learning to talk and walk. I haven't seen her in years, and hope she is doing ok.

As for Curtis I also believe it was a hit on him. So kind of drug deal gone wrong. To bad a sweet girl had to pay the price for this idiots faults.

I will try and find out details on how she is doing. If I do I will post for you.

Thanks so much for posting! We have long wanted some family or friends of Jenny's or even Jenny herself as we'd love to know how she's doing. We would appreciate you posting any info you may find out.

[everybodylovesrs]

I went to high school with Jenny. She was such a nice and beautiful girl, and the thought someone would do something like this to her sickens me. Months after the accident she used to come into the store I work at with her mom and buy shoes from me. She was still learning to talk and walk. I haven't seen her in years, and hope she is doing ok.

As for Curtis I also believe it was a hit on him. So kind of drug deal gone wrong. To bad a sweet girl had to pay the price for this idiots faults.

I will try and find out details on how she is doing. If I do I will post for you.


Yes, we would really like to know how she is doing.

[meddy]

I stumbled across this site while reminiscing about my youth spent watching UM and looking through youtube videos. I saw the Pratt case when I was very young and it always stuck out in my mind since. Trying to research if there was an update in the case has lead me here.

I also managed to find a newspaper article online with Tiffany Harris, the actress who portrayed Jenny in the segment, and learned that she raised money for the medical bills by organizing a walk-a-thon. Anyone know what happened to her?

I am entirely sickened that this case goes unsolved and that maybe the attacker killed himself without ever paying for his sick crime.

[browneyes106]

I'll have to disagree with you there. Curtis said he wished it was him instead of her. I think that when he said his reputation was damaged, he really was talking about he was probably blamed for the accident, which I believe he was, but it really wasn't his fault. Sometimes Curtis gets picked on, but he wasn't the one who swung the board. And he was a victim himself. Granted, his injuries weren't nearly as severe, but he was hit with the board as well. And then, as a victim, had to endure being bullied and threatened by the private investigator. Granted, Curtis isn't a man without mistakes, but he gets a worse rap then he deserves and it seems like he was trying to turn his life around.

Man, Diane Strom was surprisingly calm in that article. I kept waiting for her to come in at any point and tell us how she thought Jennifer's life was over or how she thought the case would never be solved, but she didn't. She must have been having an off day.

I watched the Jenny Pratt segment sometime back because it hadn't seen it in years. I also thought Curtis meant that his reputation was damaged because he got blamed him for the attack and he wished it was him instead of Jenny. I agree he is also a victim. I do hope Curtis turned his life. I googled Curtis Croft Encinitas, CA and I found a link to a Facebook profile that looks like it is Curtis.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Curtis-Croft/100000152461532

[crystaldawn]

I watched the Jenny Pratt segment sometime back because it hadn't seen it in years. I also thought Curtis meant that his reputation was damaged because he got blamed him for the attack and he wished it was him instead of Jenny. I agree he is also a victim. I do hope Curtis turned his life. I googled Curtis Croft Encinitas, CA and I found a link to a Facebook profile that looks like it is Curtis.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Curtis-Croft/100000152461532

I just sent him a message to see if he would post on here. I'll let you guys know if I hear back. Nice work browneyes!

[mattc]

Thanks for all the great la times articles! It really gives one more insight into this tragedy. I have a lot of respect for Jenny Pratt; she was described as extremely nice before, and she seems like a lovely, strong young woman now. I too wonder how she is doing. I hope she was able to go to college, or at least do something that she feels rewarded for doing. Also, I must admit I too was a bit taken aback by her mom's comment in the original segment: "I'll always love Jenny, but i sure miss the old Jenny." I kept thinking, Oh God, please don't let Jenny be in the same room and hearing this!" Of course, I also think that her mom has suffered profoundly, and when asked to summarize extreme emotions in a few sentences, things might not come out the right way. In the articles, it mentions that her mom and step-dad traveled 100 miles each way, everyday to the hospital to be with her, etc, so there's no doubt they love her and care about her.

I tend to think this was a random act of violence, and that Curtis is being unfairly attacked. He passed a polygraph test, was also a victim, and it seems that his childhood drug issues have made people feel that he would be capable of lying about who almost murdered the girl who apparently loved. I'm not buying it.

I work with teenagers (mostly low-income) but occassionally I work with teens from communities like this one: Suburban, spoiled, 16-17 year olds that feel entitled and above the law. It wouldn't be at all surprising that a truckload of 3-4 teens (prob. drunk/high) did this for fun, as a dare, etc. I also can see no one coming forward, as they know what the consequences would be. Remember, coming forward would mean more than just punishment: The whole town would be disgusted by them, etc. I think the 3-4 teens are scared about the reaction were they to come forward.

Very sick case, but I really hope Jenny is doing well. We sometimes talk as though her life is over, but remember, at least in the update, she still was a beautiful, articulate woman with a future.

[wiseguy182]

excellent post mattc! I was the first one to voice my disgust for Jenny Pratt's mom, and it's nice to see that practically everyone has agreed with me on this matter. With her comments like "I'm not sure what Jenny's doing could be classified as living" (paraphrasing), Diane Strom comes across as a person who is completely ignorant of her daughter's needs.

I also have thought that Curtis has gotten a bad rap. He made some mistakes in his youth, but worked real hard to turn his life around when he started to become a man. And his statement of "I wish it was me", I don't recall anyone else on UM ever saying that.

[youngUMfan]

crystaldawn any news from curtis

[everybodylovesrs]

yes how is Jennifer crystal

[crystaldawn]

I never heard anything back from Curtis. I told him I moderated a UM board and Jennifer's case came up often. I wanted to see if he was interested first so I didn't send him a link to the board. Not sure if he just doesn't want to revisit that or one of those that register on Facebook and never go and hasn't seen the message. I'm thinking its the first one though.

[wiseguy182]

Wiseguy, I take real offense to your inflammatory posts regarding Diane Strom. Ever stop to think that perhaps one day she could stumble across this board?

First of all, the statement, "I'm not sure what Jenny's doing could be classified as living" is a sad reflection on her brain damaged daughter's severely impacted quality of life. She was being honest. Secondly, if she were, as you claim, "completely ignorant" of her daughter's needs, she would not be attending to them on a daily basis. That is what her life has become. Jenny will never graduate college, never marry, never have children, never reach any of the adult milestones that any good parent would want for their child. Instead, she is forever trapped with a brain and a body that do not properly function. Diane is forever trapped in the role of caretaker. You should feel sympathy. I think you have a lot of nerve dismissing and insulting her.

Perhaps the most disgusting and downright idiotic part of your post is the "bad rap" statement regarding Curtis Croft. Made some mistakes? Is that what you call indirectly causing the violent and sudden ruin of a young girl's life? Because if you think he doesn't know exactly who was involved, even who MIGHT be involved, then you're insane. Was the immense guilt that one can only hope he lives with the catalyst for him working "real hard" to turn his life around? As for his statement of "I wish it was me"--big deal. Talk is cheap. Tell that to Diane Strom, the one who lives with the aftermath of poor Jenny's attack every day. Actions speak louder than words, and you should really choose yours more carefully.

1. Being that dozens upon dozens of people that have been profiled on UM and their family members, friends, etc have posted on here, yes I have considered the possibility of Diane Strom coming on here. Doesn't mean I'm going to change my posts. If I did that, we all may as well delete all of our posts because at any given point in time, anybody associated with any case may post. I'm not going to change my posts because someone may or may come on here and may or may not be offended by it.

2. Diane Strom's comments were completely inappropriate. They may be true, as you claim, but a person in Jenny's condition needs comfort and reassurance from their mother, not bitterness and coldness, which is what Diane delivered. Could you imagine if Jenny heard what her mother said? How that would make her feel?

3. I have alot of sympathy for Jennifer Pratt. I never said anything that would indicate otherwise. You're sadly mistaken there.

4. Curtis did not cause the attack on Jenny. He cannot be blamed for it. He was a victim himself. He was the main target of attack.

5. I don't know if guilt was what turned him around. But the important thing is that he did turn his life around. How many people with shady pasts continue to committ nefarious acts? Lots. Most in fact.

6. The vast majority of this forum is in agreement with me on Diane Strom, and also, several others have also agreed that Curtis got a bad rap. So why you have singled out me is a mystery.

7, Don't you think you're being very hypocritical by saying that Diane Strom can say whatever she wants, but I can't about this case?

8. Curtis deserves praise for his "I wish it were me" comment. How many other people on UM or in real life ditch their significant other when they fall into a state like that? Chad Noe for example.

9. You are offended by my posts? Oh noes, whatever shall i do? people get offended by stuff all the time, how do you think we've morphed into such a politically correct society?

[Corky Kneivel]

Everyone has the right to hold, as well as express, their own opinion.

That being said I don’t think criticism of Diane Strom holds any water. Unless you’re a parent who’s raised a beautiful child to a beautiful young adult only to see that young adult, full of promise and future, reduced back to a permanent childlike state…unless you’ve gone through that your criticism of her, ESPECIALLY based solely off a few minutes of TV time, is uninformed and ignorant.

I found her venting her frustrations like that to be a refreshingly honest moment. I just don’t understand how anyone can decide that she never gives her daughter care and compassion based off an honest answer to a direct question.

If the majority consensus is a negative view of Diane Strom well then I am certainly in the minority on this one.

[Mastermind]

1. Being that dozens upon dozens of people that have been profiled on UM and their family members, friends, etc have posted on here, yes I have considered the possibility of Diane Strom coming on here. Doesn't mean I'm going to change my posts. If I did that, we all may as well delete all of our posts because at any given point in time, anybody associated with any case may post. I'm not going to change my posts because someone may or may come on here and may or may not be offended by it.

Anybody who goes on this forum has to realize that this an open discussion and speculation on people is fair game.

This board would become very dull (and pointless) if people pulled punches here.

[wiseguy182]

Everyone has the right to hold, as well as express, their own opinion.

That being said I don’t think criticism of Diane Strom holds any water. Unless you’re a parent who’s raised a beautiful child to a beautiful young adult only to see that young adult, full of promise and future, reduced back to a permanent childlike state…unless you’ve gone through that your criticism of her, ESPECIALLY based solely off a few minutes of TV time, is uninformed and ignorant.

I found her venting her frustrations like that to be a refreshingly honest moment. I just don’t understand how anyone can decide that she never gives her daughter care and compassion based off an honest answer to a direct question.

If the majority consensus is a negative view of Diane Strom well then I am certainly in the minority on this one.

that's some pretty tough talk coming from the same person who holds a personal bias against Tony Lombardi, his mother, his friend, and pretty much anybody associated with him, because you are HELLBENT on the theory that he committed suicide, which seems completely far-fetched IMO.

[mattc]

As one who also commented on Diane's remarks, i feel I should put in a word or two myself.

Maybe there are some here who are "judging" Diane, but I know my comments were not meant to be that way at all. I was just stating that her comments, seemingly in the presence of her daughter, such as "I sure miss the old Jenny" made me feel bad for Jenny. That's all. Perhaps Wiseguy shouldn't have said she is "completely ignorant" of her daughter's needs. That is clearly not the case, especially after reading the articles that describe the effort she has put into her daughter's treatment.

Remember though, we're all here just expressing our ideas and opinions. No need to act like it's the worst thing on the planet.

[dynoguy88]

I'm willing to cut Diane Strom some slack. She was being interviewed over a horrific event that completely changed her daughter's life for good. I can't imagine too many people would be able to come up with the right words to express such an emotional thing happening to their loved one, much less their own child.

I would also have to imagine that the state she saw Jenny in once she got to the hospital never goes away. Her hair being red from all the blood, bleeding out of her ears and her mouth, having tubes all over her.

My heart goes out to both Jenny and her mother. And I hope they're doing much better today.

[wiseguy182]

I guess my statement of Diane "being totally ignorant of her daughter's needs" was not accurate. A better statement would have been "Diane is totally ignorant of how to conduct herself, especially in front of her child."

But...IMO, there's no denying that Diane Strom is completely inappropriate in what she says in the segment and follow-up interview on the 3rd anniversary special.

to recap:

1. she says, in regards to Jenny "her life is pretty much over" and "I'm not sure what she's doing could be classified as living." This is going too far. This was no doubt a very traumatic experience, but what Diane says implies that she thinks Jenny may as well die because she has no reason to live.

2. she says "I miss the old Jenny." this gives me the impression that she can't deal with her daughter in her new condition.

3. interrupts her daughter at various points. This gives the impression that she thinks Jenny is not capable of even talking or voicing her feelings on her own accord, which is not the case.

4. says in front of Jenny that she doesn't think her case would ever be solved. This is basically saying to Jenny "give up hope of your assailants ever being captured."

5. says that the UM program did not generate any leads. I highly doubt this. Plus, how would she know that? The tips would have been reported to the police, not to her. This is also means she implied the program was worthless.

Diane has a right to be bitter, but her problem is she is taking it out on her daughter, which is the last person she should take it out on.

[Tap Dancer]

1. she says, in regards to Jenny "her life is pretty much over" and "I'm not sure what she's doing could be classified as living." This is going too far. This was no doubt a very traumatic experience, but what Diane says implies that she thinks Jenny may as well die because she has no reason to live.
I agree with all of the points you made. The one I quoted makes me feel really sad for Jenny. It's not like she's in a coma. "I'm not sure what she's doing could be classified as living." :confused: At least Jenny is alive. She can talk and move and think. I hope Diane is grateful for that.

[Corky Kneivel]

that's some pretty tough talk coming from the same person who holds a personal bias against Tony Lombardi, his mother, his friend, and pretty much anybody associated with him, because you are HELLBENT on the theory that he committed suicide, which seems completely far-fetched IMO.


LOL. Okay.

[Oldschooler81]

For what it's worth, I basically am on the side of thinking Diane Strom was well intentioned (no question she loved her daughter), but her comments and attitude did come across as rude. I would totally agree with her in wanting the punk kids to be caught and be punished for what they did, but I felt she put too much emphasis on the negative aspects; not enough love and understanding towards Jenny.

I had a bigger problem with the way she acted in the Live Telecenter episode 2 years later. Cutting Jenny off midsentence despite her protests as if her opinion wasn't important (you can vaguely hear her go "Mommm"), and even kinda rude towards Stack, politely insulting the show he was hosting as if to say it was meaningless in being able to catch the guys.

I guess what I'm saying is I agree with Diane, just not her way of expressing herself.

Just another thought I had right now - I wonder if the reason some people are skewed in their opinions of how Curtis acted or spoke is because of his past. He certainly wasn't a hardcore criminal, just a surfer dude who probably got in some fights and dealt drugs, just a rebellious youth (that bad boy image probably was what drew Jenny to him in the first place).

The real tragedy is that life inadvertantly led to his girlfriend being attacked (even if it was meant for him). Sure, he had a somewhat shady past, but nothing that you'd think would lead to anything like this happening. I got the impression he was basically a good guy trying to escape his past, and taking steps to turn his life around.

If that guy on Facebook is indeed him (looks alot like him, albeit kinda older) it'd be interesting to hear his thoughts now, or what he's got to say. I hope he's doing well today.

If he had been an innocent, upstanding "guy next door" type of boyfriend (i.e. Rob Schafer) and the same situation happened...I get the feeling people would have more sympathy towards him and focused just on the attackers. That's no small point either, because typically UM would leave out details like that, so as not to paint the victims in a negative light.

[Viper652]

Curtis Croft still looks like a douche bag

[Viper652]

LMAO here is his twitter. http://twitter.com/CURTISCROFT

This dude was 24 years old dating a 16 year old, lol. Douche bag. Plus he was lying saying he was 17. Jennifer Patt was young and didnt know any better. He basically brought this on to her. I hardly see him as a victim.

[Viper652]

And Id LOVE to know the reason those dudes were hard set after Curtis. Would be interesting If Curtis actually did something major to them.

[Oldschooler81]

LMAO here is his twitter. http://twitter.com/CURTISCROFT

This dude was 24 years old dating a 16 year old, lol. Douche bag. Plus he was lying saying he was 17. Jennifer Patt was young and didnt know any better. He basically brought this on to her. I hardly see him as a victim.

LOL, true. I sometimes forget about the age difference. Even if they didn't have sex or anything, they still shouldn't have been dating. Jenny probably was drawn to him because he had a nice car and was a semi bad boy, but they should've stayed away (or at least not been without supervision) until she was 18.

Maybe that fuelled Jenny's mom being so aggravated in general (I hate her attitude, but I can see where she's coming from too). Curtis isn't totally innocent, no question...but I don't think he's a scum either (compare him to Paul Pollis or Mark Nichols). He did screw up but at least his concern seemed genuine.

[wiseguy182]

I hardly see him as a victim.

He was hit in the head with a board and they probably intended to do worse damage to him than they did. Sounds like he's a victim to me.

[DarkDante]

I was on the "forbidden site" this evening and a poster by the name of "mrsurfrat" identified two individuals he believes are behind the attack on Jennifer Pratt and Curtis Croft.

Due to the fact I cannot verify that these individuals were ever suspects on the Pratt case, I won't reprint the names here that are mentioned on the forbidden site (they are still there should you want to look them up) but the poster claims that the individual that threw the board is now deceased having taken his own life.

For what it's worth, I did some research on both the names given by the poster and the individual that the person identifies as the driver of the truck was in fact from the Carlsbad, CA area and would've been around Curtis' age at the time of the attack.

[justins5256]

I was on the "forbidden site" this evening and a poster by the name of "mrsurfrat" identified two individuals he believes are behind the attack on Jennifer Pratt and Curtis Croft.

but the poster claims that the individual that threw the board is now deceased having taken his own life.

Good find, DD. A few years ago, there were rumors that Curtis Croft had committed suicide. I believe these rumors were proven to be false as someone found his FB page and a Twitter account.

I wonder if the suicide rumors about Curtis began because this individual (who is rumored to have thrown the board) actually committed suicide.

Sadly, if the prime suspect is now dead, I don't see much hope for solving the case. On teh other hand, I do recall the detective on the segment saying that they were only interested in prosecuting the person who threw the board at Jenny. Assuming this person is now deceased, it would be good if other people who were in the truck came forward and confirmed.

[Apostapler]

Someone please explain to me how/if a statute of limitations applies in this case. Thanks.

[egswanso]

Someone please explain to me how/if a statute of limitations applies in this case. Thanks.

It would depend on what the perp was charged with.

In California, there is no SOL for any crime punishable by life imprisonment and/or death (Cal. Pen. Code 799).

Attempted murder can be punishable by life imprisonment, if it is an attempt at "willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder." (Cal. Pen. Code 664). What constitutes "willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder" is defined in Cal. Pen. Code 189. Honestly, I think it would be a stretch for a DA to get a conviction in this case using these guidelines, which state as follows:

All murder which is perpetrated by means of a destructive
device or explosive, a weapon of mass destruction, knowing use of
ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or armor, poison,
lying in wait, torture, or by any other kind of willful, deliberate,
and premeditated killing, or which is committed in the perpetration
of, or attempt to perpetrate, arson, rape, carjacking, robbery,
burglary, mayhem, kidnapping, train wrecking, or any act punishable
under Section 206, 286, 288, 288a, or 289, or any murder which is
perpetrated by means of discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle,
intentionally at another person outside of the vehicle with the
intent to inflict death, is murder of the first degree. All other
kinds of murders are of the second degree...

To prove the killing was "deliberate and premeditated," it shall
not be necessary to prove the defendant maturely and meaningfully
reflected upon the gravity of his or her act.

If the perp was charged with anything but attempted 1st degree murder, the SOL appears to be six years (Cal. Pen. Code 800). Obviously, this would have long since expired in the Pratt case.

[TracyLynnS]

I think the facebook link to Curtis Croft's page there is now defunct. I couldn't get it to work.

I went to the twitter page linked, but it's got pretty old info on there. Doesn't look like he's tweeting much. I don't know a darn thing about twitter or how it works. Are all those posts comments from him wanting to talk to women over 18?

I don't understand. It says things like Bike For Sale Women 18 Over Only. Are those ads? His tweets? What is that stuff?

[DarkDante]

Good find, DD. A few years ago, there were rumors that Curtis Croft had committed suicide. I believe these rumors were proven to be false as someone found his FB page and a Twitter account.

I wonder if the suicide rumors about Curtis began because this individual (who is rumored to have thrown the board) actually committed suicide.

Sadly, if the prime suspect is now dead, I don't see much hope for solving the case. On teh other hand, I do recall the detective on the segment saying that they were only interested in prosecuting the person who threw the board at Jenny. Assuming this person is now deceased, it would be good if other people who were in the truck came forward and confirmed.

The thing is I believe that Jenny's family pretty much knew who it was that attacked their daughter however the authorities could never gather together the evidence needed to charge anyone with the crime.

Here is what I believe. I believe that everyone from Jenny's family, (in one of those articles I posted, Jenny's sister mentions that she posted a before & after picture of Jenny on the door of the prime suspect's house) to her friends (Sydney Stanger admits in the UM segment claims she has an idea who attacked Jenny and Curtis) to possibly even Curtis himself suspect who was behind the attack that night.

The problem is because Curtis could never actually identify the individuals in the pickup truck they were never able to make a case against them. So what they would've needed is either an identification from Curtis or a confession from one of the other people in the pickup truck about the events of that night and that has obviously never happened.

[browneyes106]

I was the one who found Curtis' facebook page sometime after that he took off public view. Curtis could have been responsible for the attack or maybe he wasn't. I think this case will never be solved which is sad because Jenny pretty much lost the life she had and is pretty much dependent on others.

[Oldschooler81]

I was the one who found Curtis' facebook page sometime after that he took off public view. Curtis could have been responsible for the attack or maybe he wasn't. I think this case will never be solved which is sad because Jenny pretty much lost the life she had and is pretty much dependent on others.

Unfortunately I didn't get a look at his page. That's a fairly unique name, and I guess it's possible it could be another guy but I'd still assume it's him. Did it potentially look like circa 1989 Curtis on the segment (though of course a bit older now)?

That's interesting that he made it private now (again could be a coincidence) but I wonder if he still gets recognized or harrased about the incident - whether from locals or other UM fans who may still recognize him.

I agree with you though, no matter what involvement he did or didn't have, Jenny is the real victim. I'd love to know how she's doing today, I hope she managed to get her life back on track as much as possible. I know in the telecenter interview 3 years later she said she was getting her HS diploma.

[browneyes106]

Unfortunately I didn't get a look at his page. That's a fairly unique name, and I guess it's possible it could be another guy but I'd still assume it's him. Did it potentially look like circa 1989 Curtis on the segment (though of course a bit older now)?

That's interesting that he made it private now (again could be a coincidence) but I wonder if he still gets recognized or harrased about the incident - whether from locals or other UM fans who may still recognize him.

I agree with you though, no matter what involvement he did or didn't have, Jenny is the real victim. I'd love to know how she's doing today, I hope she managed to get her life back on track as much as possible. I know in the telecenter interview 3 years later she said she was getting her HS diploma.

I was curious if there were any updates on the case. I googled Curtis Croft Encintas, California and a link to his profile came up. He looked a bit older but he still looked younger than his late 30's. Encintas and surfing products were mentioned on things that he likes. I figured it had to have been him. I posted the link on her which now is now dead. crystaldawn said she messaged him on FB to see if he would discuss the case. I think he likely got upset and either took his FB off public search or deleted it.

I agree Jenny was the victim. But we don't how completely effected Curtis was by the incident. I have known people who were like Curtis in their younger days but eventually they change their lives. The incident could have forced Curtis to change or not.

[Oldschooler81]

I was curious if there were any updates on the case. I googled Curtis Croft Encintas, California and a link to his profile came up. He looked a bit older but he still looked younger than his late 30's. Encintas and surfing products were mentioned on things that he likes. I figured it had to have been him. I posted the link on her which now is now dead. crystaldawn said she messaged him on FB to see if he would discuss the case. I think he likely got upset and either took his FB off public search or deleted it.

I agree Jenny was the victim. But we don't how completely effected Curtis was by the incident. I have known people who were like Curtis in their younger days but eventually they change their lives. The incident could have forced Curtis to change or not.

Cool, thanks for the info. :) I'd agree given everything you said, more than likely that is him. I'm thinking his evasiveness could be a two way street. Maybe he had more to do with it than we think and that's why he won't respond; or it could be that he's remorseful and made amends but wants to put this incident behind him (for all I know he may still be getting harrassed, either by police or Jenny's family etc). He might have a family now too.

Yeah I think for the most part he was a nice dude, just a bit of a rebel when he was younger and got into trouble (as lots of people have)... but certainly not incapable of changing. For his sake I hope he did.

[DarkDante]

I have never before seen such a case of revisionist history as I have here with some of these comments on this case. Curtis Croft has gone from being a convicted drug dealer (not just user...dealer) to someone who is portrayed as a sympathic victim in this crime to a "nice dude".

Forgive me for taking what the UM segment says at face value. Croft was a young man who according to the segment made money dealing drugs and spent at least some of his time associating with people who would evidently be sick enough to think nothing of knocking two people off a motorbike with a heavy wooden board.

What really gets me with this case is even after Croft had been convicted on drug charges and had gotten off with a slap on the wrist, he was still apparently associating with and getting in conflicts with shady characters who likely were behind the attack on both himself and Jenny.

So now we have Diane Strom as the overbearing, overprotective mother who is a detriment to her daughter's recovery and Curtis Croft as the "nice dude" who didn't do anything to set this chain of events into motion and was as just much of a victim as Pratt. Maybe they should just make a new version of the UM segment for the Spike/Lifetime re-edits that would correspond with some of the things I've read on this thread.

[wiseguy182]

I have never before seen such a case of revisionist history as I have here with some of these comments on this case. Curtis Croft has gone from being a convicted drug dealer (not just user...dealer) to someone who is portrayed as a sympathic victim in this crime to a "nice dude".

Forgive me for taking what the UM segment says at face value. Croft was a young man who according to the segment made money dealing drugs and spent at least some of his time associating with people who would evidently be sick enough to think nothing of knocking two people off a motorbike with a heavy wooden board.

What really gets me with this case is even after Croft had been convicted on drug charges and had gotten off with a slap on the wrist, he was still apparently associating with and getting in conflicts with shady characters who likely were behind the attack on both himself and Jenny.

So now we have Diane Strom as the overbearing, overprotective mother who is a detriment to her daughter's recovery and Curtis Croft as the "nice dude" who didn't do anything to set this chain of events into motion and was as just much of a victim as Pratt. Maybe they should just make a new version of the UM segment for the Spike/Lifetime re-edits that would correspond with some of the things I've read on this thread.

So what you're saying Dante, is that the viewers are supposed to have a positive impression of Diane Strom and a negative impression of Curtis Croft. Uh, last time I checked, I was free to feel however I want about a particular case.

I won't rehash Diane Strom because everything that can be said has already been said. Is she the most horrible person in the world? Certainly not. But her uncensored tongue betlittled Jenny and the program and she just needs to learn not to act hasty and think twice before she speaks.

Did Curtis make mistakes? Of course, I admitted that several times. But, unlike many other crimials who continue on a path of crime, Curtis has worked hard to start a new path. I was standing up for Curtis because some people were blaming him for the accident. Curtis didn't swing the board. And he certainly didn't ask for that to happen. He was probably the target and suffered injuries as well.

In summary, all that I and others said was that Diane said some inappropriate things and Curtis wasn't quite the monster people were making him out to be. Nobody should have a problem with that.

[DarkDante]

So what you're saying Dante, is that the viewers are supposed to have a positive impression of Diane Strom and a negative impression of Curtis Croft. Uh, last time I checked, I was free to feel however I want about a particular case.

I won't rehash Diane Strom because everything that can be said has already been said. Is she the most horrible person in the world? Certainly not. But her uncensored tongue betlittled Jenny and the program and she just needs to learn not to act hasty and think twice before she speaks.

Did Curtis make mistakes? Of course, I admitted that several times. But, unlike many other crimials who continue on a path of crime, Curtis has worked hard to start a new path. I was standing up for Curtis because some people were blaming him for the accident. Curtis didn't swing the board. And he certainly didn't ask for that to happen. He was probably the target and suffered injuries as well.

In summary, all that I and others said was that Diane said some inappropriate things and Curtis wasn't quite the monster people were making him out to be. Nobody should have a problem with that.

Well I do have a problem with some of the things said in this thread. I just think it's revisionist history that's all. You have the right to feel as you wish and I'll admit that Diane Strom may need some sensitivity training but I feel as if some of the sentiments expressed by members of this forum in this thread have gone a little bit above and beyond for my taste.

I'm not going rehash things either but I feel when you're involved in events that cause either someone's death or in Jenny's case a significant loss of quality of life, well that is something I have an issue with and I wouldn't have made a big deal of it if I didn't. There are people who unlike Curtis or if you want another example Ben Markowitz who never were involved in activities that were illegal and yet have to deal with their own burdens due to the choices they made which in turn affected other people. I don't see why in this case Curtis should be any different. Feeling remorse, working hard to start a new path, having success in life while all good doesn't exactly fix the lamp.

[wiseguy182]

Well I do have a problem with some of the things said in this thread. I just think it's revisionist history that's all. You have the right to feel as you wish and I'll admit that Diane Strom may need some sensitivity training but I feel as if some of the sentiments expressed by members of this forum in this thread have gone a little bit above and beyond for my taste.

I'm not going rehash things either but I feel when you're involved in events that cause either someone's death or in Jenny's case a significant loss of quality of life, well that is something I have an issue with and I wouldn't have made a big deal of it if I didn't. There are people who unlike Curtis or if you want another example Ben Markowitz who never were involved in activities that were illegal and yet have to deal with their own burdens due to the choices they made which in turn affected other people. I don't see why in this case Curtis should be any different. Feeling remorse, working hard to start a new path, having success in life while all good doesn't exactly fix the lamp.

well if you have problems with some of the things said in this thread, what are they? I stand by my statements. Not revisionist history at all. I was the first one to talk about Diane's inappropriate statements, then others did as well. Those people probably felt the same way all along, but perhaps didn't want to mention it. It happens all the time. Unfortunately, conformity is a huge problem in our society, and it's why people are afraid to express opinions that might differ from the norm.

And as much as I sympathize with Jenny's plight, I'm going to be brutally honest here: Yes, Curtis did associate with some wrong people in his life. But if he is the creep you make him out to be, consider this: Jenny pursued him. Her parents instructed her several times, including the night of the accident, not to go out with him, and she did anyways. Using your arguments, Dante, Jenny did the same thing as Curtis, associate with questionable people. I don't want to be mistaken here, I'm not saying Jenny asked for it or deserved it or anything like that. But Jenny, associating with someone who was much older than her (she was still a minor) and had a shady past, probably wasn't the wisest of decisions.

[DarkDante]

well if you have problems with some of the things said in this thread, what are they? I stand by my statements. Not revisionist history at all. I was the first one to talk about Diane's inappropriate statements, then others did as well. Those people probably felt the same way all along, but perhaps didn't want to mention it. It happens all the time. Unfortunately, conformity is a huge problem in our society, and it's why people are afraid to express opinions that might differ from the norm.

And as much as I sympathize with Jenny's plight, I'm going to be brutally honest here: Yes, Curtis did associate with some wrong people in his life. But if he is the creep you make him out to be, consider this: Jenny pursued him. Her parents instructed her several times, including the night of the accident, not to go out with him, and she did anyways. Using your arguments, Dante, Jenny did the same thing as Curtis, associate with questionable people. I don't want to be mistaken here, I'm not saying Jenny asked for it or deserved it or anything like that. But Jenny, associating with someone who was much older than her (she was still a minor) and had a shady past, probably wasn't the wisest of decisions.

I think I already mentioned what my issues were with some of the statements on this case in my first posting. I think there is a great deal of revisionist history going on in terms of both Diane Strom and Curtis Croft which stretches the facts beyond how they are presented in the segment.

I just re-watched this segment (and the live from the telecenter interview) again for what might be the hundredth time and I still see nothing outrageously wrong with Diane's behavior. The only thing you can say against her is she could've been a bit more upbeat and positive about the status of the case while Jenny was in the room. But I don't think that is in any way an indictment of her. Actually the one thing I found consistent about Diane was her outrage not at UM or the authorities but at members of her own community for not stepping forward and identifying Jenny's attackers. For years I thought this was just frustration on her part not being able to find out who harmed her child, but now I learn all these years later that Diane and Gary Strom both basically knew whom the parties were in the pickup truck on that evening and both they and the authorities were being stonewalled by members of the community in which they lived in. So in that regard I feel Diane's behavior is completely acceptable due to the circumstances.

As far as Curtis Croft goes...I have nothing more to add what I originally said he's gone from being a convicted drug dealer...to a sympathetic victims...to a basically "nice dude". That is quite leap for me to make.

You do make some very valid points about Jenny and it's something that hasn't escaped my notice in my viewing/reading about this case. Jenny made the decision to become involved with Curtis. We don't know if he pursued her or it was the other way around, the feeling I always got from the case about their relationship was that Jenny was deeply infatuated with Curtis to the point where she probably would've believed anything he said.

She was warned by both her parents and her friends that this guy was "bad news" but continued to go out with him. According to her stepfather, Jenny knew that people were after Curtis for "something" and being that both of her parents knew that Curtis was involved with drugs, I assume Jenny was aware of that fact as well and yet she continued to go out with him. Maybe she believed that he had turned over a new leaf I don't know. Jenny has always struck me (from the way she is described in the segment and by her friends) as someone who would have the tendency to get caught up in fantasy. Her aspirations in life according to the segment was to become a model and I believe Sydney Stanger mentioned in one of those articles that Jenny once told her that "she didn't need anyone else in her life now that she had Curtis". It was almost if she believed that Curtis due to his money and what Stack terms a "glamorous facade" could whisk her away from all her problems and that just isn't very realistic.

I guess a line could be drawn between Jenny and her naivety and her involvement with Curtis but I actually believe that Curtis cared for Jenny and that Jenny was as the segment stated "deeply in love with Curtis". Maybe if if that incident never happened maybe they would've lived happily ever after I don't know. But I think the most telling comment I've ever heard about this entire situation was in that article where one of Jenny's friends was quoted as saying "Their relationship was like a fairy tale. It was like make-believe" and that probably is what was it was in some sense.

From reading that article and listening to everyone from Curtis to Jenny's friends to Jenny's parents it seemed that at the time of the accident everyone else was grounded in reality while Jenny was floating up in the clouds somewhere.

[Oldschooler81]

Hey DarkDante - first of all, let me say I lurked for about a year before I even joined and I really enjoy your posts and opinions. Sorry if I unintentionally opened up a can of worms here, that wasn't the intent. :)

In many respects I agree with you and see what you're saying. Oh Curtis was by no means perfect when he was young, I'm not defending him being involved with drugs enough to make enemies willing to hurt him. There's no question that had it not been for his lifestyle (even by '87 it seemed like he was trying to clean up, but he couldn't escape his past) Jenny would never have been harmed. In that respect it's easy to be angry at Curtis and there's times I feel the same way too, even if the attack was intended for him.

However I'm pretty sure all Wiseguy is saying (and I agree with him) is that while he made mistakes, he is by no means a sociopathic, heartless criminal the way countless others on UM have been. I honestly do believe he's for the most part a good person who did some bad THINGS in his past, but feels remorse and seemed like he was turning his life around by the late 80s. The police had their heart in the right place, but I don't think intimidating him was a way to help things, especially if Curtis had been threatened.

I also see both sides of the Diane Storm issue. On the basic issue her anger and frustration was completely justified, especially when it comes to the punk kids in the truck who actually did it and the fact no one would turn them in (I'm sure I'd feel the same in her shoes). However I think where she crosses the line, maybe even unintentionally, was being negative towards Jenny's outcome and even cutting her off. What rubbed me the wrong way in addition was her being kinda snippity towards Stack on the air. As if she was saying his show was worthless.

Again I completely sympathize with her on the idea that Jen's life would never be "the same" again, just because of a senseless tragic attack by some idiots looking for revenge on her then boyfriend... but she could've been a little more polite and sympathetic. Basically it's not her opinion her feelings I take issue with, but her way of expressing it.

I can't get inside the 16 year old Jenny of 1987's head, but I'm guessing she thought he was a cool older guy with a nice car and a bad boy attitude. She probably prefferred hanging with him (even if it was dangerous) just because of her well meaning but perhaps overbearing, overprotective mom.

Was she old enough to at least know basic right from wrong? Definitely. Should she have been having a relationship and sneaking off with an older, adult boyfriend? Of course not. But we shouldn't be throwing stones her way either. What she did iss no different than the kind of rebelling lots of kids do (especially girls), in fact some have done WAY more than that.

[DarkDante]

Hey DarkDante - first of all, let me say I lurked for about a year before I even joined and I really enjoy your posts and opinions. Sorry if I unintentionally opened up a can of worms here, that wasn't the intent. :)

In many respects I agree with you and see what you're saying. Oh Curtis was by no means perfect when he was young, I'm not defending him being involved with drugs enough to make enemies willing to hurt him. There's no question that had it not been for his lifestyle (even by '87 it seemed like he was trying to clean up, but he couldn't escape his past) Jenny would never have been harmed. In that respect it's easy to be angry at Curtis and there's times I feel the same way too, even if the attack was intended for him.

However I'm pretty sure all Wiseguy is saying (and I agree with him) is that while he made mistakes, he is by no means a sociopathic, heartless criminal the way countless others on UM have been. I honestly do believe he's for the most part a good person who did some bad THINGS in his past, but feels remorse and seemed like he was turning his life around by the late 80s. The police had their heart in the right place, but I don't think intimidating him was a way to help things, especially if Curtis had been threatened.

I also see both sides of the Diane Storm issue. On the basic issue her anger and frustration was completely justified, especially when it comes to the punk kids in the truck who actually did it and the fact no one would turn them in (I'm sure I'd feel the same in her shoes). However I think where she crosses the line, maybe even unintentionally, was being negative towards Jenny's outcome and even cutting her off. What rubbed me the wrong way in addition was her being kinda snippity towards Stack on the air. As if she was saying his show was worthless.

Again I completely sympathize with her on the idea that Jen's life would never be "the same" again, just because of a senseless tragic attack by some idiots looking for revenge on her then boyfriend... but she could've been a little more polite and sympathetic. Basically it's not her opinion her feelings I take issue with, but her way of expressing it.

I can't get inside the 16 year old Jenny of 1987's head, but I'm guessing she thought he was a cool older guy with a nice car and a bad boy attitude. She probably prefferred hanging with him (even if it was dangerous) just because of her well meaning but perhaps overbearing, overprotective mom.

Was she old enough to at least know basic right from wrong? Definitely. Should she have been having a relationship and sneaking off with an older, adult boyfriend? Of course not. But we shouldn't be throwing stones her way either. What she did iss no different than the kind of rebelling lots of kids do (especially girls), in fact some have done WAY more than that.

Nobody is saying Curtis is a sociopathic, heartless criminal. But on the same token you don't have to be a sociopathic, heartless criminal to be involved in this kind of situation. The police were wrong to go after Curtis in the way that they did for the simple reason that it lead them nowhere. They thought they they could bully Croft into telling them who hit him with the board but I've always believed (as I do now) that Curtis would not be able to identify in a court of law who attacked him and Jenny on that evening. He may have his suspicions but a positive identification would probably be near impossible due to the nature of the accident.

The point I'm trying to get across (and this will be the last time I'm going to do it because I don't want to keep rehashing it) is that with a tragic incident like this you could be a generally good person before and after it happens. You can turn your life around and do positive things but it doesn't fix the lamp. Curtis' life, the lives of Jenny's friends, the lives of the heartless bastards in that pickup truck went on after that night. Jenny's life for all intents and purposes didn't. That's all I need to know on this case, call me close minded but I can't see past that.

As far as Diane Strom goes, I never thought her "job" or "role" on the show was to promote the UM brand on air. Contrary to what some people have said in this and other threads she never directly slammed the program on-air she just basically told the truth that she felt the case would never be solved due to the fact that the community which they lived in were protecting the guilty and to my knowledge that is basically the truth as to the disposition of the community after the incident.

[Oldschooler81]

^ I can't argue with that. I respect your opinion and you make some good points, and again I'm sorry if I steered this thread into a bad direction with my comment about Curtis. Chances are not all of us will 100% see eye to eye about him, but I'll just say he's not a horrible guy but made some mistakes that indirectly contributed to Jenny's accident. I'm sure we all can agree on that. :)

Yeah I think that's what upsets me in cases like this, you are 100% right about the unfairness of it all. That the punks in the truck got to live their lives without consequence to this day (as far as we know), while Jenny has to suffer the rest of her life needlessly. I hope she has improved now, but it'll never be the same again.

My minor beef with Diane Storm isn't her opinion or feelings (which I do sympathize and agree with), it's her attitude. In all fairness I'm guessing she was just frustrated and emotionally drained with paying for her medical and emotional care...and didn't realize how she came across in that moment. Indeed we've all acted a certain way or made mistakes we look back on (even the next day) and think "Man why did I do that?"

I'm not saying she had to be a UM fangirl or something lol. However I believe she would've come across much more sincere, respectful and polite if she had said something more along the lines of, "Well it's been 3 years by this point and I'd figured it would've been solved by now. I'm disappointed these kids have gotten away with what they did, but your show is excellent and I'm hopeful about it possibly providing any new leads. I love Jenny and I thank you for your concern about her." Robert Stack wished her well on air and seemed to genuinely care, Jenny needed all the love and positivity she could get.

See what I mean? That would be much better than (*huffy voice*) "I feel exactly the opposite. I think it's been too long a time!" right after her husband had been so encouraging...and he wasn't even Jenny's biological dad!

[wiseguy182]

Dark, I'll have to disagree that Diane didn't say much that was inappropriate.

I'm going to provide various statements by Diane, then analyze each one.

1. "I'm not sure what Jenny is doing could be classified as living."

analysis: Diane is basically saying "my daughter is dead, she has no life, no future." I just hope Jenny did not catch wind of this.

2. with Jenny present, Robert Stack asks Diane "do you feel the case will ever be solved?" and Diane responds "no".

Analysis: This is Diane basically telling Jenny "give up hope of your attackers who left you in this state of ever being caught because there's no way on God's green Earth they will ever get punished for it." This is particulary troublesome since the case was more or less being rebroadcast at the time, and theoretically, there may have very well been new leads phoned in by viewers. Granted, the case was still unsolved, but Diane has no way of knowing if the case will ever be solved.

3. "I miss the old Jenny".

Analysis: This is Diane basically saying "I can't cope with my daugher in her current state, I don't like this new Jenny, please bring back the old one."

4. Diane's constant interruption of her daughter.

Analysis: This is Diane basically saying to Jenny "you are incapable of producing even the simplest of sentences, I must do all of your talking for you, you can't perform the most basic of tasks"

And of course it's not Diane's job to promoted the UM brand, nobody featured on the show has that responsibilty. But she shouldn't sit there and knock it either.

So what does all of this mean? Well, Diane has a right to be angry about the events that transpired. However, Diane's anger is taken out in the wrong direction (Jenny and UM) and she should focus her anger on the guilty parties.

As far as Curtis Croft goes, well, alot of people could be blamed for what happened. Jenny could be blamed for not wearing a helmet and going out with questionable company that her parents forbidden to. Jenny's parents could be blamed for not taking stricter measures to prevent Jenny from seeing Curtis. We could blame the state of California for not having a law at the time requiring helmet use while on a motorcycle. We could blame alot of people, but it won't do any good or be the least bit beneficial. The reality is that none of this would have happened had the jerks in the truck not acted totally reprehensible that night.

And I'll have to disagree with you about how people shouldn't have fear of these people because they were more stupid and not so much dangerous. Huh? So in one case, you blame Curtis for associating with these people who go around bashing somebody in the head with a board, but on the other hand, you say these people shouldn't be feared because they were just stupid and not dangerous. As Jesse Ventura once said "that don't make no sense." Anybody that put Jenny in the state the she is (she could have died) is somebody I would most certainly fear. If they almost kill somebody, they're not too far away from acutally killing somebody.

Now I don't believe Diane is the most horrible person that ever lived and I don't believe Curtis is the greatest person that ever lived. But when Curtis gets blamed for the accident moreso than the perpetrators, that's where I feel it crosses the line. And Diane basically telling us that "her daughter is pretty much dead and she's incapable of even the most basic of tasks and we should all give up hope" well, that is just too doom and gloom for me.

[DarkDante]

So what does all of this mean? Well, Diane has a right to be angry about the events that transpired. However, Diane's anger is taken out in the wrong direction (Jenny and UM) and she should focus her anger on the guilty parties.


And I think she basically did. Her comments about "some fool" in the original segment displayed anger towards the person who threw the board and she also took out anger on those who were covering up for him. I read your comments but still I basically don't see anything that really sticks out to me as inappropriate.

As far as the fear aspect: My original post (which started this thread) dates back to when I had very limited information on the case (I don't think I even had the segment on videotape when I wrote that and was probably going from memory). In fact if you remember correctly during the original segment one of the investigators claimed it was a bunch of juveniles who attacked Curtis and Jenny. I may have also been under the impression at the time I made the original posting that Curtis and Jenny were around the same age when in reality he was much older. I believe (and again I'm trying to think back five years now) at one point I thought that Jenny was attacked by people who went to her school.

Obviously we know now that likely isn't true and the attackers of Jenny and Curtis that night were more Curtis' contemporaries than Jenny's. Therefore given their history I now feel much differently than I did about them five years ago.

PS: I just re-read an article on the case...Again I knew I wasn't making this up in my head but it seems like for awhile investigators actually thought it was a younger set of kids (more in line with Jenny's age) that attacked Jenny and Curtis. There is a line in one of those articles that says: "These are little punks who have money, who can go out and buy drugs, who aren't supervised by their parents, whose parents could care less about them. All these kids are 16 or 17 going on 30." Sounds like a younger set to me.

[wiseguy182]

Perhaps the most telling thing is the follow-up interview on the 3rd anniversary special. After Diane gives one of her trademark blunt answers, Jenny says "Mother!". That really says it all right there. Diane needed to act sensitive and reassuring to Jenny, and instead she was cold and depressing.

[peachysquirt21]

I think some here are over analyzing way too much in what Jenny's mother has said.

[wiseguy182]

I think some here are over analyzing way too much in what Jenny's mother has said.

nope.

[Oldschooler81]

Perhaps the most telling thing is the follow-up interview on the 3rd anniversary special. After Diane gives one of her trademark blunt answers, Jenny says "Mother!". That really says it all right there. Diane needed to act sensitive and reassuring to Jenny, and instead she was cold and depressing.

Well said wiseguy. :)

That's a good point I noticed too. You have to figure if people are typically on their best behavior in public, especially interviewed for a serious show on national tv, chances are she was even more (unintentionally) belittling at home, treating her like a 3-year old. I understand Jenny's mental state wasn't what it once was and how that might be saddening, but she should've loved her the way she was and done a better job showing it.

I can completely agree and sympathize with her on the issue of wanting the punks caught, and being upset that Jen was assaulted in the first place. It's just that she should've been more kindhearted and uplifting. I got the impression Stack even thought she was a little rude, but obviously didn't call her on it.

[Karl Jade]

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001245317518

Who's going to volunteer to ask the question?

[crystaldawn]

I actually sent him a FB message a few months back. Was very brief and said I was the moderator of a UM board and Jennifer's case came up a lot. If he had replied I would have gave him the url of the board but surprisingly he never answered..:lol:

[CounselorSquared]

Anyone else find it rather odd that Curtis Croft lists the book "Sometimes a Little Brain Damage Can Help" (George Carlin) under his favorites books section on Facebook? I am truly not trying to be funny or insensitive by pointing this out, it just seemed odd to me.

This case was so sad on so many levels. This young girl's life was taken away from her. Her dreams for herself, her mother's dreams for her were destroyed. I cannot even imagine. Today, Jennifer is 39 years old. I really wish someone could find out how she's doing today. I would like to know.

[WishfulDreamer]

I thought Jenny had improved enormously from the time between her first and second interview. That gives me hope that after all this time she had improved even more so. She clearly wasn't back to her old self, but was speaking very coherently. I really hope she is living a happy life.

I think it's disgusting the people were never caught. That interview with one of the students upset me a lot; I know I would be considered a "rat" or "tattler" but if I found out who it was and had been at that school, I would have given the information. And if I was afraid, I would have done so anonymously. Especially after all these years, someone should have told.

[browneyes106]

Cool, thanks for the info. :) I'd agree given everything you said, more than likely that is him. I'm thinking his evasiveness could be a two way street. Maybe he had more to do with it than we think and that's why he won't respond; or it could be that he's remorseful and made amends but wants to put this incident behind him (for all I know he may still be getting harrassed, either by police or Jenny's family etc). He might have a family now too.

Yeah I think for the most part he was a nice dude, just a bit of a rebel when he was younger and got into trouble (as lots of people have)... but certainly not incapable of changing. For his sake I hope he did.

I agree there could be two reasons Curtis didn't respond. If he has made amends he has the right to put the incident behind him especially if he has family. I agree I always thought Curtis was ok person and I do think he might have changed. I have done google search and news searches and nothing since Jenny's attack or his drug charges have came up.

[DarkDante]

I thought Jenny had improved enormously from the time between her first and second interview. That gives me hope that after all this time she had improved even more so. She clearly wasn't back to her old self, but was speaking very coherently. I really hope she is living a happy life.

I think it's disgusting the people were never caught. That interview with one of the students upset me a lot; I know I would be considered a "rat" or "tattler" but if I found out who it was and had been at that school, I would have given the information. And if I was afraid, I would have done so anonymously. Especially after all these years, someone should have told.

I wouldn't be surprised if in their own way someone did tell Jenny's parents who threw the board and her and Curtis. I posted a newspaper article awhile back on the case which detailed Jenny's sister going to the house of the alleged attacker and posting before and after type photos of Jenny on his door. This gives me reason to believe that at the very least Jenny's parents had strong suspicions who was behind the attacks. What they needed however was proof to back up their suspicions.

I'm just going to hazard a guess here but I believe the purpose behind the UM segment was to entice someone with first-hand knowledge of the attacks to come forward. Someone who was either in the truck that night or had some type of hard evidence to implicate the individuals in the truck that night in the crime. The problem seemed to be that Jennifer's family was getting a lot of hearsay about the crime but nothing to back up any of this talk.

Combined with Curtis being unable to positively identify the individuals in the truck is the reason why this case was never resolved. No witnesses and nobody with first-hand knowledge of the events surrounding the crime coming forward.

[The Slider]

Someone mentioned in numerous places that a man by the name of Timm Stollar may have been driving the truck involved in the attack.

Searching facebook, I found the only Timm Stollar there:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Timm-Stollar/100000310636321

Not sure if that is the same guy in question, but if it is, he is quite a scary looking character, if I do say so...

[Airganda]

OK, time to update my thoughts, The Slider, Yes that is Timm Stollar, he was the one driving the pick up truck, and Jimmy Clark was the one who I believe threw the board that hit Jenny in the head. This is only my own speculation and is not confirmed but i Knew both Jenny and Curtis and still know Curtis, No one ever came forward that was in the truck with them that night, i know if i had evidence at the time Jimmy would of been charged, But unfortunately this case will remain unsolved 4 ever, Jimmy Clark committed suicide and i believe the guilt of this was assault was the main reason. Jimmy's mother never released the suicide note and the Police were not aware he left one. She got it before anyone knew, and kept whatt he wrote a secret. I really believe that Jenny Pratt's name was on that Note. Sad but true, Any other questions just write me or post up, i will keep checking back here. Thanks MrSurfrat

[Battlecam]

If anyone is interested...

Croft has surfaced on the internet on a live webcam website called Battlecam under the name Croftman.


I can't find a link to the archive but when he originally appeared on Battlecam he had two garbage bags full of Marijuana on his shoulders and was bragging about various things to do with drugs, guns and his life. He has videos online of him acting like a tool.

[aggea]

Combined with Curtis being unable to positively identify the individuals in the truck is the reason why this case was never resolved. No witnesses and nobody with first-hand knowledge of the events surrounding the crime coming forward.

Some interesting things happening right now. Curtis Croft was indeed broadcasting via webcam. He has said that UM didn't show exactly what he said and he also said that he didn't see anything until it was too late.

Also, He said has spoken to Jenny a few times since the accident, and she is indeed fine. In fact, she is married and has children.

[DazzlerSparkler]

Why was somebody mad at me. What did I do to hurt them?

She said that in the interview right? Good that she's well, she even has kids!

[crystaldawn]

Maybe its just me but I have a hard time believing anything Curtis Croft would have to say about Jennifer or the UM segment. Seems he would want to make himself look as good as possible in that regard.

I'm glad some of you that know the people involved are posting. Does anyone know for sure how Jennifer is these days and if she is married and had children. I would love an update on how she's progressed.

[everybodylovesrs]

Maybe its just me but I have a hard time believing anything Curtis Croft would have to say about Jennifer or the UM segment. Seems he would want to make himself look as good as possible in that regard.

I'm glad some of you that know the people involved are posting. Does anyone know for sure how Jennifer is these days and if she is married and had children. I would love an update on how she's progressed.

I went to that chatroom and he said it again that she is married and has kids. He didn't say anything more, I asked him if he felt any remorse for being responsible by doing drugs and stuff, and I got banned.

[crystaldawn]

I went to that chatroom and he said it again that she is married and has kids. He didn't say anything more, I asked him if he felt any remorse for being responsible by doing drugs and stuff, and I got banned.

Wow how ridiculous to ban you just for that! Curtis must be the moderator, lol. Thanks for asking though.

I hope she is married with kids and he very well may have heard that about her through mutual friends, I just have a hard time believing he is in contact with her.

[jtvnews]

Croft's supposed long time friend "Surfrat" claims that Croft's father was the Chief of Police in Pasadena at the time which might explain why this is a cold case. Exposing the perpetrators might have been a further embarrassment for the family especially when the truth of why they did what they did would have come to light. It wasn't about stolen items from an apartment, that's for damn sure.

[jtvnews]

Also, if you didn't know this, Croft is living it up over on BattleCam.com shooting automatic weapons, fishing, dating internet chicks and smoking weed that he keeps in huge totes in his house. You can search the archives there and watch for yourself. A real class guy.

[Battlecam]

You people really need to see these videos of Croft.

http://manginainc.blogspot.com/2011/02/straight-dope-on-croftman.html

[JackKerouac1989]

You people really need to see these videos of Croft.

http://manginainc.blogspot.com/2011/02/straight-dope-on-croftman.html

Wow!
What little sympathy anyone may had for Croft must surely have evaporated by now.
In that last clip on the page Croft films himself with a bag of weed on his shoulder bragging about how he gets laid all the time with alot of girls.
This guy must be pushing 50 by now and it is beyond pathetic that he is still behaving like he is in high school.
Who knows, Croft may be a candidate for UM's biggest loser :lol:

[browneyes106]

I viewed some one video and I agree Croft is pretty immature. Did UM ever mention his dad being in law enforcement?

[browneyes106]

I'm also wondering if there is truth to Curtis' claims of Jenny being married and having kids. Not to sound insenstive but I sort of have a hard time believing that because in the UM segment, her mind seemed to be of a 8 year old.

[MegtheEgg86]

...bragging about how he gets laid all the time with alot of girls.

puke:

[JackKerouac1989]

Croft is both inmature and stupid.
What kind of a moron with previous drug convictions films himself with a bag of weed on his shoulders bragging about things and posts it on the internet?
I hope the DEA pays a visit to the Croft residence soon (The Croft residence for him is most likely his mother's basement).

[crystaldawn]

Whoever has been posting offensive pictures and numerous links to websites of Curtis Croft please stop. It isn't necessary or wanted on this forum. This board is for discussing topics relating to UM and whatever websites Curtis Croft is on currently don't really apply.

[The Slider]

I'm also wondering if there is truth to Curtis' claims of Jenny being married and having kids. Not to sound insenstive but I sort of have a hard time believing that because in the UM segment, her mind seemed to be of a 8 year old.

But that segment is over 20 years old! I think it was from around '89. She could have improved immensely since then.

[TheCars1986]

Glad to see ole Curt grew in the tool he was born to be. Good news about Jennifer though, if she is indeed married with kids.

[meddy]

Wow, Croft is as pathetic as ever, still pretending he's a teenager. Fitting.

[Orange_Sody_84]

Awe... Jenny seems like such a sweetheart. :/ Stack was a class act interviewing her candidly in the segment. seems like a real friendly guy off script. I can't believe this case is still unsolved!! pathetic. I hope Jenny is doing well.

It's unfortunate that Mr. Croft is acting the way he is. but hating the man won't bring any closure to this case. I hope someday someone has the guts to step up

[termite]

Taken from Facebook: Melissa Lisa Pratt I just added pics of Jenny Pratt. I know you all wonder how she is...its been a long hard road. She isn't the SAME Jenny, but she is our different Jenny. She still is a sweet, beautiful women. She is in a home now. She needs to be with... people like her, and not her parents, who are ill and getting up in their age. It was a heart breaking decision, but as a family we all decide...d it was the best for her. She has a job and friends, and is adjusting well. Brian and I get her when we can..and always enjoy her company. Do we miss the old Jenny? Of course, do we love the Jenny we know now...welll, we have known her longer...she has been this Jenny for more than half her life. So...once again..I would love to share so much more of Jenny on this site...she really is worth knowing. She keeps us making sure we live our lives like it was the last. You are just blessed by knowing her. But....please keep your comments positive. Like I posted earlier...lots of families were hurt by this , no need to point fingers. We just would love for people that knew her to say nice things, let her know she is remembered and that she is loved. :)

[crystaldawn]

Taken from Facebook: Melissa Lisa Pratt I just added pics of Jenny Pratt. I know you all wonder how she is...its been a long hard road. She isn't the SAME Jenny, but she is our different Jenny. She still is a sweet, beautiful women. She is in a home now. She needs to be with... people like her, and not her parents, who are ill and getting up in their age. It was a heart breaking decision, but as a family we all decide...d it was the best for her. She has a job and friends, and is adjusting well. Brian and I get her when we can..and always enjoy her company. Do we miss the old Jenny? Of course, do we love the Jenny we know now...welll, we have known her longer...she has been this Jenny for more than half her life. So...once again..I would love to share so much more of Jenny on this site...she really is worth knowing. She keeps us making sure we live our lives like it was the last. You are just blessed by knowing her. But....please keep your comments positive. Like I posted earlier...lots of families were hurt by this , no need to point fingers. We just would love for people that knew her to say nice things, let her know she is remembered and that she is loved. :)

Thanks for posting that. I read a few more things about Jenny on her wall (its visible to anyone) that was pretty sad. Well I am glad Jenny seems to be very loved and have a loving family, its still sad that she is a completely changed person because of her attack and has so many limitations. Even so I'm sure she wouldn't have gotten this far without the support of her loving family so that in itself is a good thing.

[Apostapler]

I'm having trouble finding her on fb...

[crystaldawn]

I'm having trouble finding her on fb...

I just searched Melissa Lisa Pratt and found her. I believe Jenny also has one but it was set to private. She did have a picture of her as an avatar though and she looked good.

[Apostapler]

Got it. Thanks!

[xxxxmattxxxx69]

So Curtis Croft didn't commit suicide? Dead or alive, he's still an *******

[justins5256]

Do I have to be logged in to my own FB to find it? I tried Googling "Melissa Lisa Pratt" but I keep finding someone else who I'm pretty sure is the wrong person (Coach).

I really want to see how Jenny is doing. So, if someone could explain it, I would appreciate it.

[crystaldawn]

Do I have to be logged in to my own FB to find it? I tried Googling "Melissa Lisa Pratt" but I keep finding someone else who I'm pretty sure is the wrong person (Coach).

I really want to see how Jenny is doing. So, if someone could explain it, I would appreciate it.

I did a search while I was logged in to FB. It found two with that name and its the one that doesn't have coach before her name (a pic of a man and a woman in the avatar).

[everybodylovesrs]

Sad news, but not shocking.

[Mikefairbanks]

Hi folks. This is my first post.

1. Jenny Pratt is alive and lives in a group home. She visits her sister occasionally. She is mentally deficient, if that's the right term. I know and have heard nothing about whether she has kids or not, but I seriously doubt it. Jenny Pratt isn't an unusual name, so there are lots of Jenny Pratts out there with kids. I don't think this Jenny Pratt has any kids. She can carry on a conversation, but pretty much thinks like a small child. She is very healthy, but her damage was permanent.

2. I grew up in Encinitas and have been at that intersection thousands of times.

3. The case baffled all of us, because the name of the guy who threw the board was passed around constantly, but he is dead now from suicide. We heard over and over that ______________ threw the board, but for some reason the guys kept very tight-lipped about it. This shocked me the most, because I was amazed that a group of guys who were such rats would actually stick together. They were a dumb bunch of poser thugs and called themselves the 502 Crew (502 being the California Code for DUI). Just an obnoxious bunch who loved to fight, do drugs, etc. They were out of control. That particular time saw San Diego awash in cocaine. It was everywhere and a lot of people were selling it. There wasn't a lot of violence then, but occasionally it happened. These guys were as much preppies as they were wannabe gangsters. They dressed like dorks.

4. The case is over as far as those involved are concerned. The only thing that can happen that would help ease minds would be if the guys in the truck came forth and admitted it. I think that will happen in 2013 when the statute of limitations runs out. Then they will be free of potential prosecution. They will be able to go online and describe what happened, but when they do, everyone who grew up there will think, "I guess it really was that guy." He's no longer there.

5. Jenny pratt's family wants to be left alone about the case. They know the truth, and have stated that they refuse to give his name any time or recognition by stating it.

6. What I think happened was that Croft and Jenny were riding the motorcycle, and the dorks in the truck just happened to see them pass by and followed at a distance. They probably didn't intend to kill anyone, but wanted to knock the crap out of Croft. So one of them swung the board, and the rest is history. Back in '88 it was still a relatively small town, and if you cruised the town for an hour or two you'd pretty much recognize most of the people driving around. Most of us knew each other and would race in the streets, chase each other, throw something at another car, etc. The guys in the truck were probably drunk (and more) and just did something rash to a guy they thought was a jerk, and the whole thing grew bigger than anyone ever expected. If it was, as many speculate, "revenge for a bad drug deal," then it wasn't intent to kill. Our town wasn't like that. There were a lot of jerks, but no real gangs or anything (just a bunch of posers like the 502 Crew).

IMPORTANT: The family likes hearing from Jenny's old friends, but not strangers. Leave them alone. It's over.


It's not important for us to satisfy our own need for justice in the case if that family doesn't want your attention.


In Encinitas the mystery was never a true mystery. Most people knew who did it. The frustration was that nobody turned him in. But they all knew. My wife went to school with Jenny and was the same age. I was three years older.


It's no longer an UM. It's just a case in which justice came late (in the form of suicide by the perpetrator).

I hope that helped. That's why I signed up for this forum. I probably won't be back too often.

[DarkDante]

Hi folks. This is my first post.

1. Jenny Pratt is alive and lives in a group home. She visits her sister occasionally. She is mentally deficient, if that's the right term. I know and have heard nothing about whether she has kids or not, but I seriously doubt it. Jenny Pratt isn't an unusual name, so there are lots of Jenny Pratts out there with kids. I don't think this Jenny Pratt has any kids. She can carry on a conversation, but pretty much thinks like a small child. She is very healthy, but her damage was permanent.

2. I grew up in Encinitas and have been at that intersection thousands of times.

3. The case baffled all of us, because the name of the guy who threw the board was passed around constantly, but he is dead now from suicide. We heard over and over that ______________ threw the board, but for some reason the guys kept very tight-lipped about it. This shocked me the most, because I was amazed that a group of guys who were such rats would actually stick together. They were a dumb bunch of poser thugs and called themselves the 502 Crew (502 being the California Code for DUI). Just an obnoxious bunch who loved to fight, do drugs, etc. They were out of control. That particular time saw San Diego awash in cocaine. It was everywhere and a lot of people were selling it. There wasn't a lot of violence then, but occasionally it happened. These guys were as much preppies as they were wannabe gangsters. They dressed like dorks.

4. The case is over as far as those involved are concerned. The only thing that can happen that would help ease minds would be if the guys in the truck came forth and admitted it. I think that will happen in 2013 when the statute of limitations runs out. Then they will be free of potential prosecution. They will be able to go online and describe what happened, but when they do, everyone who grew up there will think, "I guess it really was that guy." He's no longer there.

5. Jenny pratt's family wants to be left alone about the case. They know the truth, and have stated that they refuse to give his name any time or recognition by stating it.

6. What I think happened was that Croft and Jenny were riding the motorcycle, and the dorks in the truck just happened to see them pass by and followed at a distance. They probably didn't intend to kill anyone, but wanted to knock the crap out of Croft. So one of them swung the board, and the rest is history. Back in '88 it was still a relatively small town, and if you cruised the town for an hour or two you'd pretty much recognize most of the people driving around. Most of us knew each other and would race in the streets, chase each other, throw something at another car, etc. The guys in the truck were probably drunk (and more) and just did something rash to a guy they thought was a jerk, and the whole thing grew bigger than anyone ever expected. If it was, as many speculate, "revenge for a bad drug deal," then it wasn't intent to kill. Our town wasn't like that. There were a lot of jerks, but no real gangs or anything (just a bunch of posers like the 502 Crew).

IMPORTANT: The family likes hearing from Jenny's old friends, but not strangers. Leave them alone. It's over.


It's not important for us to satisfy our own need for justice in the case if that family doesn't want your attention.


In Encinitas the mystery was never a true mystery. Most people knew who did it. The frustration was that nobody turned him in. But they all knew. My wife went to school with Jenny and was the same age. I was three years older.


It's no longer an UM. It's just a case in which justice came late (in the form of suicide by the perpetrator).

I hope that helped. That's why I signed up for this forum. I probably won't be back too often.

First off thanks for posting the update. It's good to finally have everything stated in a succinct manner. Like many of the other regulars on this forum, I have always considered Jenny's case to be one of the true tragedies of UM (ironic for a show that is marred by tragedy).

The case has affected me in a way that few UM cases have and I always have and will continue to feel nothing but sympathy for Jenny and her family.

A few years back news archives and databases began to become available to the general public via Google. It was at that time that some of our regulars discovered that there were some articles written on the Pratt case back in the early nineties. In reading these articles it became pretty clear that the Pratts knew who had attacked their daughter but there was an issue involving lack of evidence which would lead to prosecution. It has also been rumored about that in the years since the attack the perpetrator who threw the board at Curtis and Jenny has since passed on.

While I agree that the Pratts are entitled to and deserve their privacy and should not be contacted by means of Facebook or any other type of social media network, the case will continue to be discussed on this forum from time to time due to the fact that it was at one time featured on "Unsolved Mysteries" and is still featured on the show to this day.

In any event the one thing that you'll find that most of us agree on is that it's unfortunate that this case wasn't resolved in a timely fashion either as a result of people in the local community speaking up or as a result of the UM broadcast.

[Mikefairbanks]

Of course people will still talk about it. Nothing wrong with that.

Like I said. In Encinitas it was never an unsolved mystery, but a case of intense frustration that so many rats could keep quiet. You felt like one of them would crack and turn the guy in, but that never happened. Everyone had that feeling of, "I'd like to get each of those guys in a room alone for a while to get the truth out of them."

But nobody took the law into their own hands. That's understandable, because if someone had, that person would be in jail along with the guilty party.


The reason it came back up recently was a facebook page I joined called "you know you're old school encinitas when..."

I go on there as Miguel Bankosjusto (Spanish version of my name). We usually post things like, "remember the old train station," or "I grew up at that restaurant," or something similar. It's a page for us to reminisce about things in our little town (that's not so little anymore).

Well, someone posted a few days ago: "Curtis Croft is a PILE."

Then a bunch of people started trashing the guy, and of course Jenny came up, and her sister asked us to keep things positive and that they didn't want a bunch of nonsense dragged back up. Their feeling is that everyone let them down when it happened. They were more frustrated than the rest of us because they deserved justice.


The guys who did it, like I said many times, were just a bunch of rats. And you always expect rats to turn on each other, but they didn't, and that's what just stunned us. Rats showing loyalty to rats. Nobody likes rats (except, I guess, other rats occasionally).

[everybodylovesrs]

Of course people will still talk about it. Nothing wrong with that.

Like I said. In Encinitas it was never an unsolved mystery, but a case of intense frustration that so many rats could keep quiet. You felt like one of them would crack and turn the guy in, but that never happened. Everyone had that feeling of, "I'd like to get each of those guys in a room alone for a while to get the truth out of them."

But nobody took the law into their own hands. That's understandable, because if someone had, that person would be in jail along with the guilty party.


The reason it came back up recently was a facebook page I joined called "you know you're old school encinitas when..."

I go on there as Miguel Bankosjusto (Spanish version of my name). We usually post things like, "remember the old train station," or "I grew up at that restaurant," or something similar. It's a page for us to reminisce about things in our little town (that's not so little anymore).

Well, someone posted a few days ago: "Curtis Croft is a PILE."

Then a bunch of people started trashing the guy, and of course Jenny came up, and her sister asked us to keep things positive and that they didn't want a bunch of nonsense dragged back up. Their feeling is that everyone let them down when it happened. They were more frustrated than the rest of us because they deserved justice.


The guys who did it, like I said many times, were just a bunch of rats. And you always expect rats to turn on each other, but they didn't, and that's what just stunned us. Rats showing loyalty to rats. Nobody likes rats (except, I guess, other rats occasionally).

Most of us are still going to think that the person who hurt Jenny deserves to be punished. Sorry, your posts won't change that, whether or not her family has moved on (and her mother didn't seem to even *want* to be her mother anymore, from watching that UM segment).

[kibac4]

Friend of Jenny's nephew. No Jenny does not have children. BTW

[kibac4]

Friend of Jenny's nephew. No Jenny does not have children. BTW

[johan183]

Gees, some people should not have internet or at least webcams to make fools out of themselves..

Found this compilation of mr. Croft's screenshots on the internet...

forum. filmon.com/index.php?/topic/331-croftman-motivational-poster-contest/

(just remove the space after "forum. " and you will have the correct link...)

[flowerbud90210]

No lie Curtis Croft currently broadcast on a website called Battlecam.

Enjoy!

[NDAlum2003]

Maybe someone can fill me in because I am looking at a date discrepancy.

These events happened in late 1987, however this is what you see when you search for Curtis Croft's prison record:

Name Register # Age-Race-Sex Release Date
Location
1. CURTIS WILLIAM CROFT 78651-098 49-White-M 09-26-1988 RELEASED

Maybe it includes his probation term or the entire jail term that he only served 5 months of, which means he was dating Jenny basically just after he got out of jail. Really sad.

[MissKitka731]

Have you seen all of those ridiculous posters on there? References to bloody 2x4 boards?! How disrespectful and disgusting!! Unbelievable! :mad:

[EnciSurfer]

Mike Fairbanks describes well those days in Encinitas. Lots of coke and cash. I heard much later that Jim Clark did it on orders of Mark Branon, a dealer, who is now in prison pretty much for life for other later crimes. Croft had squealed on Branon, sending him to jail(?), and so Branon wanted to punish him. Jenny was not the target, apparently. I also heard that Branon, perhaps out of guilt, then cynically started a relationship with Jenny's sister with the idea to somehow try to help the family. I don't really know the history. I heard speculation that Clark's guilty conscience led to his suicide. And I suppose people didn't talk because they feared Branon. The crimes that got him where he is now certainly speak to his ability to be vengeful.

[shaunie]

EVERYONE curtis croft is now in competition on battlecam locked in a space with other people for 30 days for chance to win 100k...

he been holding 2x4 and mocking jenny basically
he is pathetic here is link he will be on 24/7 for 30 more days