Welcome to Wheelchair Detective!
Welcome to Wheelchair Detective! My name is Jennifer!
I was born in 1983, two and a half months premature, I entered the world with a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Life has been a journey filled with struggles, tragedies, and pain, but also incredible resilience and strength. As someone who has navigated the challenges of disability and other life obstacles, I believe in the power of the human spirit to overcome.
My fascination with true crime isn’t just a casual interest (thanks, Netflix and Court TV!); it’s deeply rooted in my childhood experiences. Growing up, I was exposed to unhealthy and harmful relationship dynamics. The flashing lights of police cars, the tense encounters with officers, and the revolving door of the justice system became a recurring theme in my young life. Those early exposures, coupled with watching shows like “Cops” with my older brother, sparked a curiosity about the law and its complexities.
Later, as a child in the foster care system, further exposed me to the legal world, solidifying my interest in justice and advocacy. This led me to pursue a paralegal degree, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to understand the intricacies of the legal system.
But it’s not just about the law; it’s about the people. As a person with a disability, I understand the vulnerabilities and injustices that often go unseen. I want to use my voice and my knowledge to shed light on these issues and empower others. That’s why I created “Wheelchair Detective,” a true crime blog that delves into cases involving people with disabilities. I want to tell their stories, advocate for change, and inspire others to overcome their own challenges.
This blog is dedicated to exploring true crime cases that involve people with disabilities, often overlooked and underreported. I want to shed light on the vulnerabilities and injustices faced by people with disabilities in the criminal justice system. My goal is to raise awareness, advocate for change, and empower people with disabilities to protect themselves and seek justice.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing my own story of inappropriate physical discipline at the hands of my mother’s partner. I know firsthand the fear and helplessness that can accompany such experiences, and I want to use my platform to shed light on this often hidden issue within the disability community.
I’ll also be delving into the horrific case of Linda Weston, who held people with disabilities captive in her basement, subjecting them to abuse and exploitation. This case exposes the dark reality of how those entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals can exploit and abuse their power.
Another case that weighs heavily on my heart is that of Cristina Pangalangan, a young girl with cerebral palsy who tragically died after being left in a hot car by her own mother, Rita Pangalangan. Cristina’s story is a stark reminder of the neglect and abuse that some children with disabilities face and the urgent need for greater protection and advocacy.
I’ll also be exploring the dark history of the Nazi regime and its horrific treatment of people with disabilities, including forced sterilizations and mass murder. Additionally, I’ll be examining the abuse and neglect that people with disabilities have faced in institutions throughout history, particularly during the mid-20th century when institutionalization was widespread.
In addition to exploring historical and well-known cases, I’ll also be keeping a close eye on current events impacting the disability community. Sadly, the recent case involving Cristina Pangalangan highlights the ongoing challenges and injustices that people with disabilities face. While true crime cases will be a significant focus of this blog, I also want to explore the broader context of disability. I’ll be sharing insights on disability advocacy, delving into important moments in disability history, and even offering some guidance on disability etiquette.
I believe that by understanding the past, advocating for the present, and promoting respectful interactions, we can create a more inclusive and just future for everyone.
Join me on this journey as we explore the world of true crime through a different lens.
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