Any time I’ve walked into a barracks building, I’m immediately transported back to freshman year at the college dorms. There’s a lot of growing up that happens in both spaces for a similarly aged group. It can be a really joyful and festive atmosphere, and I often think of how simple and easy it was to just leave the deadbolt out on your door so you friends could come and go while you got ready to attend an event together. No transit time, no concerns about someone riding solo in a sketchy cab. Your friends were there and always accessible. But for Shannon Wilkerson, life in the barracks made everyone a little too available. He could flit from a party in one room to his wife’s room down the hall, then over to an affair partner’s room next door. In the fall of 2001, his easy access to people in the barracks proved fatal.

I referenced the Eleventh Circuit appellate opinion.

I relied on information from the New York Times (1)(2), the Department of Justice (1)(2), Naval Institute of Military Justice, Andalusia Star News, CBS News, KBTX, Kentucky New Era, Military Times, Task and Purpose, WKMS, Times News, Clarksville Online, and Arkansas Leader.

This episode discussed the most severe form of intimate partner violence. For more information on intimate partner violence, I urge you to explore Alliance For Hope and their Family Justice Center Alliance. If you need help finding shelter in your area, please visit DomesticShelters.org. Last, but not least, many law schools and courthouses offer free legal assistance for people seeking protective restraining orders.

Although I didn't reference it in the episode, I'll take these show notes as an opportunity to remind you, Legal Beagles, that homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant and postpartum people.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming!

Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.