BREAKING NEWS: former NASA astronaut in plea deal

How the heck do you keep a security clearance as a convicted felon? I knew people who got their access taken after they failed a urinalysis. Money talks...the crazy woman walks...

I disagree with Mr Ford, in that the prosecution had somehow blown it, and that is why they agreed to a plea agreement. It doesn't take rocket scientist to see that Lady Justice can see just fine. And what she sees makes all the difference in how justice is dispatched in this country. In this case, Lady Justice, first, sees a white female. Secondly, they see a Navy officer and astronaut. There is no such thing a a former astronaut. That would be like saying a retired Space Shuttle is no longer a Space Shuttle. She is a fallen hero. The fact she had so far to fall, meant that the justice system was going to cushion that fall. Had this been a person on their way up, this same justice system would have sent them crashing back to earth. I think it is ludacris to say that a battery is somehow less than, simply because the criminal missed their intended mark. No wonder we have such crime. There is no real deterrence. I tend to agree with probation. But, given the intent and nature of the criminal activity on the part of Nowac, this felon should never have the luxury of an expungement. And that is what is iit is, a luxury given to few people. This is one time Nowak should thank the very lucky stars she was once, closer than most, to reaching.

even with the plea i think she should have gotten close to the same time that o.j. got.i smell a double standard.

I am new at this and I am trying to comment on the double murders in Knoxville, TN. I have just been sicken by what happened to these two young adults. I am amazed at how we as parents have to live through something so horrific. I think these animals do not deserve a trial..once you confess to being a apart of this in anyway..it should be instant death penalty. We should not have to house and feed these demons. I have a daughter Channon's age in college and could not live thru that trial. I know we have a wonderful judicial system in our country but when it comes to these kinds of crimes..I think we could come up with more economical ways of dealing with it....just leave them to the parent's to have their justice or just take them out of this world...they do not deserve to even live in prison. Who else will they be able to victimize in prison or will the one with life be able to marry and have visits and possibly children of his own??? This is not right....my heart goes out to the parent's.

Yes, the pepper spray didn't damage the victim, but the INTENT was there. Isn't that the important fact? Shouldn't that have a bearing in this case?

I think Liza Nowak would have attacked and really hurt Coleen Shipman had she not been caught. Throw out her plea bargain and let her stand trial so everyone can be witness to her evil heartless actions. Then have the Navy boot her out completely. I have no sympathy for her. Throw her in jail for 15 years. She is worthless as a human being.

I think this was a very fair outcome it give her a chance to move on with here life we are all victims of someone not returning our love. It is very unfortunate that she felt doing this would in anyway encourge someone to love her who clearly does not I wish her well and i hope she gives herself a chance to heal from this.

A few months probation and not even a criminal record... that is the crime. I hope the judge rejects this plea as ludicrous. Prosecute the prosecutor for misconduct. This is why people don't respect the law.

I wonder what factors played in Lisa Nowak, getting a slap on the wrist. However, I feel she should served time, but not being a regular joe blow to the justice system resulted in her wonderful sentence. I wonder how many felons got to keep their jobs? This is our fine justice at work on JUST US!!

Im glad she got a second chance i think everybody deserves at least one.

She is heartless but with the help of the government she does @Sherron get to go on with her wonderful life and still getting paid. What a real travesty to all of us.

Where is the double timing boyfriend when the women are in court??? Hmmm, sure is a double standard. This victim, Shipman, is quite the actress...claiming that her live is ruined...ridiculus, get over it.

I don't care about her record, her career, or her accomplishments. She planned and carried out an attack a Captain of the United States Military with intent to at least cause harm, if not murder. Nowak belongs in a prison and should be dishonorably discharged. She is a disgrace to the U.S. Navy and to NASA.

Oh boo hoo poor me, my life is over, I can't function, I can't sleep, eat. . . whatever.
Geez lady get over it!!!
Lisa Nowak doesn't look like she could fight her way out of a paper bag.
And if Colleen Shipman was so proud of being in the military why didn't she defend herself? Or doesn't the military teach hand to hand combat anymore?
Ms. Shipman needs to "nut up or shut up". She's making a fool out of herself and insulting the integrity of the Navy by being the big sniveling mess she is today in this court room.

Why is it that Miss Nowak still has a job in the Navy, while Miss Shipman lost her job with the Air Force?

I can't believe that the Navy has not put her out of "conduct unbecoming and officer".

there was no burglary. nowak didn't go there to steal anything.. .. it was a failed kidnapping.. she got special treatment dispite what the judge says... i don't think nowak was sincere at all with the apology.. i think she should have gotten time.. nowak could barely keep the smile off her face at the begining of the proceeding... are system is all about who you are... justice in this case is a joke..

In making this decision, if I were judge, I would order reinstatement of Shipman to military with full psychiatric care, at expense of Nowak for items/care outside of reasonable and customary. In addition, I would reject pleas but demand inclusion of all testimony from plea hearing.
I would offer the option that the defense can proceed with the full case or accept my summary judgement.
Based on the facts presented over three years, Nowak is guilty of premediated murder and should not receive other than the maximum penalty for that.

Ludicrous!!

She researches, plots. plans, drives 1000 miles, stalks and attacks the victim, and gets 2 days? Tell me there's no politics here. And what if the victim hadn't hit the gas? Am I the only one who thinks this sentencing stinks?

I'm sorry Ms.Shipman seems over dramatic to me..Her tears don't feel sincere ...maybe working up to a civil case!

My question to Jamie. Even though the judge said that Lisa Nowak can not have any contact with Ms Shipman or her boyfriend, just how long is that order to be in effect? Can she run into Ms Shipman, lets say in 10 years and still be under that order? Thank you, John in N.C.

I agree with MargeinCharlestonSC and am just OUTRAGED!

If anyone else were to do that exact same thing, they'd be hung by their toenails – first offense or not!

And...What ever happened to "Stalking" Laws?? She stalked this woman for HOURS. All the while plotting and scheming! UGH!

2 days with time served, 50 hours community service and a letter of apology is nowhere NEAR enough! (F.Y.I. – Most serial killers have been known to have extremely high I.Q.'s too....think about it....)

My son is going into the military, and I now have such an ache inside. How can she get away with this?? The military needs to kick her out completely and strip whatever benefits she had coming. Let upstanding citizens serve our country...not complete psychos who are desperate for attention.

Just like Marge...I have NO sympathy for her whatsoever.

Well said Justin!!!

I just wonder how any one of us would be living after an ordeal such as the one Nowak put this lady through.

This wasn't just an attack on a woman who was btw, without any weapon, let alone pepper spray to fend off this crazy who had full intentions on killing her. She had a murder "kit" with her to kill this woman then dis-member her!

I'd sure have nightmares and be looking over my shoulder every where I went AND be afraid to be alone or in the dark. We need to start thinking about the victims here, not the crazies who perpetrate these types of crimes. How are we going to feel when this woman attacks and kills her next victim???

She'll just plan it out better next time.

I think Nowak made a good deal for herself. I think she should have done at least a little time. I can't believe she is still in the military! If that poor Shipman woman had not gotten away, I think Nowak would have done more than spray her with pepper spray. I think the judge in this case should be ashamed.

I agree this judge should be ashamed!
He seemed to praise a violent offender while giving little thought to her crimes when sentencing.

She is NOT sincerely sorry. She continued her attack in the public as well as insisting on sending this woman's boyfriend a book with sticky notes all over it??

Now, she thinks she can get away with just about anything.

No wonder we have murder's, rapists and pedophiles on the streets instead of in jail. What's it going to take to put these criminal's away?

This is a sweet deal indeed. While the prosecutor was arguing that her crime wasn't your "normal burglary of conveyance" she should have also pointed out how, in her apology to Colleen Shipman, Lisa Nowack minimized her crime by saying "sorry for the misunderstanding". This is adding insult, (to Colleen's intelligence), to injury and points to Lisa not fully accepting responsibility for her actions. It is hard to have compassion for her when, even after completing therapy and hearing the victim impact statement she calls it a misunderstanding.

How come this judge didn't catch this "misunderstanding'???
that was NOT taking responsibility for her crimes your Honor....
Total insult! To Ms Shipman AND the court!

J Floyd shame shame for saying this was just a "matter of the heart" and that this slap on the wrist was justifiable. Your closing words today were just insulting–that a woman can travel all those miles with a kill kit and attempt this attack and get off on probation–is what's wrong with the justice system.
If you were the one victimized and then further harmed by the perp I don't think you'd feel good about how the system treated you or your concerns & future fears.
Isn't justice supposed to be blind? The judge praises a violent offender after listening to a heartbreaking account of a woman whose life has drastically been altered–something's very wrong here. Very wrong!

Where is NG when we need her!

Saying she's sorry for their "mis-understanding" seems to me somehow blaming her victim for her behavior! It takes two people disagreeing to have a mis-understanding doesn't it?

I want to write to this judge now. This is infuriating, specially since he surely knows she got off on far far more serious charges that should have brought jail time, not probation.

(this is really bothering me!)

Did they say she gets to keep her clearance?

the victim was lucky it didn't turn out worse, im sure it scares her to think about it, but man, why she all ballin on tv. Nowiks a psycho . they should put em both on a rocket ship. good job government employees.

the worst thing she got was she has to say sorry and really really mean it

I had sympathy toward the victim Ms Shipman until she gave her impact statement. She came across to me as a weak link for the military, so easily victimized.

The military keeps a person on active duty until the civilian case is finished. Then they decide how to discharge. That way the discharge is base on the "fact" of the conviction – not an assumption of how the case will end. Also – her security clearance would be placed in a suspended status and she would be assigned to a job that has no access to secure information while awaiting the outcome of the trial. Also – just because she was tried in the civilian court; that doesn't mean that the military won't then apply some type of disciplinary action in addition. They could even bring charges of conduct unbecoming an officer based on the information presented in the civilian case. The legal issues for her are not necessary over yet.

In the Nowak/Shipman case, it is apparant to every reasonable person that this Nowak intended to do serious harm to Ms Shipman, but the court system has basically told her and her family to "get over it". One commentator said that the women who both had good heads on their shoulders have "thrown everything away for this man". I beg to differ. The victim in the case did nothing to alter her course of choice. That was inflicted upon her by a woman who chose not to accept the face that this man did not want her. She did not consider the embarrassment to her husband, nor the welfare of her children. She was simply determined to have her way. My sympathy lies with the victim. It was said that you can't help but feel sorry for Nowak. I again, am of a different opinion. I believe Ms Shipman will surely successfully move on from this with the help of the Lord and those who love her.

The facts are clear. This attack was planned and pre meditated. Why does Liza Nowak get to have her life as is. If it was a civilian they would be in jail for attempted murder. I believe that. As for the victom here , it has been 3 years she should move on. Having said that it is easy for us to say it didn't happen to us. I do know I would not be happy living with the fact that someone planned on mudering me and attacked me. I do feel Liza Nowak would have carried out her mission she had set out to complete.

Mr. Oefelin he is guilty very guilty we belief that Mr. Oefelin still very hot for Ms. Nowak and Ms. Shipman she is scare of that that Ms. Shipman loose Mr. Oefelin this is the truth this is the truth. Ninoska pope from palm coast Fl.

What has happened to our so called "justice system". Have we no moral or legal consideration for victims. Our justice system is decaying from within and has caved in to preferrential treatment to the "People of choice". In this case "their own. When will we start fighting collectively for real justice. Have we cowered to to the level of those who seek to destroy a system that fought hard for the rights of all peoples, rich and poor,priviledged and unpriviledged. We have an obligation to fight and change a system that does not respect and obey the law as it is written and should be follow because "IT IS THE LAW. Remember, We the People, or do we think it can't happen to us?

Nowack is a stalker who has gotten away with a truly serious stalking attack now. Not only was she given a wink and a nod by the justice system but has been allowed to remain in the military all this time. That is 2 outrages already. But then there is that miserable joke of an apology. Unbelievable. Hope the military will step up now and dishonorably discharge her and then can only hope there is a civil law suit against this creepy evil woman.
Justice was not served here.

This women goes out with the intent to kill another women and gets probation! What a joke. I was addicted to zanax while going through a very bad mariage and attempted to forge a zanax prescrition-sitting in a hospital no where near a pharamacy-and had not made the attempt to try and fill it, and I was convicted of a class E-Felony. What has the justice system come to? It is broken! I cannot even get a job now and I am a good person.

Nowak got off real easy and that is so very wrong because that sends out the wrong message you can do anything you want to another person for no reason at all except you are jealous and get away with it.

If she had a chance to kill her I am sure she would have killed her withouth even thinking twice but she got away from her grips. Now this lady will be scared of her because she will complete what she didn't and that is a fact.

She should have gotten at the very least five (5) to fiveteen (15) years in prison to cool her heels and that is a fact.

I am appaulled of the court system to allow Nowak the sentencing she recieved. Clearly she should have gotten some jail time if not prison time. I can't begin to understand how the courts justify what she did as no big deal.. She's obviously a mental case. She needs help in more ways than one.

I think there is alot that wasnt said or brought to light of what the man in this triangle may have caused through his greedyness of mind playing both of these women. yes lisa nowak used poor judgement and I wonder what the man had really said or done to cause her to " flip her lid". Men who enter into this type of behavoir are very devious in my past experiences and I dont believe him for one minute that he wasnt to blame for atleast one third of this mess. someone in the court system talked to someone in the navy/nasa and this was to wash away any embarrassment on them. when you as an adult enter into a love triangle you subject yourself to the possibilty of these things and yes you deserve your prtion of blame. Im actually glad to see the court worked with the navy/nasa to not totally blame mrs.nowak. I dont feel sympathy for any of them. they all 3 disgraced their duties and defied the POLICY of which they took an oath to.
let the navy handle it!

for all of you overlooking the fact that both these women prolly have some top secret info or serious info that might impair our security might be the reason for the slap also, just wanted to add that.

Lisa Nowak did not get nearly the time that she, as a person who stalked and assaulted another person, and who was not an astronaut would have received in the real world.

Joyceee you have a valid point, but I personally do not think the players in this drama having "state secrets" is the reason this lady(and I use that term very loosely) got off so easy. If Nowak had info that could jeopardize national security, it would have been deemed irrelevent in a trial. And if she did divulge such secrets, she would have more than the state of Florida on her back. Not only would she be dishonorably discharged from the Navy, she would be spending a lot of time in a federal prison. There are simple, unreasonable reasons Nowak is not looking at hard time. IMO, two of those reasons are Ms Shipman was a bit too swift of foot, and she did not roll her window down any further. Could anyone see a similar scenerio, whereby a person swung at a police officer but, because they landed only a glancing blow would have assault charges dropped.

One other thing that distubs me about this case. The Son of Sam Law prohibits felons from profiting from their crime. Well, in a year Nowak will be a criminal only in the minds of the people. She will not have a criminal record. He retirement from the Navy is appparantly going to take a hit, due to reduction in rank. She will not have to worry about making ends meet. She will do what other infamous people do. She will make money writing a book, and be paid for some made for TV movie, about her life. She will have all that media exposure to thank for any future earnings. The judge already knew what he was going to say at sentencing. He made a mockery of the whole procedings when he said Nowak's apology to Shipman was sincere. What I heard Nowak say that, for me, rendered her apology useless was she was sorry for any misunderstanding. As in, I was just there to talk, and I am sorry the pepper spray just went off. I hope you did not get the idea I was there an your nemisis.

Also, she is still eligible for her FULL MILITARY retirement package. Compliments of the US DOD. Why the DOD (several Services involved) chose to over look the fact that Adultry was committed by Commissioned Officers.
Nowak and Oefelin should have been examples "That no one is exempt from the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice)". Oh, would the fact that the prior Commander in Chief committing adultry in his official office, have anything to do with this??

It shouldn't have. Military Professionals have always been held to a higher standard. Why not now?

GySgt USMC
retired

Bannah – I completely and totally agree with everything you, and everyone else who sees the truth have written on this web site. Hopefully those who are involved will see these comments and know how we feel.

For the record: Colleen Shipman decided to leave active duty of her own free will. She was not forced out. As someone that as of last year served with Lisa Nowak, and has experience with the Military legal process, a process that most civilians have no understanding of other than what they see in the Movies, Lisa Nowak is being processed via the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. She has been stripped of her status as an Astronaut, meaning she will never fly in space again. As for her Naval status, I am uncertain what her Military Review Panel will order. But rest assured, her military career, and spotless record will come into play just as it did in the civilian court...where the judge weighed most of of his acceptance of the plea agreement on the fact that Lisa Nowak up to this point had no criminal record. Military Courts have much more leeway. She could be dishonorably discharged, but she could also stay in the Navy, which is possible since if the Navy allows her to serve the 1 year probation status and she successfully completes it..then she won't have a record at all. While I am not one to rush to tar and feather Lisa Nowak for making the mistake she made, I do have the insight and privilege of having served with Lisa in the Navy...this isn't the type person that deserves the type of hostility I see on this blog towards her. You might consider your own life's mistakes, and apply your own unforgiving view you are showing Lisa Nowak to yourself....perhaps we should look at your life mistakes and give up on you as well. For me, Lisa made a huge mistake...but beyond that she has contributed to so much to NASA and the Navy and I am simply not willing to ignore her accomplishments

This was just a slap on the wrist for Lisa Nowak. Somehow she managed to get away with her distasteful acts of jealousy and anger.
Her victim must serve a longer sentence of fear, health problems and the knowlege that she could have been killed by this sick woman.

Andrew Galex is COMPLETELY innocent!!!! The wife and child are GUILTY!!!!

Our system is horrible!! Prisoners have more rights than the victims!! Our prisons are so over populated that they either make a plea deal and out them on probation...my son was sexually abused by a teenager and he got a SLAP ON THE WRIST!!! Where is my son's justice???

I don't know about you, but why the BIG SECRET about the changes on In Session. As a loyal courtf watcher, I am very, very, very disappointed that CNN did not feel the viewers were worth notifying them of the changes.

The Galex trial does disturbs me, but only because of the why question. I have no idea who did what because I was not there. I do know one thing. Galex was his own worst enemy, in that, the absolute worst thing he did was RUN and HIDE under a truck. I also feel strongly that the wife's 911 call should sway the jury. IF the mother/wife was faking the 911 call and setting up the defendent, she missed her calling. She should have been an award winning actress. She first contacted 911 for fear Galex was intent on hurting himself. I really don't see mom having anything to do with the murder. Having said all that, there is no way Galex should have even been charged with first degree murder. But I am sure the prosecution knows they will not get such a conviction. According to the wife, Galex had been in their home more than a thousand times. That is a lot of chances to kill the father. So, while motive does not have to be proven, the why question, in this case, may be consumption of alcohol, plain and simple. There is another why question I do not get. Alcohol is way overlooked in this country's so called War on Drugs. It is one of the most destructive substances of abuse, in this country,( IMO, of course). Innocent people are, too, often killed by folks who have decided to drink. Not to condone its use BUT, but If Galex had smoked a joint, he would have used the knife to open a snack.

Why do so many people on this blog have what is almost a personal vendetta against Lisa Nowak? Given misconduct by the cops and prosecutors, the judge ruled reasonably. We are supposed to be a country of law, not lynch mobs.

And as far as throwing Lisa Nowak out of the Navy as a "convicted felon", the judge withheld adjudication, remember? After she completes her probation, she will not BE a convicted felon and will be able to retire, just as Billy O did. If the Navy has any sense, they will wait a year and let her quietly retire also. Billy was lucky not to face a court martial for adultery, so why hate Lisa when he was the proximate cause of this train wreck?

Shipman's performance was over the top. Probably most people in Alaska own a shotgun, so what? She and Billy are living in Alaska now leading adventure trips and writing purple prose about them. So far, nothing to rival her melodrama in the court, though.

I hope Lisa gets over this and has a good life. As far as the other two, it's always a good thing when two psychopaths find one another - keeps them out of the dating pool.

Justice will be decided in the court

Rest assured, when the civil trial is over the Dept of the Navy will be instructed to treat her with kid gloves. The judge, attrnys, and the sentencing is already being drafted before this even begins. The Navy wants this behind them like no tomorrow and will not punish her. First, she's a woman, secondly, she's an officer, thirdly, she was an astronaut. Anyone who thinks she's going to be treated harshly by the military UCMJ doesn't understand military "imaging". It's all about the image...

All I can say is wow.
If that had been your sister, mother, daughter, niece, whatever the case may be would all that hostility and anger be there for them like it is for this woman?
Yes, she had a lapse, a HUGE lapse of judgement and premeditated her plans, but you don't think she lives with what she's done every waking moment? You don't think for one moment she regrets what she has done?
She still has things to go through, and it's sad that she is still being crucified. Im sure most who condemn people to hell live in glass houses though.