NHI: No Humans Involved

18 February 1992



Since 1985 at least 45 women have been sexually assaulted and brutally murdered in San Diego County. These women, designated by law enforcement as prostitutes, drug addicts, and transients, have been associated with the police term, "NHI-no humans involved." "NIB" is an in-house rhetorical discounting of crimes against individuals from marginalized sectors of our society. This non-human classification, as well as the personal involvement of police officers with a number of the victims, has hindered public awareness and a full-scale investigation of these murders.

"NHI" is an interdisciplinary project that uses billboards, a gallery installation, performance, and a panel discussion to examine one of the largest unsolved series of murders of women in the United States and the flawed investigation that has ensued. The project acknowledges that the murder of a single woman is a threat to all women, and that to brand victims of violent sexual assault as prostitutes, drug addicts, and transients stifles genuine public concern and gives a false sense of assurance to the community.



In reference to the slain women, Mayor Maureen O'Connor told one out-of-town reporter, "Don't write that San Diego is the murder capital of the world or anything like that." Even at the risk of tarnishing the veneer of "America's Finest City," we think it is time for the community to examine the appalling lack of priority given to these murders.



PROJECT DATES:



BILLBOARDS : For a period of one month beginning February 19, two "NHI" billboards will be installed in downtown San Diego at Cedar & Pacific Highway, and at 14th & G Streets.



GALLERY EXHIBITION : An installation of 45 women's photographs and accompanying book will open Saturday, February 22, from 6 - 8 p.m., and continue Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. until March 14. The gallery is located at 622 5th Avenue.



PERFORMANCE : "MWI-Many Women Involved," performed by Carla Kirkwood. Opening night: Saturday, February 22 at 9 p.m. Also Saturday, March 7 and March 14; 8 p.m. at 622 5th Avenue.



PANEL DISCUSSION : This forum will address the series of murders and gender violence in San Diego. The panel will be held at the exhibition site at 1 - 3 p.m., Sunday, March 8.

PARTICIPANTS:

Cynthia Bemee, MS & MFCC, Psychotherapist and Community Educator and Trainer in the area of violence against women.

Norma Jean Almodovar, Southern California Director of COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics), Prostitute Rights Advocate and author of Cop to Call Girl.

Douglas Holbrook, San Diego Attorney who represented Donna Gentile.

Catherine M. Speamak, Local journalist whose 1987-1988 ground-breaking stories for the Escondido Times-Advocate and San Diego Magazine led to the formation of the Metropolitan Homicide Task Force.

Pat Riccio, mother of Michelle Riccio.



PRODUCED AND COORDINATED BY : Deborah Small, Elizabeth Sisco, Carla Kirkwood, Scott Kessler and Louis Hock.