American Taboo: A Murder in the Peace Corps

Charges possible in 1976 PCV slaying Congressman Norm Dicks has asked the U.S. attorney in Seattle to consider pursuing charges against Dennis Priven, the man accused of killing Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner on the South Pacific island of Tonga 28 years ago. Background on this story here and here.

American Taboo Read the story of Volunteer Deborah Gardner's murder in Tonga in 1976 and how her killer has been free for the past 28 years with the help of the Peace Corps. Read an excerpt from Philip Weiss' book documenting the murder and coverup. Then read an essay by RPCV Bob Shaconis who says that Peace Corps' treatment as a "sacred cow" has exempted it from public scrutiny and that the agency has labored to preserve its shining reputation, sometimes at the expense of the very principles it is supposed to embody.

New book revisits death of volunteer in Tonga



New book revisits death of volunteer in Tonga

New book revisits death of volunteer in Tonga

Tuesday, 1 June 2004.

Dear Editor,

I saw a story in the May 31 edition of the Tacoma News Tribune. The story was headlined "Violent death, no justice for Peace Corps volunteer". The story written by TNT reporter Les Blumenthal revisits the stabbing death of Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner in 1976 in Tonga. The case has resurfaced in a book "American Taboo,'' written by Philip Weiss.

The man accused of the killing, Dennis Priven, was found not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of the slaying. Priven according to the article was released to Peace Corps Officials, after a written assurance from a US embassy official that he would be committed, either voluntarily or involuntarily, to a mental hospital in the United States, according to the book.

After two days in a Sibley Hospital in Washington DC, Priven was allowed to check out after a psychiatrist there found no evidence of schizophrenia. Priven worked for the social security administration before retiring from his $78,000 a year job last year. He turned 52 last Friday.

Mike Lane
Former US Peace Corps Volunteer in Tonga
Federal Way, WA
USA