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Tours at governor's mansion led by convicted killer

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By OSKAR GARCIA / The Associated Press

Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 - 08:17:03 pm CDT

OMAHA — A convicted killer doing time for one of the most heinous murders in Nebraska history is serving his work release at the Governor’s Mansion, guiding private tours of the Colonial-style home and its collections of dolls, silver and other state mementos, state officials said Thursday.

Timothy Haverkamp, convicted of second-degree murder in 1985 for his role in the cult-related murder of two people near Rulo, was one of three inmates working at the mansion under a decades-old arrangement with the state’s work release program, said Ashley Cradduck, spokeswoman for Gov. Dave Heineman.

Haverkamp’s placement was first reported in Thursday editions of the Daily Nebraskan, the student newspaper at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Story Photo
The governor's residence (LJS file)

Haverkamp, 45, has worked at the residence since 2001, earning little more than $1 an hour for various jobs, including giving tours, Cradduck said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Haverkamp was 24 when he began his murder sentence.

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Connie Nemec said inmates working at the mansion are thoroughly screened by state patrol and mansion staff to make sure the placement is appropriate.

“He would have to exhibit ... exemplary behavior and interest in programming to get to where he’s employed at the mansion,’’ she said.

It was not clear whether Heineman knew Haverkamp worked at the residence. Heineman spokeswoman Jen Rae Hein said he was traveling and unavailable for comment.

The home of the state’s top public official, located south of downtown Lincoln, has had a handful of inmates on staff for at least 40 years. Typically, they help with household chores, clean the state limousine and serve at luncheons and dinners, all while under supervision.

It was not clear whether Haverkamp was the first or only convicted murderer to serve the residence or guide tours. Cradduck said it was possible other murderers had worked there, but records did not date back to the beginning of the program and were not kept for inmates who worked there and were released.

Haverkamp was not present when an Associated Press reporter went to the mansion Thursday afternoon during public tour hours. Several school groups were guided by two women.

Cradduck said Haverkamp was working at the residence Thursday, but he and other inmates were not present during public hours because there were no special events scheduled. Haverkamp was one of several people available to give private tours to groups that request them, she said.

Haverkamp pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was a key witness in testifying against cult leader Michael Ryan and his son, Dennis Ryan.

The Ryans and about 20 cult members lived on a farm near Rulo. The group hated Jews and stored weapons in preparation for a final battle between good and evil.

Michael Ryan, known to cult members as the “King,’’ ordered the murder of James Thimm because he had displeased Yahweh, their god. He is on death row for Thimm’s murder and the beating death of the 5-year-old son of a cult member.

Over three days, Thimm was beaten, sexually abused, shot, stomped and partially skinned while still alive. His fingertips had been shot off on one hand.

Dennis Ryan, known as the “High Prince,’’ was 15 when he allegedly delivered the gunshot that killed Thimm after a month of torture.

However, the younger Ryan was later released from prison after winning a new trial and being convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Dennis Ryan testified against his father at a 1997 hearing and said he was told to downplay his father’s role in the killings.

Associated Press Writer Anna Jo Bratton in Lincoln contributed to this report.


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Too easy wrote on April 3, 2008 4:02 pm:
" How many other states can honestly say they have a criminal in the governor's mansion? "

 Laurie wrote on April 3, 2008 4:12 pm:
" Not sure what the point of this article is. I suppose the man has to do his work release somewhere. I think it's commendable that the governor's office hires inmates to do this work instead of guilting elderly volunteers into doing it. Must be a slow news day? "

 Nina wrote on April 3, 2008 4:19 pm:
" The state of Nebraska has hired convicts for decades. I know the Exons had such an employee in the mansion. It can hardly urge businesses to give these people a chance to show they've reformed, if they don't practice what they preach. We need to use all our resources to reform and maintain work release people, as they will need this help when they're soon on their own. The prisons are over crowded, which is dangerous and costly, you know. "

 Kevin wrote on April 3, 2008 4:19 pm:
" Well, I suppose if we actually look at prison as part of a rehabilitation program, this really shouldn't be much of an issue, now should it? "

 Kan wrote on April 3, 2008 4:21 pm:
" Who cares?We have killers walking among us everywhere.I know of Two of them personally.They did their time,paid whatever penalty the law imposed and they are going on with their lives.Would you prefer they hang their heads for the rest of their time here on Earth?I dont think so!!They have grown and learned from tyeir mistakes and lead productive lives in relative peace.That is until some irresponsible journalist imposes some fear-based propaganda at their expense. "

 So? wrote on April 3, 2008 4:26 pm:
" People are truly naive if they don't realize how many people with significant criminal records they come into contact with on a daily basis. "

 Rey wrote on April 3, 2008 4:49 pm:
" He isn't the first convicted killer to work there so why is this news now? John Baker worked there the last time I attended a function in the mansion about 10 years ago. I also don't think that Haverkamp was one of the ring leaders of the cult killings, that was the Ryan family. "

 ridiculous wrote on April 3, 2008 5:03 pm:
" this is ridiculous. i have met Tim on several occasions and he is an extremely nice man who made a mistake because he was in a cult and was brainwashed. is there seriously nothing better to report on. This poor man now has to work in a place where everyone will be watching him and staring at him. absolutely ridiculous article. "

 Why is this news? wrote on April 3, 2008 5:31 pm:
" This is in the journal star because the story originally ran in UNL's Daily Nebraskan. The JS is using more and more stories from UNOL student newspapers. What a cheap and easy way to get articles! "

 AWP wrote on April 3, 2008 5:32 pm:
" Name a state with a criminal in the governor's mansion? Well, New York comes to mind. "

 Not so bad wrote on April 3, 2008 5:46 pm:
" I couldn't care less about this. He's served 21 years already and has been screened by the state patrol. When a background check is done on a person, how in-depth is it actually? Not near as in-depth as a background check by the state who have had custody of this man for over two decades. Let him do something productive instead of eating up resources in a prison all day. If he had been convicted of this a year ago, I would feel different. I just thought the headline was a little over-the-top. "

 my thoughts... wrote on April 3, 2008 6:52 pm:
" #1-I had no idea inmates were allowed to do tours at the govenor's mansion--so that I was shocked about. #2-This is not just any inmate situation, nor any murder inmate situation--this was a cult related person where a sick, demented SLOW killing took place as well as the murder of a 5 year old! I remember this case well and it makes me sick when I think about it! #3 "ridiculous': I would not care how nice he is--I would and will not be in a tour by him--if my kids were involved in an activity where they were to tour the mansion--I would not allow it! #4 To KAN: I realize there are criminals we come in contact with every day BUT if I am aware of them I keep my kids away--I would not allow a murderer for their teachers so why should I allow them to be around them any other place?? "

 iconoclast wrote on April 3, 2008 6:57 pm:
" He isn't even the second convicted killer to work in the governor's mansion. I agree that this, while it might be news, isn't much news. Convicted murderers have in the past, now, and in the future will work at the governor's mansion. "

 Mom of 6 wrote on April 3, 2008 7:01 pm:
" I think it's great! It shows the public that people can lead productive lives even if they have a criminal background. Also, I think that there are MANY jobs in our society that could be done by people serving prison sentences. "

 JBS wrote on April 3, 2008 8:01 pm:
" I personally know someone who served time for murder that was a tour guide at the governors mansion. He wasn't the first and obviously not the last. Let them earn a wage for a job done or at least some experience. People in NE are so naive at times. "

 This is news because. . . wrote on April 3, 2008 8:03 pm:
" Who cares? If the governor feels safe having him there, then he should be there. Instead of writing a sensationalistic headline, how about LJS focusing on how rehabilitation can work & how he's making some sort of contribution to society instead (as another poster said) of "eating up resources all day"? As prisons become more crowded, I hope others who have been reformed get the same opportunities to show how they've changed as this man has done. "

 mom of 2 wrote on April 3, 2008 9:35 pm:
" I think that if they feel he is safe enough to work there then let him work there.Some people do make bad mistakes and then try to learn from them and end up being a better person. However, I do feel that if he is doing tours with children for schools that the parent should know and make the choice on weather or not they want there child on that tour, weather he is being watched or not.I feel that because his crime did have to do with a 5 year old child being murdered that a parent should have that choice not them! "

 Not Forgotten wrote on April 3, 2008 10:45 pm:
" Most of these bloggers were either not born or young when these crimes were committed. I suggest they Google his name and click "The Terrorist Next Door: The Militia Movement and The Radical Right" Then we'll see how nonchalant they are.I remember it all too well.The crimes were horrific! The utmost care should be given to anyone put in a work release program, and that isn't always the case, especially where prison overcrowding is part of the equation. "

 zephod wrote on April 4, 2008 1:03 am:
" This is no different than a gang member who was a driver in a drive-by shooting being a tour guide. His is a man who committed a heinous crime and has changed his life for the better in prison. This should be heralded as a triumph of the prison system and the human spirit to reform. "

 HOrrible Title wrote on April 4, 2008 2:02 am:
" These men have made a mistake in their lives, they are trying to do something to make it right. Why does LJS have to titled it like they are going to kill again, or that they are horrible/bad people? We as a society should forgive and if can help these individuals change and move from their past lives and into good ones. "

 JH wrote on April 4, 2008 3:19 am:
" I am sure governor security (state troopers) and or prison guards are close, am sure they dont dump them off and run. I can remember when all that cult stuff was going on in the mid to late 80's, very scary. "

 curly wrote on April 4, 2008 6:35 am:
" Does the Journal Star really need to dredge up the specifics of a murder that happened years ago? There are family member reading this article. Do they need such reminders? "

 Move Over wrote on April 4, 2008 6:44 am:
" The prison system is so overcrowded and the sentence for convicted murderers keeps getting lighter and lighter that eventually these humans will have to find some place to live and work in work in society. My next door neighbor was convicted in a homicide and we live in a new development area, just goes to prove they are everywhere and you just never know who your neighbor really is?? "

 Shannon wrote on April 4, 2008 7:28 am:
" People are only human. YeS what he did was wrong, he needs to get out and do something he has a long time before he gets out. Stop being so judgemental people. If the state feels that he is capable to go out in public and do these tours,let him. Hes only human. People make mistakes. "

 Mr. E wrote on April 4, 2008 8:17 am:
" I have known Tim Haverkamp, and have been a sponsor of his for over 2 years. He is a wonderful guy, and fully reformed. He makes no excuses for his part in the horrific crimes for which he now serves a sentence. He's the exemplary model of what the prison system should be doing with their inmates. In fact, I've allowed Tim to hold & carry around my 8-month old daughter at functions at the residence. This article is absolutely ridiculous...trying to stir things up when there is no need. I agree with somebody else that stated it must be a slow news day. "

 RS wrote on April 4, 2008 8:35 am:
" Why is a convicted murderer out of his cell? "

 Mary wrote on April 4, 2008 8:39 am:
" Oh my gosh look at all these comments! A convicted murderer should not be giving tours to children. If you are so forgiving, hire him as your babysitter. "

 jlic wrote on April 4, 2008 8:44 am:
" There is such a thing called recovery. Why not leave the man alone. No one is perfect. Maybe the Governor knew, good for him if he did. I think he may just be a kind man giving a person that made a big mistake years ago a chance in life to be somewhat productive.. "

 Humm wrote on April 4, 2008 8:56 am:
" Thats nice, an honest law abiding citizens has to leave
the state because there are no jobs, but the murderers
and criminals can get jobs right at the top!!! Normal
Nebraska thinking!! "

 Anthony wrote on April 4, 2008 9:10 am:
" I made a mistake when I mispelled a word yesterday. I made a mistake on a homework assignment. I made a mistake when I tried to put my right foot into my left shoe, but I did not make the mistake of beating a 5 yr. old to death and participating in gruesome cult practices. It is not just a mistake that this man committed, it is murder. I accept the fact that those whom have committed murder and have done their time walk freely among us, but I do not accept the fact that while someone is still doing time they are in close contact with everyday people. (Yes, I find a distinction between prisoners and non). I find the general non-chalancy of people's comments about this man's "mistake" frightening. "

 hapkidoman wrote on April 4, 2008 9:14 am:
" To my thoughts... #1 why does it matter if it was a 5 year old or a fifty year old.#2 He is serving his sentence.#3 Is he still a member of a cult unless you understand how a cult. #4 You should just lock yourself in your house because their is a greater percent of the population with criminal records than those without. It only takes ONE crime to get a criminal record. "

 Related wrote on April 4, 2008 9:33 am:
" To all: This criminal is no different than those he helped commit the terrible crime on James Thimm. In my opinion, they didn't give James a second chance, why should we give those that killed both him and Luke a second chance? "

 OmahaAnnie wrote on April 4, 2008 10:02 am:
" How can anyone say murder is a mistake? Mmurder is murder and it is wrong. I don't agree with letting prisoners out before their sentence is fulfilled. Abolish parole, work release, etc. Do the time for the crime. Once a criminal always a criminal. "

 Other States Do It Too wrote on April 4, 2008 11:11 am:
" For just more than $1 an hour, inmates also serve food and do housework in the residence.

The Lincoln mansion is not the only governor's residence in the region to employ criminals.

Tours of the Kansas governor's mansion used to be lead by inmates, but now tours are led by other staff members. Today, inmates tend the mansion lawn in Kansas.

Missouri convicts work in the governor's mansion as food servers, similar to Nebraska.
"

 Dorrie wrote on April 4, 2008 11:11 am:
" Can't we put these people to work at least doing some real labor? I'll swap jobs with him. He can calve out heifers and I'll give the mansion tours. If only!! "

 Illinois Crooks wrote on April 4, 2008 11:13 am:
" I think that Illinois can honestly say that they have a criminal in the Governor's mansion. As a matter of fact, 3 of their 7 most recent guvs were hit with corruption charges and had to resign. New York had one too, but he had to resign just recently. "

 LCG wrote on April 4, 2008 11:26 am:
" "Humm"...jobs right at the top...yeah...for a dollar an hour...LOL...this is pathetic news. Who are we to judge? "

 Amy wrote on April 4, 2008 11:41 am:
" I work for the State, and there are inmates who are on work release that work in my building. It's not a big deal. They are closely monitored, and they never leave the sight of a regular employee. They are people too. "

 response to Humm wrote on April 4, 2008 12:11 pm:
" How many law abiding Nebraskans would line up for a job paying a little more than a dollar an hour. "

 bob wrote on April 4, 2008 12:34 pm:
" HUMM, Did you even read the story?? This guy makes $1 per hour. How many people do you know would work for that wage? It's got nothing to do with people leaving the State for better jobs. Many inmates are employed by the State doing meaningful and productive work for pennies. Afterall, they are wards of the State so they might as well be productive while here if possible. And before someone says that the State should be in the business of creating new minimum wage jobs for law abiding nebraskans and keeping inmates in their cells, stop and think of thee huge savings to the tax payers. Do you want the State to create more jobs and raise taxes to pay the salaries, or do you want them to lower taxes? Can't have it both ways. "

 Missing the Point wrote on April 4, 2008 1:32 pm:
" The tour guider's credibility or rehabilitation is irrelevant. the state program that gives him a job in the Capitol is irrelevant.

THe point is this: Dave Heineman threw a hissi-fit when the State Supreme Court overturned the electric chair. Heineman called them activist judges and is working to end their careers. He was trying to be all law-and-order-fry-the-murderers tough - even though neither he nor Johanns have executed a prisoner in ten years.

This story shows "Hang'em Highneman is really "Hang around'em Hieneman.
"

 Confused wrote on April 4, 2008 2:46 pm:
" What I dont understand is why there are people who are ok with this? I mean I understand the he is reformed, he is sorry for his sins, he realizes his wrongs but he is still serving his sentence!! Let him do his time, and then if he wants to get out and be a pastor alright fine let him try but your time sent to jail/prison is your time meant for jail/prison. Isn't that the point of prison is to hate ur life /"sentence" for the crime you committed. How he supposed to learn a lesson if he is being treated better than most americans while he is supposed to be punished. Shoot you cannot walk into walmart for a job if you have a speeding ticket and this guy got one in the Governors mansion! Plus would this still be looked at the same way if he was a sex offender and not a murderer? If this guy sexually molested a child and or any body else this would never be happening and no one would let it happen.The colt thing....thats iffy I would think people would be smart enough to think on their own and no right from wrong but there are some dingleberries out there! I am just suprised that in a world like today we hand out sentences to punish people and then cut them a break in the middle of it! Why because these people crack and start crying like babies well TOO BAD!! And why are inmates being treated better than the regular average joe, why dont Mr Davey H and all those other people ok with this taking the homeless off the street and giving them a job doing these things trying to help out the poverty situation instead of trying to help out those who apparently never helped anyone else. I am sure Starvin Marvin would appreciate the minimum wage pay to do the governors dirty work, better over the guy sitting in jail who can only spend his money on toothpaste and shampoo. Somethings just make no sense "

 Glad wrote on April 4, 2008 2:54 pm:
" I'm glad to see that people see this article a little ridiculous. Why does it matter if he works for the tours? I think it's nice that he changed it around, even if he's in jail forever, he knows what he did was wrong...I know that doesn't change the past, but why the article? Are people that afraid when the convicts are being supervised? "

 Reader wrote on April 4, 2008 3:22 pm:
" I've worked at two maximum security institutions for men in Nebraska, and to ridiculous I would say that meeting Havercamp three times does not give you enough information to determine that he is "nice." He was convicted of helping to skin a man alive. "

 more to the story wrote on April 4, 2008 4:11 pm:
" Why did the Governor want to ban the Daily Nebraskan after this story? There is more to this than just the inmate story folks. "

 barb wrote on April 4, 2008 9:13 pm:
" I find it odd that a man convicted of a drug crime required an act of God to get a chance to see his dying daughter, yet a convicted murderer is walking free on a daily basis. "

 A Mistake?? wrote on April 5, 2008 1:18 am:
" Thimm's murder has to rank among the most heinous, disgusting, worst, "insert superlative here", etc. in the history of Nebraska. Let's not characterize it as a "mistake." Haverkamp played a big part in that murder, and we should not excuse it.

Rehabilitation and job-skill-training is a wonderful goal. The last thing I want is people, particularly nonviolent offenders, wasting away in the penitentiary. The big question for me is: Are we really doing any favors (to anyone) by giving a convicted murderer a tour-guide position? How transferable are such skills (is there demand anywhere in NE for tour guides)? Why not teach him a skill that could really be put to use? "

 Just Ridiculous wrote on April 5, 2008 11:22 am:
" I agree with someone who said 'murder is murder & it is wrong'. That's true - it's horrific. But then what? We have a system of justice to punish crime. Tim is serving the sentence he was convicted of - and after that, should we never forgive him? Never let him reform & re-enter society? If we had this view of everyone that committed crimes, our society would be in even worse shape. And to someone else's comment, I would be delighted to have Tim babysit for me. No joke. He is respectable, kind & safe - a different person than he was decades ago - and great with kids, I might add. I'm not sure what this article was hoping to accomplish, reporting decades old non-news. "

 response to Reader wrote on April 5, 2008 11:34 am:
" Reader, if meeting someone 3 times isn't enough to determine if they are 'nice', what would you recommend? Perhaps you should try a prison outreach if you're concerned; sit down & have lunch and a conversation with an inmate. Get to know them as a person for who they are now. Isn't that how you would want someone to get to know you? I know Tim as a friend, not just an inmate. He's not just 'nice', he's changed. "

 Really? wrote on April 5, 2008 12:36 pm:
" Tim is a rehabilitated inmate who is remorseful and now a better person. I have had one of his tours at the mansion and, not only was he respectful and not at all dangerous, it was a wonderful tour. The governor would not let him give tours if he was not safe. "

 Jenn wrote on April 5, 2008 11:30 pm:
" I work with the inmate involved in this story and I am driven to say, Tim Havercamp is a wonderful God fearing man. He just want to finally put all this behind him and begin to rebuild his life. WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES!! Some of us just get deeper into it than others. My heart goes out to this man and I remember the crime. I remember it being everywhere. This man has worked very hard and has accepted God in his life. He has served his time for his crime, let him go home to his family. "

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