Justice Prevails

It's all over isn't it. At least the UK got it right:

Teenage babysitter murdered two-year-old girl

• Family says council failed to respond to their fears
• Boy inflicted 68 injuries as mother went shopping

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• Helen Carter
• guardian.co.uk, Friday 26 June 2009 19.04 BST
• Article history

A 15-year-old babysitter was today convicted of the murder of a two-year-old girl who was beaten and suffered 68 injuries while her mother was shopping.
Demi Leigh Mahon was bitten, beaten and had her hair sheared off by Karl McCluney who was looking after her for 90 minutes last July while her mother, heroin user Ann Marie McDonald, went to pick up a child benefit cheque and to buy a birthday card.
Manchester crown court heard that McCluney took Demi to a park before attacking her at a flat in Eccles, Greater Manchester, then watching television as she lay injured. Following the verdict, the child's father and paternal grandmother criticised social services for failing to intervene despite their concerns.
McCluney had admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murder. The jury rejected his claim.
The case was adjourned for reports and McCluney will be sentenced on 31 July. Following McCluney's conviction the judge, Mr Justice Sweeney, lifted reporting restrictions on the defendant's identity.
The attack on Demi was so ferocious, the court heard, that she was left brain-damaged after being punched repeatedly in the face.
Pathologist Dr Naomi Carter said it was neither "reasonable or credible" that the vast majority of the injuries were accidental. McDonald told the jury she had left her daughter with McCluney several times. She returned that day to find him standing outside the house and he told her: "I picked her up ‑ I might have hurt her ‑ and she fell in the park."
She screamed at him and asked why he hadn't called an ambulance. He claimed: "I haven't done nothing."
Demi's father, Gary Mahon, and grandmother, Frances Gillon, said they twice contacted Salford city council to no avail. Gillon said she first made contact in January 2008 after learning that police had raided the flat about drugs claims.
She said: "I spoke to someone and told him we were concerned about Demi's safety because of the way she [McDonald] was living. He said 'I'll get in touch with the police and get back to you'. I've not heard from him." She phoned again three weeks before Demi's death. Gillon said McDonald was released on police bail after the raid but refused to let her and her father take Demi.
"I didn't realise Gary had parental rights and his name was on the birth certificate. If I had known, I would have tried to take Demi with us," she said. "It is a disgusting failure by social services."
The local authority admitted it failed to initiate a child protection investigation despite the threshold being met. But a serious case review found the death could not have been anticipated.
Demi's mother is a drug user and drinker with mental health issues and also the victim of domestic violence. She regularly missed medical appointments and lied about her drug use and overdosed on heroin.
The review also found that the professionals focused on her, rather than Demi. It concluded: "It was clear that the threshold for child protection intervention had been met."
After the murder, McCluney attempted to cover up responsibility by telling a series of lies. The court was told that while being held in a secure residential unit the boy had told a member of staff: "Everyone will think I'm a monster. But no one can ever punish me as much as I punish myself."
A psychiatrist called by the defence said McCluney suffered from an unsocialised conduct disorder and had a below- normal IQ.

Kenzie's Birthday

Kenzie would be seven years old on the 21st of this month. Still nothing is being done through the DAs office. We are putting out the word for people to call Mr. Beeson at the Garfield County DA Office in Glenwood Springs, CO. Can you believe it!!!! NOTHING. He hasn't even made a decision from the SECOND autopsy.

Meme's stuff

Here is a picture of Eryn: If you see her in the shop, please do NOT go there and tell Smart Style you do NOT appreciate a child killer working there.

Meme's stuff

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.9news.com%2Fnews%2Finvestigative%2Farticle.aspx%3Fstoryid%3D141302%26catid%3D207&h=12186qiyWv7uQukkcveGtMLN_6w

Meme's stuff

Kyle from Channel 9 News just called a few minutes ago. He's set to roll. PLEASE people, after seeing the piece (it will be posted on facebook and the blog) send in COMMENTS to 9 NEWS. This is probably only the FIRST with follow-ups. The more feedback, the better to help that happen.

Meme's stuff

Looks like Channel Nine News out of Denver will be doing a story on McKenzie's death tomorrow night. We have a head's up regarding the attorney for "the babysitter". Classic "blame the victim game". Hope you can and will all give my daughter Faith MUCH support through this. It tears ME up inside - I cannot imagine what it does to Faither. Watch the story - we'll be posting it everywhere.

Meme's stuff

I'm at Faith's once again. I LOVE being with her and Shaelyn BUT it is SO SAD here. I get reminded that I can "take a break" from the intensity of loosing Kenzie but they cannot. The consequences of such a loss are immeasureable. And to think that NOTHING has happpened toward charges is just UNTHINKABLE.

A Case of Justice

Can you BELIEVE this!!!! That families have to go through!!! This from the Oklahoma City News Channel 4 JOLEEN CHANEY REPORTING: BUFFALO -- For years the family of an Oklahoma toddler has been searching for answers as to how their child died after they left him with a babysitter. There was enough oxycodone in the one year old boy's body to kill an adult, but how it got there and why no one has been held accountable is one step closer to being solved. "We know the child died of an overdose of a synthetic opiate, something like oxycodone or hydrocodone, but we don't know how it got into the child's system and that's what we're trying to figure out," OSBI spokesperson Jessica Brown said. Garrett Rice's mother is convinced she knows who is responsible for her son's death. "I still believe she knows what happened," Casey Atkins said. NewsChannel Four first told you when this case was re-opened just a few months ago after Garrett died of a drug overdose while in the care of his babysitter Sharon Rowley. Since then we have learned the police chief who was handling the case has hit a road-block. After 6 years of investigations no one has been charged for the young child's death - even though some officials say there is enough evidence to charge Rowley. I do think she is responsible, and I think there's enough evidence there to prosecute her," Former Buffalo Police Chief Jeremy Murrell said. Garrett's parents believe it will take more than evidence to convince prosecutors. "The DA I don't feel like he's taken the case seriously at all," Atkins said. After we last told you about this case, it has gained national attention where for the first time Atkins confronted the babysitter she says killed her child. "That's a lot of anger, hate and aggression toward one person," Atkins said. "I lashed out. I was very angry." On a television talk show Rowley failed a lie detector test and admitted she smoked marijuana in the child's presence, but claims she is innocent. "I wasn't high until after he was asleep," she said. "I did not kill him. I'm not the one." Even though there is evidence she may be the one, it is still an open case Garrett's family says they may never be able to close. "If it saves one baby, and changes one person's mind than I'm happy," Atkins said. "I would love a conviction, but I may never get it." The OSBI has turned over all their evidence to the Harper County District Attorney who declined to comment on this case. Authorities are waiting for the Medical Examiner's office to change Garrett's cause of death from unknown to a homicide.

A Case of Justice

Maybe Faith should have been living in New Hampshire. This from the New Hampshire Union Leader: NASHUA – A babysitter has been arrested and charged with reckless conduct after an 18-month-old female child in her care apparently overdosed on prescription medication.Police said they arrested Esther Ngari, 20, of 136 West Pearl St. Apt. 3, at approximately 12:30 a.m. yesterday after the child ingested an unknown amount of the seizure medication Carbamazepine while in Ngari's apartment Thursday afternoon.Lt. Jeffrey Bukunt said that the child's father left the child and her six-month-old sister at Ngari's apartment on Thursday shortly before 2:30 p.m. The children's father did not personally know Ngari but was a friend of her roommate.Sometime that afternoon, Bukunt said, Ngari left the two children alone in her bedroom while they napped. Following the nap, Ngari noticed that the 18-month-old couldn't stay awake and called their father to pick them up. The children's father came over and picked them up at approximately 6:15 p.m. After the children left, Ngari went into her bedroom where she noticed that her bottle of medication which she normally kept on her nightstand was on the floor with several pills spilled out, Bukunt said. Some of the pills were wet and discolored, which is consistent with having been in someone's mouth. When the children arrived at home, the 18-month-old began vomiting and was unresponsive, Bukunt said. She was then taken to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and then med-flighted to Boston Children's Hospital where she was listed in serious condition. Ngari told police she normally kept her prescription bottle on her nightstand with the lid unsecured because she has trouble opening it when it is sealed, court documents state. Ngari was arraigned in Nashua District Court yesterday on one felony count of reckless conduct for leaving the bottle of medication within reach of the child with its lid unsecured and one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child for not notifying the child's father that she may have ingested the medication, court documents state. Ngari was ordered held on $50,000 cash or surety bail and a condition of her bail states that she must also turn her passport over to the Nashua Police Department, court documents state. Ngari has lived in Nashua for only two weeks, Bukunt said. She previously lived in Virginia for five months, having moved there from her home country of Kenya to attend college. A case status and probable cause hearing is scheduled for June 20.

DA's office today

What I have a really hard time with is waiting. But the explanation that was given to me today on why I have to wait make sence. I see now they are taking this case seriously and don't want E.W. or her lawyer to have any evidence prior to arrest. That way they can charge her with everything at once. I think that had to do with all the people that have called and emailed the DA. I have made it clear that if I have to file a grievance against someone, I will take it as far as it needs to go to have E.W. arrested. The fact that people believe that E.W. is a victim and I am just trying to blame someone for Mckenzie's death is insult to injury. It makes me fight harder when I hear things like H1N1 or any lie constructed by E.W. I then push harder, I call more people and I won't stand down.

So I gave them everything needed, being totally honest I watched their faces sadden by the deceit and maliciousness that was involved by E.W. and the pain she put Mckenzie through. They heard my little girl and her cry from the heavens. They finally heard that she didn't have to die and there is only one person that caused her death. THEY HEARD!!!!

It brought me peace for a minute. However, don't think that I will slow down on my fight for justice. Oh no, in fact I am going to push harder. Even thinking about posting the findings for abuse on shops bulletins in Rifle, so they know they have a child killer among them. And I will make sure that 9 news follows through with their interview. I will make sure that everyone knows that behind that sweet pathetic smile of hers, that there is a viscous killer with no regards for what she did and she is likely to do it again. She deserves to go to prison and face all those Mothers in there. Face them and tell them that she killed a 6 year old. The moment that she is taken to be transferred to prison will be the day that I rest. Until then, I won't stop. I won't until she pays for what she did to my daughter and this family.

Meme's stuff

I had a dream about McKenzie again last night. This frequently happens. I think I just cannot get my mind wrapped around the fact that she is gone. I often dream that I am explaining to someone I know who McKenzie was - what she was like, and how I feel about her being taken away so suddenly and unnecessarily. So I was visiting an old friend. Fixing her battery (I know, weird), and talking about Kenzie. And I could see her as plain as day. I could feel her self-confidence and slick smile. I was telling my friend about her self-assured air and easy smile. And I missed her. And I miss her. I woke up realizing, for the millionith time, that I not only miss her, I miss what the future would have been with her here. I miss doing things with her as an older child. I miss messing with her mind as only Meme could. I miss her quick an confident come-backs. I will miss watching her grow into a teenager and young woman. I will miss watching her struggle to become her own independant adult. I will miss watching her and Shaelyn as they grow TOGETHER and continue thier strong bond as sisters. I miss McKenzie. And every day the district attorney's office takes to decide if they have the courage and moral rightness enough to charge the person responsible for her death it takes more of my mental and psychological energy away. I NEED that energy. I need it to keep myself together, and to help support McKenzie's mother and sister. If there is an enemy coming right at you with a gun, and you have a gun pointed at that enemy, then it's fair game. If you have several enemies coming at you from different directions, all pointing a gun at you, then your chances of survivial are slim pickings. Not a lot can be done about the fact that McKenzie has been killed. She's enjoying God's grace. BUT, something CAN be done about the rightful consequences regarding the person who killed her. Will that bring Kenzie home? Of course not. Will that relieve some of the pressure of my enemy's guns pointing at me. You bet your ass.

Meme's stuff

Classic "blame the victim". I'm not surprised. Several people have called and/or written Mr. Beeson's office. Thank you all for that. Now, more and more, Faith is being treated "cooly". So this morning I advised her to retain an attorney. I was at the annual UT Crime Victim Conference last week and attended a session on the media and crime. The fellow presenting stated that advocates should advise clients to obtain an attorney when dealing with the media. Well, this Mom has advised her daughter that when dealing with a district attorney's office that is giving her the message that they "can't proceed forward until AFTER they interview" Faith to get an attorney. That way her rights as a victim will be protected and her anxiety as a Mom who simply wants justice for her dead daughter will hopefully be reduced. Sad state this case is in, when SO much is on Faith and NONE is on "THE BABYSITTER" which, for some reason WAY beyond me, we "shouldn't" mention by name. Whatever. I just find it SO interesting that as more pressure is on the district attorney's office, more pressure is being put on Faith by that office, instead of where it SHOULD be put on. We aren't backing off people. ONE person is responsible for McKenzie's death. ONE PERSON. I think about what all crime victim advocates know: that is cases, such as rape, blaming the victim is so classic; when in fact perpetrators LOOK for vulnerable victims. Daaaa!!! What an enlightened age we live in. So I say put MORE pressure on getting to the bottom of this case. Not less. Yes, it costs Faith EVEN more to protect her rights, but so be it. It will take what it will take and we are READY TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES.

Justice for McKenzie

Martin Beeson. District Attorney. Ninth Judicial District (Colorado). 109 8th Street, Sutie 308; Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Email: mbeeson@9daco.org. Phone: (970) 945-8635. Contact Mr. Beeson. Share your thoughts about this case. Justice for McKenzie!

Shaelyn is amazing

My daughter is amazing. Yesterday Shaelyn busted her knee hardcore. She was headed down to city market with her best friend and her best friends older sister. Shaelyn was speeding down the hillside and went to turn and crashed hard. She had a cellphone, but instead of calling to ask me to pick her up.... she got up and made her trip to City Market.

I guess this means so much to me because I realized how much Shaelyn has grown in this terrible time. She is living for every moment to the fullest. And that poor kid, I am so protective. Shaelyn understands though, she is angry at that person that took her sisters life. She has a better understanding of everything because she was there. I just am so impressed with her and the strength she has shown through all of this. She still plays with her sister, but in her own way. One way is: She will go out to the trailer where Mckenzies things are and grab some things. She will play with them, talking to her sister in the sky. When she is done, she puts them back and closes the trailer. Its her time with Mckenzie. She wants to honor her and keep her alive in her own way. It is pretty amazing.

I am grateful she is still alive. From what she has said her life has been put in danger with medication that she did not require. How could anyone do that to those girls that clammed to love them I will never understand. The girls used to complain about going over there because "Aunt ****" was mean to them. I thought that she was just strict. I think back now and I realize that every time they were there, it took a day for the girls to be themselves when they came home. Thank god for Laci, or I would of never put two and two together and **** would of had access to Shaelyn for weeks after. I really thought she would never abuse or hurt the girls. How wrong was I, no she didn't slap my kids or beat them, she made them sick so she could be the "mommy".

Anyway, my sweet Shaelyn has taught me so much in this journey. Not to give up is something both my kids are counting on. To remember that just because Mckenzie was stolen from us, it is only in body form..... as the play kitchen set is going off outside with no one out there yep that's my zee.............. That there is justice and it is in a 10 year olds voice, it with perfect strangers reaching out that have children and it is there biggest fear too, and it is in my fight for my daughter who didn't deserve to die. I love my children and I won't stop until the women that caused them so much harm is in prison.

What kind of person

What kind of person doesn't have remorse for overdosing a innocent 6-year-old? What kind of person waits to call 911? What kind of person gives a non asthmatic- Shaelyn- Albuterol treatments? What kind of person MAKES children sick so they can feel better about themselves? What kind of person tells you that they love you and respect you as a mother, then kills your 6 year old with one of the 5 medications that she went out of her way to give to a little girl that wasn't sick? I will tell you, a sick person, a person that is meant to be locked away where she can't harm another child. And its not me that is going to make a difference in weather or not she goes to jail. Oh no, there is another innocent voice that wants to see that MURDERER put away. A little girl that lost her sister. My daughter has nightmares about this women giving her medication. She remember each time that she gave her Albuterol. Mind you she doesn't have Asthma or anything close to Asthma related issues. She can tell of each time she was given adult Benzedrine. She can tell of each time she was given any medication. And she knows that her"Aunt" didn't call her Mommy to ask. That isn't the worst part, oh no, when it comes to taking Mckenzie, Shaelyn has nightmares that her "Aunt" is coming to take her. Like the big bad wolf.... So yes I hate her for taking Mckenzie..oh yes a hate that the whole community feels, but it is topped with the fact that she also damaged me sweet Shaelyn. In the words of my 10 year old... she can't run from GOD...

Meme's stuff

I had such a good talk with Liz/Victim Advocate today. Even working in the "business", as a secondary victim, I forget that Liz is busy. I am VERY good at being ok with the fact that I am Faith's mom, and that's my FIRST job!!! Liz was great. She informed me about what she could. Sometimes, even when there's "nothing happening", something's happening because we are being told SOMETHING - even if it's "nothing's happening". Just having an opportunity to talk to Liz and VENT was something. Thank you Liz. Being reminded that my feelings and reactions are understandable means a great deal. Validation is critical when there's so MUCH grief and pain.

Meme's stuff

Hard morning for Faith. With the investigators reviewing everything and REinterviewing everyone, it just brings the loss of McKenzie to the front, again. It's a necessary step we know. It would have been easier if Faith had been kept informed more fully by the district attorney's office as to what was or wasn't happening and if she had been respected more as a victim in this case. Again, we know this barbaric system of so-called justice is cruel to the innocent and protects the guilty. I haven't encountered anyone who can argue that dynamic. Perhaps the guilty would like to. I'm encouraging Faith to get any and all support she can at this point. I simply don't see how she carries on day after day after day. They wait and wait and now, next week when she has final exams for school, they want to talk to her again. Right.

Meme's stuff

I've tried to reach Liz/Victim Advocate for the past couple of days. Yesterday she had stepped out of the office. Today she just wasn't in. That's not bad, as she DOES have other clients, ect. Problem is, none of us in the family have been able to have a conversation with us. She DID reach Patty by email after Patty had tried to reach her. I just wish this case would move FORWARD. Faith called this afternoon, and it does look like it IS moving. At least the investigators are on it. I wonder if they got wind that the news channel is looking into it? No matter - just get it done already!!!!

Meme's stuff

I was listening to the news this evening. Two little girls died a couple months ago in the Salt Lake City area. It was tragic. An exterminator had spread poison outside of their home and it had seeped into the ground and somehow got into the girls' systems and killed them both. Autopsy back already. TV news had been ON it since it happened. DA was interviewed this evening to explain why no decisions have been made yet regarding charges. I guess TV coverage makes a difference. We were told we would be notified EACH week - EVEN if NOTHING was happening. We haven't. We were told they were going to reinvestigate - no word yet. We were told it shouldn't take more than about 4 weeks to make a decision regarding charges - its been over that. What the hell is going on here? I KNOW people are busy. I also know that Faith and family have had to painfully wait for these things to happen. I was giving a presentation to a bunch of victim advocates today - part of my job believe it or not - and I used this as an example of what NOT to do. Basically, I told the advocates NOT to make promises they can't keep. And even if they mess up - which they WILL do - to CALL the victim and "confess their sins" and get back on track. I reminded them that, for my daughter, what may SEEM like a minor detail - like a simple phone call - is HUGE when you are in that space that Faith is in. So, I WANT to give Mr. DA what time and consideration he needs to do his job - of getting to CHARGES; but, I am getting discouraged with the LACK of movement on this case and the aweful emotional and psychological consequences to my family.

Meme's stuff

I just read Shaelyn's post and her follow-up comment. Yep. That's the essense isn't it. I was driving up to Salt Lake City today - having a nice enough ride. Rocking to the choir as usual. Then, out of the blue, I deeply missed McKenzie. I cried. I couldn't touch the depth of my sorrow. I just miss her. I miss our future with her. I am trying to put my best Christian foot forward. That has saved me I'm sure. BUT, I haven't forgiven. AND, I so believe that there is someone responsible for this and that one's actions have consequences. In this case, I believe the babysitter's actions should have legal consequences, as well as other natural consequences. I was thinking about that on my ride. I so hope, and pray, that no other family has to go through what our family is going through because of this person. I believe she is evil. That's just MY belief. I'm entitled. We WILL go forward as a family. We WILL love each other through this. We WILL fight for justice. We WANT to be patient. We WANT to believe that the county attorney's office is on it. They SAY they are. I know it takes time. BUT.