Betrayal and Raw Emotion

Betrayal and Raw Emotion

The verdict in the Casey Anthony case has brought forth emotion rarely experienced by the masses. The coverage continues, mostly repeating excerpts of the trial, jail visits, and other sound bites and the reading again, and again, of the ‘not guilty’ verdicts.

Protesters and even a few supporters of the verdict have been diligent in making themselves heard. Rumors continue to circulate that death threats and other harassment of the family, lawyers, jurors, Casey, and other familiars of this case continue to make the media, as well as the recurring call for boycotts and creation of new laws.

Why has this case, brought such raw emotion to the surface? What is it about Casey, Cindy, George, and in a cameo, Lee that has made those that follow this case in large part have such strong emotions in regards to the guilt or innocents of all the members of this family?

What was it about Caylee that made her a member of America’s family, the wide eyed, cherub, that now is the nucleus of legislation dubbed, ‘Caylee’s Law’

To understand why this case became the media monster it has, one has to go back to the beginning, back when we first heard of Caylee, when we first saw Cindy Anthony make the pleas for the return of her granddaughter. We have to look at all the drama and intrigue that was created by the family, because this, in my opinion, was the root of how this case went completely out of control.

When Cindy made her first appearances with the media, she seemed to be like any other loving family member of a missing child. She offered information, always ending with the plea for help, for anyone with information to come forward. This was the first Cindy Anthony we met, we related to, and felt sympathy for, slowly, methodically this Cindy Anthony became less the grieving grandmother, and more the unrelenting defender of her daughter.

This defense knew no bounds. Every lie Casey told was excused. Anyone that questioned even Cindy or George’s first interviews or observations, became the enemy. But it didn’t end there…it went further, it went into accusing obviously innocent people. It turned to attacking volunteers, with such comments as, “Get off your asses and look for my granddaughter” followed with other disturbing remarks, such as giving the dog’s tooth brush for comparing DNA.

Is there any wonder why, those that felt a bond to Cindy, to her pleas, and a growing love and concern for Caylee would later feel betrayal?

That is what this rage boils down to, betrayal. People rallied around the Anthony family, they searched, prayed, donated time, money, supplies, they offered their love and support, only to be verbally attacked when they dared questions the many changing stories of Casey Anthony.

But the changing stories were not exclusive to Casey alone. After a period of time, it seemed to be a family trait, to either completely deny something previously stated, or to attempt to spin it in such an illogical way, it was insulting to the intelligence of those that began to hang on every word in hopes of finding out the truth.

While I do not support hostile demonstrations, it was in many ways inevitable that this was going to happen. When a person feels betrayed, the emotion is completely raw. Many times under such stress, people have done things that are and would be completely out of character. This is, also, the reason that ‘Crimes of passion’ have been considered a mitigation factor, in criminal cases. Once betrayal is thrown in the mix with a ‘mob mentality’ it becomes a toxic mix of acute emotion and rage. This is what we witnessed in front of the Anthony house in the early weeks of this case, and what we experienced again, though somewhat muted, after the verdict, and when Casey was released from county jail.

Caylee Anthony’s life may have been short, far too short, one thing for sure, she touched many lives. Her legacy may be the creation of laws that would bring justice to parents that otherwise would dodge any punishment for the unreported death and dumping of a child. I know, I for one will never hear ‘You are my sunshine’ without thinking of this precious little girl.

Even the most destructive fire will eventually burn itself out, and that will become true in this firestorm, as well. New cases, sadly will present, and the media is going to follow the next intriguing case with the same fervor as this and others have been covered.

The one positive note, that draws at least this part of the saga to a close, has been, ironically, the actions of the public. The inspirational final walk for Caylee, that ended at her memorial went without cruel chants, nasty remarks or any form of harassment. It was simply the way the community sought closure, and the way they said goodbye to America’s brown-eyed girl.

Respect the Jury’s Verdict

Respect the Jury’s Verdict


Since the reading of the Casey Anthony verdict, it was no shock to me the outrage the verdict reached. I have read many message boards, Facebook, Twitters, that share in the disbelief of the jury’s quick decision that acquitted Casey Anthony of any wrong doing in regards to the death, of her child and the dumping of her remains.

Casey was found guilty of lying to investigators, which amounted to time served for the most part, and a fine. This for many, did not even come close to representing the justice that so many wanted for a two year old girl that became America’s child.

The anger and outrage has been met by some with distain. Often those that hold contempt for this verdict have been scolded as being ‘Un-American’ supporting of ‘Lynch Mob Justice’ and ‘Not understanding the way the law works’ Of course, I disagree completely with such characterizations.

In regards to being ‘Un-American’ or ‘Not understanding the law’ I find these arguments some what amusing, considering some of the same people that accuse such things, have themselves disagreed strongly with jury verdicts of guilty. Their scolding about respecting the jury is lost when the defendant they believe to be innocent is judged otherwise by a jury. Some of these same people have accused past juries of the very same this jury has been accused of…failing to go over evidence, buying into speculation, ignoring common sense. Of course, in our system of justice, at the very least a conviction has the possibility of appeal. Once a person is acquitted, that is it, and for many justice will never be served.

I also find that in reference to ’Lynch Mob Justice’ as being for the most part hyperbole. While I am sure there are a small percentage of people that are unstable enough that would make threats, and even a smaller percentage of those that may act on them, for the most part, the Lynch Mob is looking to make changes in laws, or boycott businesses and media outlets that would allow Casey Anthony, her attorneys, or family to profit in any way from this case. Protesting is also a basic right of our society, but suddenly when it comes to what some believe to be a poor verdict of not guilty, these people become an ’Un-American, Lynch Mob’.

The bottom line is that when a not guilty verdict is reached, aside from being angry, attempting to make changes in the law, and boycotting various businesses or products, there is not much more that can be done.

Like the jurors in verdicts of guilty that have caused anger, these jurors should be shown the respect of not being harassed. If they choose to address the media, their comments of course can be addressed and are open to civil discussion and interpretation in regards to the decision reached.

There is nothing ‘Un-American’ about disagreeing with a verdict. It does not make one disrespectful of the law, nor does it make someone ‘filled with hate’. Should this be the case, then look in the mirror to any and all those that have disagreed with any verdict in the past that was reached, and be mindful in the future, when a verdict is reached that was different than you thought it should have been.

No Doubt about Guilt

A young family, living in the Midwest, were blessed with two beautiful children. First came the boy, then the cherished daughter.

Then came the weekend this young father was left in charge of his young children, his wife attending a charity event out of town.

The young father left his children with his mother in law, and attended a street fair with his brother in law. He was careful not to drink too much, and was home with his children around 1am. Both children were fast asleep, so he put each child on a sofa, covered them, and went to bed himself.

Early the next morning, the father is woke by his small son. He reports that his three year old sister is missing.

At first the community rallied around this young family, the mother rushing home upon learning her daughter had disapeared in the night.

3:30 pm the child is found, two in a half miles from her home. She was found in the water, face down. Later it would be learned she had been sexually abused, and strangled.

Law enforcement interviewed the family, even the young son without objection from the parents. The entire family fully cooperated with police, all giving DNA samples, answering all questions.

The father said someone must have come in and snatched their daughter, while she slept on a sofa just a few feet away from her slightly older brother.

Law enforcement immediately felt different. The house showed no visible signs of forced entry; nothing disturbed. Investigators thought it would take an amazing 'stroke of luck' for an intruder to come into the house, take the child, without waking the other, let alone the father--and then another stroke of luck for the intruder, the mother was away.

Now, the rumors begin, the once supported young family are caught in the gossip mill, and 'tips' that in reality this All American family are in reality wild party animals, not acting like grieving parents, shopping sprees..any truth in it? Sure, a friend of a friend witnessed it..or a quick expression caught by the media fueled the increased speculation.

Suddenly a break in the case, the parents of this little girl are called to the police station. They are immediately separated, and the father, is told flat out. "We have reason to believe you killed your little girl"

This father, would be interrogated for fourteen hours, broken down mentally, emotionally, and physically. Repeatedly, he was offered a polygraph, with the disclaimer by investigators that they know he will fail. Finally, this father agreed. As predicted, he did indeed fail.

Early the next morning, investigators have a full confession, the father claiming the death was accidental, charges are filed. The States Attorney announces that he will be seeking the death penalty.

The family never doubted the innocents of this father, they begged until a lawyer with much experience in such cases agreed to take a look at the evidence against this defendant.

After eight long months,including death threats by inmates and being moved into protective custody; DNA and due to a new State's Attorney, this father is free, to return to his family, and prays that the real murderer is found.

And what of the little boy? The son that was sleeping just mere feet from his sister when she was taken? Hours of interviews, being kept from his parents, being told over and over that he saw his father take his sister out of the house that night, all the while he shook his head and asked for his parents.

Was justice ever found for this little girl and her family? Yes. Six years later the rapist and murderer of Riley Fox was found and plead guilty.

So, this is one of many reasons, I will not accuse a family member of the horrible crime of murder without reasonable evidence from law enforcement. Of course there are cases that are some what more obvious, such as Casey Anthony that waited a month before reporting to anyone her daughter was missing, who led police to bogus places of employment and apartments that have been empty for months.

So go ahead, call me a thug hugger, a criminal groupie...as I am sure those are the kindest things some have made in reference to me, my conscience is clear. If in any case I am found to be wrong, I can live with that, because none of the cases I have followed has it been more important for me to be right than the right person or persons brought to justice.

The links below offer more information on the Riley Fox case, and the eventual capture of the creature that ended her precious young life.

http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/rvp/pubaf/08/Burgess_2020.pdf
http://chicagoist.com/2010/11/10/suspect_in_riley_fox_murder_pleads.php

And now for introductions.....

Today Ronald Cummings and his mother were on the Maury Show; and after reading on the boards, I am again amazed.

First let me start by saying this:

HaLeigh has two parents that obviously love her and are suffering. She has grandparents on both sides of her family that are in great pain not only because their beloved grandchild is missing; but they have to watch their own beloved children suffer a pain greater than anything they ever suffered, and they are powerless to do anything to ease it.

I wanted to post the above disclaimer so the rest of my thoughts on this subject are not going to be misunderstood as a bash fest to either parent.

As stated, Ron's appearance on Maury was broadcast today, I watched, and then I made the mistake of reading on some message boards.

One poster was just completely confused as to why Ron would refer to HaLeigh as his daughter; Huh, let's think about this great concern for a moment.

When Crystal appeared on Nancy Grace, she referred to HaLeigh as 'our daughter' she too did not use HaLeigh's name.

Pot meet Kettle

Ron has been attacked on the boards for months for not doing enough,not going to the media, begging for HaLeigh's return.

How often has Crystal been on various shows, begging for HaLeigh' return?

Pot meet Kettle

Ron has been attacked for not crying on various interviews.

How often has Crystal cried on interviews?

Pot meet Kettle

Ron has been attacked because his lawyer says they are trying to raise money to hire a private investigator; this met with gasps and horror.

A benefit concert was just held, proceeds going to HaLeighbug

Pot meet Kettle

Ron was first attacked for not doing anything for HaLeigh's birthday, then true to form, when he and his side of the family scheduled a balloon release with fliers, he was attacked, one blog even suggested that this should be considered littering.

Crystal and her side of the family did a school supply drive in honor of HaLeigh.

Pot meet Kettle

Ron is attacked because he cannot offer information because he was at work.

Crystal stated on Nancy Grace she also has no idea what happened or when or who was the last person to see HaLeigh.

Pot meet Kettle

Ron appears on Nancy Grace in a suit and tie, the insults fly across the keyboards

Crystal appears, on Nancy Grace, clearly looking very nice, much different than other interviews, and once again just the opposite.

Pot meet Kettle


The point I am attempting to make is that the bias and hypocrisy is so obvious, it is insulting to the intelligence of the vast majority of bloggers that are really concerned about HaLeigh.

If anyone is looking for perfection in Ron or Crystal, you will be disappointed, there are no perfect people, only perfect intentions; which I do believe that Ron and Crystal both have in regards to their children.

I am sure that both of them beat themselves up each and every day for mistakes and judgement errors they have made.

I don't think either need every tear, expression, word, or garment picked apart as some amateurish sleuthing attempt to prove that one or the other is guilty of a crime.

Of course those that do find this a necessary part of their day, it speaks much louder about them, than it does about those they have honed their negative energies on so mercilessly.

Donna Brock hits the media....

Well, once again the spotlight on the HaLeigh Cummings case is going to shine on someone that has interjected themselves into on on going police investigation.

Donna Brock is going to be an 'exclusive' on the Levi Page show, along with some other favorites, including good old Lenny Padilla, most known from the Casey Anthony case, but also tried to offer his services to Misty, via a possible trip to Canada. Steph Watts will also be there; wonder if Art Harris feels left out?

I wonder why, if true, Donna gave information to investigators, and they have chosen not to share it with the media, exactly what is Donna thinking? What does Tim Miller feel about this?

To listen, here is a link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/levipage

Will this help or hinder the investigation? I don't know, but it seems to me some of those that continue to leak information really don't care.

Sticks and Stones may break your bones: But words WILL hurt the Children....

There has been much talk about what could have happened to any missing person; often times discussion on these cases buzz on message boards, fill blogs, and are twitter topics.

We all have our opinions on these cases, developed with a combination of media reports, personal experience, and interpretation of interviews, including facial expression, tone, accent, the list is endless.

But we all do have our opinions.

So many cases that I have followed there seems to be a popular theme; the complete character assassination of someone that the missing person loved and trusted; many times with not much more than mere speculation.

In 1988, Jaclyn Dowaliby was taken in the night from her home while her parents and younger brother slept. The police quickly ran dry with leads, and decided that the break-in was staged, and focused on what they believe was the obvious suspects, Jaclyn's adoptive father, David Dowaliby, and her mother, Cynthia.

The investigation was nothing short of a witch hunt. Charges were filed against both, but due to lack of evidence, charges against Cindy were dropped. Cindy's dropped charges didn't stop child services from taking her son, and newly born infant from her though..eventually it was proven in court that child services literally trumped up charges. There excuse was, it was because they were sure of the guilt of the parents in the death of their daughter--no need for a trial...child services convicted them, and so did the media. David went to trial, and was found guilty.

Long story short, in 1991, after exposing the corruption and sloppy investigation, David's conviction was over turned.

Whenever I hear about a missing child, I try to think of this case. Why? Because I was one of those that felt simply due to what the media reported that this couple did murder their child.

Now, many of us are following HaLeigh Cummings. While I do believe that most are following, posting, and blogging about this case out of concern for a missing child, I also believe that some have gone way too far in 'expressing' or maybe 'defending' their opinion.

Each and everyday I have read down right cruel things posted about Ronald and Crystal. Some parody sites have even sprung up, somehow finding humor tearing down one parent or the other.

This is my question:

How can anyone say that they care about HaLeigh, or her little brother, if you can post simply cruel posts about their parents, or extended families?

Discussing the facts, that have some uncomfortable truths, is one thing, but finding new and exciting ways to mercilessly ridicule them goes beyond pale.

We all pray that Haleigh will be found alive, should this miracle happen, how do you think she would feel about all the out and out cruel things said about her family? Should the worse happen, how do you think Junior, will feel, not only losing his sister, but also hearing on the playground all the special things people have posted about either his mother or father?

As the title of this blog states, Sticks and Stones may break your bones Something most of us teach our children, but we by teaching that, are lying to them as well, because words do hurt, sometimes more than sticks and stones.

One may not like Ron and Crystal for various reasons, and that is the right of each and every person. I do think though, we should take a cue from both Crystal and Ron, neither of them have said half the horrible things about each other in public as strangers have.

If the two of them that are suffering can be that decent to each other, even considering their past, I don't think it would to difficult for us to do the same.

The road to Hell is paved........

After watching various news shows, and reading various blogs, it is clear that two very different camps have been set up in regards to Tim Miller and his current actions in the HaLeigh Cummings case.

Yes, everyone has an opinion and are entitled to them, and as I too have an opinion, I thought I would offer it.

First of all, I completely agree with Marc Klass and his comments last night on Nancy Grace's show. Marc is correct that people in these circumstances are very vulnerable, and trust is a very important tool to get people to offer the information necessary to find missing children. I do believe that this fiasco could do damage to other groups that offer help to families and TES as well.



The reasons I hold this opinion are as follows:

1. Misty's tests:

There is absolutely no logical reason for Misty's poor test results to be offered to the media in any form. This information should have went directly to law enforcement, after all, don't you all think there is a reason that law enforcement never confirmed the results of their tests? The excuse that Tim was being attacked by Misty or anyone else is not an excuse; Misty and her lawyer never said anything until after the results were made public, via various media outlets.

2. Confidential talks with Ronald:

Love, Hate, or Indifferent, what logical reason would Tim have share these discussions with the media on any level? If it is true, that Ron was trying to get Misty to talk, to slip up, well that sure throws a monkey wrench in that plan. If Ron is lying, how exactly does it help Tim gain the trust of Ron by blabbing what he said in confidence to him? Did it help law enforcement? Did it bring new information from the public? No, on all accounts.

3. Guns, Threats, and changing accounts:

Now as the most current account of Ron with the gun and the threats he made, this too is a mess, and why? Well, for one reason the story has changed, morphed really, like a twisted game of telephone.

The first we heard of this was an interview on Geraldo, and this gun talk, and blowing Misty's teeth out the back of her head took place in NeJames office, that we have on tape. The next account was from a blogger, that says it did happen in the house, but no mention of Ron Jr. being present; the last and really most frightening story, is that Ron Jr was there, and Ron even demostrated how he would kill himself later.

Apparently, a concerned reader of that blog, reported this to DCF in Florida, and if this blogger is to be believed, it was DCF that contacted Tim Miller for a statement in regards to this incident, which he willingly gave.

Things that make ya go Hmmmmmmmm....if this was as horrific as described by the blogger, why didn't Tim Miller report this himself? According to bloggers that have quoted Tim Miller, one of the reasons for arranging to send Misty away was the fear for her safety; then wouldn't it be logical to report this to DCF and law enforcement, rather than simply offer the story to media sources?



4.Cloak and Dagger

The whole undercover TES member is what really sends this over the top. First of all, even Misty knew from the start that this woman knows Tim Miller, works with TES and also knows she failed her testing provided by Tim Miller. Why Tim or anyone else would think that a shopping spree, hair and nail pampering, along with trips to tourist sites would suddenly make Misty spill her guts is beyond me, and to most people I think with common sense.

Now, of course on this issue, I may end up eating crow should law enforcement crack this case with information that this exercise provided, but it seems that so far this is not the case; in fact, the only thing that we know, is that both spy and target are accused of road rage, and flipping the bird. Oh, and again, should the information provided by a blogger be true, the TES worker says Misty has a very hot temper.

My opinion is mixed in regards to the use of donations to TES for this project, but that ultimately is up to the board members of TES to make that call; and up to those that supported in the past, or plan to in the future to support or not.

It has long been said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, that could be the case here; or it could be a case of ego over ruling common sense and good judgement. Perhaps it is a little of both.

It is my opinion, that side show antics like this hurt an investigation, it brings pain to the families, and it seems at this point to only provide fodder for internet gossip, accusations, and so far has done nothing to solve the mystery of where HaLeigh is, or who is responsible.