I sure could use some support from friends today

[lilallybean]

I have been on jury duty for the last two days. I have to say that it was the very worst expierence of my life. I have cried so much that I have a headache I just can't seem to get rid of. We gave our verdict yesterday and also had to set the sentence. I can now talk about the case and I just really need some feedback. The case involved a little 5 year old girl whose father did some HORRIBLE things to her. We found him guilty of 6 counts of child molestation in the first degree and guilty of 6 counts of statutory sodemy in the first degree. I won't go into detail here. It was hard enough to listen to the video of the little girl talking about what happened to her. There was also a video taped confession from the 'father', (he claims he was coerced into the confession). The little girl who is now 6 years old, also took the stand yesterday and gave us some of the details. I was totally shocked that we (By the way..I was the picked to be the foreperson of the jury), had to set the sentence! I thought that was the job of the judge! On the first six counts we gave him 15 years which is the max for the charge. On the last 6 charges we also gave him the max...Life in prison. I don't know why I am so upset with it all, I just am sick with it and need to know how others would vote. I hope and pray that the little girl finds some peace and comfort and now knows that there are at least 12 people who care about her and never want her to have to face that 'man' again!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

 

[SnowAngel]

 

[Tinks]

You did the right thing and there's not more you could have done.

 

[Kimberle]

You did good. He can't hurt anyone anymore.

 

[tc]

I am so sorry, what a tough trial. I can't imagine having to listen to all the details regarding this horrible time in a child's life. But, know that you were instrumental in putting a sex offender away, and now the little girl will be safe from him. With counseling and loving people around her, she'll survive, and be stronger because she spoke out against him. Trust me, as someone who has been through some stuff like this, she can recover. What this little girl has going for her is that she talked about it, and he is now paying the conseqences.

I know it will take you awhile to heal from this, but you can do it. It probably won't hurt to talk to someone about it, a healthcare professional, clergy or friend, just to tell how you feel and file it away as a horrific learning experience.

 

[Microcell]

You should be so proud of yourself! He may get out of jail on parole, but probably not until she is much older! That little girl needed you and you were there for her! Also, if he gets out he will have to register with the state and you have aided in protecting many other little girls and boys. I check the registered offender list every six months or so (you would be amazed how many live in your town) to be sure to avoid creeps like that. You have helped in your own way to make many kids lives safer. Anyone who would do that to their own child is sooo sick!

I see you live in Missouri, so I am including the list for you. Good job!


http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Root/index.html

Along the top you will see the Sex offender registry. There are like 50 that live here in Lee's Summit- UGH!!

 

[ILUVDXL]

((((HUGS))))) from me. I've only been on civil and housing matters as a juror, but in my years in the legal field many cases such as you discribed came across my path. I think that's why I left and went into banking. I think your decision was just and fair. Nothing like this should ever happen to a child and those who are responsible should pay the ultimate penalty. This poor child will bear the scars of her ordeal for a life time and IMHO no penalty is to great. Cry it all out but always remember you did the right thing.

 

[laurie31]

What a hard thing to have to endure

Laurie

 

[dvcfamily41801]

I am so sorry you had to go through that.

 

[vald1977]

You did the right thing.

 

[mickeyboat]

Hugs for you. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you. Know in your heart you did the right thing.

Denae

 

[lilallybean]

I have to mention that I have found out he DID also have charges of statutory rape in the first degree. I don't know what happened to those charges, we were never informed about that, but we did wonder abut it since we heard from the child that he did rape her. The child is also for some reason that we were not informed of not involved with her mother.

I live in a town that houses the sexual preditor facility. I had considered working there, but there is NO way that I could do that now!

Thanks all for the support...it really does mean so much to me!

 

[kejoda]

You don't know how many children you have saved but doing what you did. I know it was a hard thing to endure but thank you so much for doing it.

 

[minniecarousel]

Thank you for doing what you did! You did the right thing - which isn't always easy (serving on a jury & not getting out of it!)

Give yourself some time - but try to get away from it now. Hang in there.

 

[TimeforMe]

You absolutely did the right thing! Thank God for people like you and those that served on the jury. You are feeling so badly because you are a caring, compassionate human being unlike that poor excuse for a father that did those horrible things to that baby. Thank you for doing your part to make this world at least a little better by putting him behind bars.

 

[Pin Wizard]

That had to be difficult to sit through! Bless that little girl. <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_10.gif' alt='Prayer' border=0></a> <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_10.gif' alt='Prayer' border=0></a> <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/17/17_1_10.gif' alt='Prayer' border=0></a>

ILUVDXL...there's no way I could work in a field like that!

 

[Serena]

You did good. However hard it was to listen to and think about. That little girl and who knows how many others, are safe because of what you and the other jurors did.

Not only that, but how ever young she is, she will always remember that people were there for her. That they were able to help her feel safe again. That will also have an impact in her life.

I am so terribly sorry you had to deal with it, but I thank you for doing your best.

 

[Keli]

You cannot prevent evil people from doing evil things to children but you can and did give justice to that little girl. If you knew ahead of time what was going to happen and when you would have prevented it but we are not capable of that. You did everything you could to right a wrong situation. You did good. But I am very sorry you had to go through that. It would have torn me up too.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Just think of how many children you saved from that monster.
You did a good job.