Natural Elevation

Sep. 1, 2008

Another Season

I have just returned from a week at VA Beach with “everybody.” I had a wonderful time!

Before that we had 2 weeks of phone calls with the court Prosecutor in my sister’s case. A new judge had asked us all to settle on a 25 year sentence for the defendant. Apparently people are getting away with murder in this country, and he was afraid the person would walk away with 5-15 from a bum jury. They certainly exist.

At first we were indignant, but when we had to consider which gamble was higher, we decided to go with the 25 years, which he will hardly survive at his age in a state prison in NJ.

On August 19, 2008 he accepted our deal and pleaded guilty.

Home News Tribune (NJ)

Star Ledger (NJ)

The sentencing is on October 24, 2008 and there will be no trial. My family and I will travel to NJ to attend the sentencing. We give our impact statements there, and send letters now which the judge will read in advance.

Today I have been filing schoolwork and gearing up for a new year. The weather is beautiful.

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Comments

Sep. 2, 2008 - <em>Untitled Comment</em>

Posted by linkmama

You have been through so much, and I am so sorry for your pain. God's mercies are new every morning, and He is with you through it all.

On a lighthearted note, can you show your hubby my blog and ask him what kind of caterpillar that is or what it will become? Thanks!

Not sure you know who I am, but I am Lynn! Remember me?

Edited by linkmama on Sep. 2, 2008 at 7:43 PM

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Sep. 3, 2008 - A small grace

Posted by Pomaleedon

Allison, this sounds like a small grace. What agony it would be to go through a trial by jury.

I read the news articles, and I read through some of the comments, and even if it weren't for your user name being "hersister", I would have known it was you. You were so level-headed in your response to the inevitable hurtful things people can say.

I'm so saddened that you have to bear this for the rest of your life, but I do pray that the end of these proceedings will bring respite for you and your family. I also pray that the judge will give him the full 25 years. I can't believe that anyone would have the nerve to plead for 10 on his behalf. Thanks for letting us know about this new turn in the case.

You have my warmest thoughts, dear sister ~

Pomee

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Sep. 3, 2008 - P.S.

Posted by Pomaleedon

Allison, when you say you had a wonderful time on vacation, does that mean you can say that you are able to laugh and enjoy yourself? Our family friend lost his fiance this past April, as you know, and he's so weary of not being able to enjoy anything. What sort of road lies ahead for him?

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Sep. 3, 2008 - awful

Posted by momofsix

I am so sorry for the loss.

Edited by momofsix on Sep. 3, 2008 at 6:13 PM

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Sep. 4, 2008 - What a Relief This Must Be!

Posted by ichuzchrist

I know it has to be hard, but at least you don't have to go to trial and live it all over again, or have it postponed again. Hopefully this will bring you some peace. I pray that it will.

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Sep. 19, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

Allison, I don't understand how this is the best our judicial system could do. Is there any chance that at his sentencing your sister's murderer could receive a shorter sentence? Praying that the judge sentences him to the full 25 years...

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Sep. 21, 2008 - Acceptance

Posted by AmoScribo

I am answering you in a post! ~Allison

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About

We homeschool our 6 children in rural Vermont. Our horse family consists of a black pony and an off-track Thoroughbred. We give Jesus the praise and God the glory for all the victories in this life. I have an eye on and my heart in eternity.

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Murdered Nov. 25, 2006

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I love Vermont because of her hills and valleys, the scenery and invigorating climate. But most of all because of her indomitable people. They are a race of pioneers who almost beggared themselves for others.

If the spirit of liberty should vanish from the rest of the Union, and our institutions should languish, it all could be restored by the generous store held by the people in this brave little State of Vermont.

from Calvin Coolidge Address
Delivered at North Bennington, Vermont
September 22, 1928