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Post by Val Morgan on Jul 2, 2003 8:36:44 GMT -5
Just thought I would check in with ya'll. I hope you all are doing as well as possibly can be. They gave Rebecca Mackey a plea bargain two days b4 we were to go to trial. I don't like it, but there isn't much we can do about it. I am going to have to write one hell of an impact statement if she is to get the maximum 7 yrs. in the case. I have no idea how I will ever explain this to our children. It isn't fair that I will have to some day. If she gets 7 yrs.--which I doubt--our children will be 14, 12, and 10 when she gets out. Odds are they'll be even younger. How do I explain that? They are bound to see her some day on the street and the two oldest will know who she is. It is all so sickening. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. She'll be sentenced Aug. 14; so keep us in prayer please.
Val
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Post by Carrie-Bill's sister on Jul 2, 2003 10:04:47 GMT -5
Even the maximum of 7 years makes no sense to me....that isn't enough. Sentencing laws and classifications of crimes seem to miss the mark in terms of reflecting the crimes committed. I don't get it and I am angry for you. I have no doubt your impact statement will be powerful and persuasive. I think you discuss the ages of your kids when he gets out and the question of how to do you explain this to them. How will seeing this woman impact them. If you post the address of the judge doing the sentencing and a description of the circumstances and this woman's involvement in the murder, I'm sure some folks here would write letters urging maximum sentencing. Hang in there and be strong, Val. Take Care, Carrie Just thought I would check in with ya'll. I hope you all are doing as well as possibly can be. They gave Rebecca Mackey a plea bargain two days b4 we were to go to trial. I don't like it, but there isn't much we can do about it. I am going to have to write one hell of an impact statement if she is to get the maximum 7 yrs. in the case. I have no idea how I will ever explain this to our children. It isn't fair that I will have to some day. If she gets 7 yrs.--which I doubt--our children will be 14, 12, and 10 when she gets out. Odds are they'll be even younger. How do I explain that? They are bound to see her some day on the street and the two oldest will know who she is. It is all so sickening. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. She'll be sentenced Aug. 14; so keep us in prayer please. Val
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Post by Samantha - Urai's Daughter on Jul 2, 2003 13:59:36 GMT -5
Oh, Val I am so sorry. I cannot believe they plea bargained with her!!!!
I will keep you in prayer. Let me know if I can write a letter on your behalf.
(((HUGS)))) Sam
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BethMariansChild
Sophomore
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May the Great Goddess bless you in whatever path you choose.
Posts: 63
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Post by BethMariansChild on Jul 2, 2003 16:59:25 GMT -5
Val,
This is just outrageous. I don't have the words to express how angry this makes me. My heart goes out to you and your children. I hope they never have to see this woman on the street. Their little hearts have been broken enough already. No further insults to their little psychese should have to be tolerated.
Thank you for being a good mother to them. They need you twice as much as they did before. I guess I have a soft spot for the smallest murder victim survivors. They are all to often forgotten in the wake of tragedy.
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Jeanne Dotts Brykalski
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Post by Jeanne Dotts Brykalski on Jul 2, 2003 19:47:58 GMT -5
Val. I am just sick about this plea bargain.
You get more time in most states for stealing a horse or a car than you do when you murder someone.
I'm with Carrie, get us the Judge's name, email, and so forth and I for one will definitely write a letter on you and your children's behalf.
Unfortunately, going to trial does not guarantee a conviction. Beth's stepmonster went to trial 4 times for killing her mom and finally after several mistrials got off scott free.
We went to trial, got a conviction, and the Tennessee Appeals court overturned it and granted the monster another trial - and we have no idea when THAT will be.
Give your kids a hug for all of us, and let them know how many people who they have never even met care about them.
Hearts and Hugs, Jeanne
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Noel
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Post by Noel on Jul 3, 2003 2:23:55 GMT -5
Dear Val, that is absolutly disgusting, I and my guy,s out here will be saying all we can to the Great One up stairs to get the Karma going, I am sure he had some of these gutless judges in mind, When He said "vengenges is mine" it been working pretty well over here lately, but all the same my heart goes out to you take care Noel
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Post by Laura on Jul 3, 2003 3:21:17 GMT -5
Val - I am so sorry. I will also write a letter if you give the address or email address.
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Post by LisaAnne on Jul 3, 2003 6:34:10 GMT -5
Val, I am sorry about the plea. It seems so unfair. You will find the right words for your kids when the time comes. They are lucky to have you. Hopefully you will have years to prepare. I am in the same area as my sister's murderers family. They have visitation with her son! It is not only painful but I fear for our safety. Good luck with your impact statement. I will make a statement on July 14. I don't know what I'll say yet but our monster is getting life without parole so I don't have the pressure you do. I will be thinking of you and keep you and your family in my prayers. Take care.
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Post by Colin on Jul 8, 2003 19:27:47 GMT -5
I don't get it - how can murder sentences be decided with plea bargains?
Murder sentences should be decided in open court, based on evidence, not bargained like market place goods.
We constantly berate other countries for holding trials in closed court. Yet this is effectively common in our countries, with devices such as plea bargains, or reluctant prosecutors. We have goes at other countries for political involvement in trials, then have Governers who commute sentences (or in my country, we have the Home Office Minister deciding on release dates for murderers based on media publicity).
A handful of years for murder - it's barbaric. I know too many people in my country who've lost someone to murder yet the murderer is out in two years. Deliberate violent attacks with weapons, but no premeditation proved, so the murderer gets manslaughter.
I'm sorry for the sentence you'll have to explain to your children, and for the way it's been set.
And it's awful that you have the onus of writing an impact statement in order to get nearer the sentence deserved.
Take care and good luck, I'll be thinking of you,
Colin
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Post by ValMorgan on Jul 16, 2003 9:29:53 GMT -5
Thank you to all who replied. You guys are always such a wonderful comfort to me. You may write to Judge J. Edward Sweeney at Stone County Courthouse P.O. Box 18 Galena, Missouri 65656 (417)357-6115 telephone (417)357-6163 facsimile J. Edward Sweeney, Presiding Judge
God bless each of you. I love you all.
Val
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forgot to mention defendant
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Post by forgot to mention defendant on Jul 17, 2003 9:34:30 GMT -5
Her name is Rebecca J.Mackey. In writing to judge Sweeney, that would probably help. She helped murder Donald Morgan in Missouri May 11, 2001.
Thanks, friends
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Post by MaryD on Jul 20, 2003 14:13:30 GMT -5
In our case, the accomplice plea bargained to a 25-year sentence, but was out in 12 years. Stan's parents had no real say in that matter, but now they say that if they had known he was going to serve that short a sentence that they would have fought the plea bargain.
The actual killer plea bargained so he wouldn't get the death penalty & got life w/o parole.
I'm dreading reading about an appeal hearing. With former Gov. Ryan's death penalty fiasco, many lifers are appealing their sentence as being "too harsh". I'm just waiting for the day when/if Stan's killer tries to appeal.
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Post by valeriamorgan on Jul 21, 2003 9:29:39 GMT -5
Mary, that is terrible. I knew this road would leave us disappointed from the get-go, but I don't think I was quite prepared to have to explain it to my kids. I hope they all rot in Hell and I am thankful that I do believe in that.
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