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'This should be a movie'

Posted: Sunday, March 11, 2007 5:12 PM by Dateline Editor
Filed Under: ,

by Sara James, Dateline correspondent

Sometimes you do a story and think, "This should be a movie."  Sometimes you meet a person and think, "She's a genuine hero."  This is that kind of story.  Melinda Elkins is that kind of person.
 
But here's the interesting thing about such people in real life.  They don't wear "hero" on their sleeve.  When I first met Melinda -- if I hadn't known her extraordinary tale of audacity and courage in the face of overwhelming, potentially life-destroying adversity -- what would have struck me first was simply how much fun she is.  Because Melinda is warm, outgoing,  vivacious.   

But as our talk lengthened, as I heard the details of how her husband Clarence had been incarcerated for years for horrific crimes she didn't believe he'd committed, I saw a steely flash in her bright blue eyes. I glimpsed the grit, the heart, the fire that fueled her, gave her strength perhaps she hadn't even known  she'd possessed.    For me, Melinda was a wonderful reminder that sometimes, with enough hope and determination, you can accomplish the impossible.  Clarence Elkins reminded me that it can also take courage to wait and hope.   And as you'll see, young Brooke is a tremendous example of a person who has borne terrible tragedy and yet greets the world with a bright, dimpled smile and an even brighter heart. 

I am wishing the best for everyone in this story, all of whom have demonstrated grace, character, courage -- and most of all, love.

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I am privileged to know Melinda, Brooke and Clarence.  I love them all and applaud all of their efforts to not just get through this horrible nightmare, but to be survivors!  

God has continued to bless them as they continue to help other wrongfully convicted people.


www.freebobandrandy.com

P - Ohio (Sent Friday, March 09, 2007 6:54 PM)

How fortunate we would be if there were more determined people like Melinda Elkins who are willing to face the foe and stay the course for truth. Melinda is to be commended for her gusto, lauded for her persistance and admired for not taking 'no' for an answer in her pursuit to free her husband, Clarence. I have never met Melinda, but I have the deepest respect for her. From the day the news broke that Clarence Elkin's was arrested and charged in the death of Melinda's mother, in my heart I always felt Clarence was innocent. And, Melinda proved it! My wish is for the Elkins family to have peace, love and joy in their lives.

Deanna Mariol, Massillon, Ohio (Sent Saturday, March 10, 2007 10:54 AM)

I'm priviled to hear of her story. God must be on thier side.

Joseph J Clanc, Carmel, IN. (Sent Saturday, March 10, 2007 3:33 PM)

Yes, Melinda Elkins has been a blessing in my family's life. We are going through a similar ordeal and the Summit County officials, not just prosecutors, need to be investigated.

Veronica Sanders Washington, DC (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 9:59 AM)

I believe that Clarence was somehow framed and that the evidence did not lead to his fingerprints. Somehow, I feel that more should have been done to determine who the real killer was.

Beth Itzkowitz, Framingham, MA (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 7:38 PM)

I applaude Melinda for trying to prove Clarence's innocence. I believe that Clarence did not do the crime because there was a lack of evidence that proved that Clarence was somehow involved in the crime. With more specific testing, the real killer would be found.

Beth M. Itzkowitz, Framingham, MA (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 7:48 PM)

What a totally incredible, inspiring story. NBC, I know this is not about money, a movie, and a book deal . . . but if anyone ever deserved one, it's this woman and her family. Do use your influence and connections to carry this story forward. What a pleasant alternative to supermodels! A real woman with real convictions and real intelligence. The story isn't over on Dateline, so I don't know the ending. I'm stunned that the judicial system wasn't obligated in any way to accept the new evidence. That's very disconcerting news and a new understanding for me about our judicial system.

Linda Enke (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 7:52 PM)

why are the elkins divorced?

donna philadelphia, pa (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:07 PM)

It is a sad story and its like watching my own life happen before me on tv. It is happening up here in Maine as well. A prosecutor got away with sending my innocent wife to prison, while the real killers of our son goes free.

jeremy maine (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:07 PM)

Yet one more case showing how totally screwed up and ridiculous our so called "justice system" is. The police and prosecutors who convicted Clarence Elkins ought to be made to spend 8 years of their lives in prison for what they did to this man. But nothing will change. No one in our government really cares about people like Clarence or about creating a system that really works. No, it's just business as usual. Prosecutors and defense attorneys ought to be made to pay for every case they botch like this. The idea of ignoring evidence, having evidence thrown out, and other such shennanigans ought to outrage decent people. It is well past time that we begin to use the justice system as a means of finding out the truth rather than being a place where two people (prosecutor and defense attorney)contest each other to see who is the better man. This story made me sick to my stomach. And to add insult to injury, Earl Mann is still not being charged for this heinous crime, even though the best evidence available points directly to him. Disgusting.

Name withheld by request. (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:08 PM)

In tears I just finished watching KILLER INSTINCT on Dateline NBC. Can someone please get me in contact with Melinda Elkins. I have been fighting since 1980 to bring a man to justice for which a black man has been on Georgia's death row for 21 years now. I have been doing the same thing Melinda is doing, just not going about it the right way. The man on death row was railroaded by two overzealous, young racist DAs, now judges six years after seven elderly white women in Columbus, Georgia were brutally tortured and then strangled. The only semen sample found at the murder scene miraculously disappeared, but they knew from the beginning that the semen and hair samples did not match the killers. Please, please, I need her help.

Renate Solomon, Houston, TX (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:12 PM)

After watching the show I was in shock at how inept the police and prosecutor's office is in the county. Surely there can be something done to have those that handled the case dismissed for gross stupidity!!!!

thad teal (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:15 PM)

My heart went ou to Brooke. I cried when I heard her on the phone and no one to help her. How horrible for her. She has nothing to feel guilty about She was a little girl who only said it looked like her Uncle. God bless her, and all of them. What a horrible thing to happen to a family. I wish them all the best and hope that the family can get back together soon. Time to heal and I hope the real killer gets what is coming to him. Also his girlfriend. She knew all the time who did it. We all love you Brooke.

Connie Lanagan, South Sioux City, NEBRASKA (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:16 PM)

I also have been privileged to know Melinda, Clarence, their boys and Brooke. They're wonderful people and I love them dearly. I pray that the Summit County Prosecutors office moves to give them closure. Its way overdue.

Michelle - Summit County, Ohio (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:18 PM)

This story sounds it was tried in wayne county, MI. I to was a victim of wrongfull arrest and malicious prosecution. I was a Professional Firefighter at the time of my arrest, which was great rating's in the metro Detroit area. I lost my job and my family begain a journey through the web of the justice system. It was a three year battle, and i prevailed. The TRUTH will set you free, but only with the Spirit of JESUS.

George, MI (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:26 PM)

I missed the end. Who did it and what happened after Clarence got out of jail?

Beverly Lewis, Plano, TX (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:26 PM)

Amazing story. I applaud Melinda for fighting so hard for justice and applaud Clarence for making it though a violent, and at times, in-humane environment that most of us can't even imagine exist. My prayers are with little Brooke that she will forgive herself as her aunt and uncle have already done.

Linda Shields, Moline, IL (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:31 PM)

Kudos to Melinda for her continued determination in bringing Clarence's wrongful conviction to a close. I am completely disappointed with the Summit County Attorney's office, more specifically Sherry Bevan Walsh. The police department can be described in one word--LAZY! I would be ashamed to be a part of the detective team originally investigating the murder--they should all be fired--along with Sherry the Heartless!

kh (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:34 PM)

I just saw the program on NBC where Clarence was found not guilty. As I was watching this, I realized that I had seen the documentary that put him behind bars. This was obviously a few years ago. I had sent some money to a fund that was trying to free him because I was so convinced of his innocence. After viewing the show tonight, I'm glad to see that he is free. I'm just sorry to hear that he and his wife split up. She was fighting so hard to set him free I thought that they would have lived happily every after.........A guess I'm just a dreamer...

Kirstie Houghton. Hull, MA (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:38 PM)

It is almost inconceivable that people such as Melinda, Brook and Clarence could come through their ordeal as well as they did, In thinking of Melinda I feel as Denzel Washington did of Julia Roberts/"Darby Shaw" in the "Pelican Brief", movie. As Newman doubts Darby's existence, saying: "She is too good to be true", Washington/ "Gray Grantham" responds: "She almost is".

Bob Chorba, Milwaukee, WI (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:45 PM)

Amazing story, especially anyone who has been wrongfully accused. Why are the "trusted" district attorneys so unwilling to look at evidence and admit mistakes?

Bradford Roper (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:52 PM)

It angered me to no end to think of how ridiculously stupid this case was. To think that a prosecuting dept and judge could have egos so big as to deny the truth as it lay before them. Rather than rant and rave and feel sorry for how redneck the Summit County judicial system must be I'll just say that they should all be out of a job. The prosecution team and judge should do the 8 years in prison that Clarence did, and forfeit all of the salaries they made while Clarence was serving "their" hard time to him. There need be no trial to see how much Clarence should get in compensation as he can't be given enough of the 10 million for which he asks. There needs to be some accountability here, and Summit County needs to get their heads out of their asses. Lock up the true criminals, the ones leaning back in their chairs, going home to their families every night and shoveling unearned steaks down their throats, while wiping dribbling wine from their chins with the cuffs of their long sleeved white shirts all the while telling their wives and friends how good they are. I would be ashamed to be from Summit County as those involved give all of us humans a bad name. Now wake up from your dream and go and charge the real rapist and murderer with the crime and while he should be stoned at city hall, so should those responsible for the indignity of this case. Shame on you Summit County, and although Dateline brings the story ... how can you not voice an opinion on such a travisty. With a voice as strong as yours ... you need to step up and put an end to this kind of injustice. Don't accept that the prosecution and judge don't want to talk on camera. Of course they don't and by not doing so is only an admission of their guilty role in their own stupidity. Go after them, follow them home, camp outside with your cameras and show the world how studid they are in their little lives. They don't mind destroying someone elses ... that's the real story.

Steve Russell Vancouver BC (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:53 PM)

I also know of a case. This person has been in for 16 years. In his case it was two years after the fact between the crime and the false identification thru photo ID not a lineup. There is also a possible suspect in this situation.

Marty (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:56 PM)

If DNA wasn't an unbaised witness Clerance would still be in jail. The people we pay to keep us safe from predators all to often let them back out. In this case they had an unbiased witness that 100% true and choose not to listen (DNA). This cost the tax payers millions, this destoyed this family, allowed this evil doer to to continue and cost other families unspeakable suffering. Just because it was easier to not do the right things and follow the DNA evidence. Justice still has not been served even though the DA's office has been found to be incompetent at best and Evil at worst. But doesn't seem to want justice and I believe that is want is needed to do that job. We know evil is lurking in the shadows but does it have to live in the ones paid to protect us and they are not held accountable for their actions, preverted justice.

D, Barron, Baytown, Texas (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 9:04 PM)

WOW- What an extraordinary story! May God bless this amazing family and continue to heal the pain and scars of their past. I am so angry at the incompetance of the county prosecutor and justice system! The prosecutor needs to be fired!! And the police department purged! I wish I were on the jury for the civil trial. I would award much more than $10 Million!! That gets me wondering, who were the original jurors that convicted Elkins? I remember being 5 years old and not even recognizing my own father because he had grown a full beard. What a horrible life altering impact their decision has made.

Sally K (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 9:14 PM)

Without a doubt I agree the “Killer Instinct could be made into a movie or television series. Melinda I loved your unyielding determination to stick to your internal instinct. It also appeared that faith also guided your internal instinct to clear your husband name. What’s done in the dark will always come to the light…may God continue to bless you your husband even though you two are not together and your sons. The best is yet to come, continue to believe in God and pray daily. Melinda have you thought about studying law or becoming a defensive attorney? Carrol Lindsay Chicago

Carrol Lindsay Chicago, Illinois (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 9:15 PM)

I am very happy for Malinda & Clarence 's Family and Friends. What happened and how Malinda kept focused on this journey for the truth is amazing and a Miracle. This was presented very nice and kepted me on the edge of my seat. Thank you for showing us that Justice will prevail. Nancy D *(oh)

Nancy D Barberton,Oh (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 9:15 PM)

I am appalled by the lack of accountability and honesty displayed by the prosecutor/DA and the police. A scared six-year-old victim versus overwhelming DNA evidence concerning a known child sex offender who was next door!!!! It's lucky that he didn't finish the crime by killing little Brooke the next morning. And Clarence and Brooke are still suffering. A very compelling story!!

Julie Chicago, Illinois (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 9:31 PM)

$10 million or $50 million wouldn't be sufficient compensation for the harm that the incompetent authorities in Summit County inflicted on these poor folks!! How do you put a dollar figure on taking away 8 years of this mans'life? Much like the Duke rape case,those involved with suppressing DNA evidence for political or more sinister reasons should not only lose their jobs but serve time themselves.

Joe Camp,Pennsylvania (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 9:41 PM)

Thank you to everyone who has posted I am so proud to be a part of the NBC story. I have one request.. I will attach the number to the Summit Co prosecutors office and I ask that you help me in putting pressure on them to step up their investigation...I am still seeking justice for my mom and my niece as you know. It is time to shake the truth out and let the one standing accused and found out through DNA to pay for his crime... Thanks to everyone and keep us in your prayers,, Summit County Prosecutors office 330-643-2800

Melinda Elkins, OHIO (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 9:57 PM)

I am originally from Ohio. I was deeply moved by the program documenting your false arrest and imprisonment. I salut your ex-wife for her dedication and fortitude. I celebrate your release and want to encourage you in your recovery time. I too admire your courage to move on when things did not work out in your marriage. God Bless! Greg Fitch

Greg Fitch, Boynton Beach, FL (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 10:22 PM)

I am originally from Ohio. I was deeply moved by the program documenting your false arrest and imprisonment. I salut your ex-wife for her dedication and fortitude. I celebrate your release and want to encourage you in your recovery time. I too admire your courage to move on when things did not work out in your marriage. God Bless! Greg Fitch

Greg Fitch, Boynton Beach, FL (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 10:23 PM)

Was the DNA matched to only the DNA on the cigaret? remember the cigaret was submitted by the husband.

Frank Lazarowicz, Coral PA 15731 (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 10:23 PM)

When an individual's freedom is in the hands of such incredibly incompetent county officials, it affects all of us in some way. One word to describe the handling of this case: SHAMEFUL. My heart and prayers and best wishes go to all those in similar situations. Truly a troubling state of affairs. God bless Brooke, Clarence, and Melinda as they all struggle to heal. Each one is a remarkable person, each one's story touched my heart. God forgive the ones who even to this day STILL allow such a thing to go for so long.

W.C./San Diego/CA (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 11:09 PM)

I must have missed something. How did he get out of jail? Sara James stated that he was released after all the charges were dropped? What happened to the original conviction? Was it overturned? Was he pardoned? Did she explain that? I certainly was left perplexed.

John Randolph, Houston, TX (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 11:12 PM)

I THINK CLARENCE AND MELINDA SHOULD SUE FOR WAY MORE THAN 10 MILLION. THE PROSECUTOR KNEW HE WAS WRONG,BUT DID'NT WANT TO ADMIT IT. HE WAS MALICIOUS AND COLDHEARTED.SHAME ON HIM!

CINDY HOLMAN PANAMACITY,FL. (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 11:17 PM)

As a former defense attorney, it is an all-too familiar refrain heard from prosecutors - "we have an eye witness" (even when she was 6 years old). Other evidence is ignored. Other potential perpitators are also ignored. There are so many victims in this story, but who prosecutes the prosecutors who made vitims of the Elkins? Every day a new story comes out about prosecutorial misconduct. About proseuctors ignoring overwheling exculpatory evidence. When will it all stop?As a former defense attorney, it is an all-too familiar refrain heard from prosecutors - "we have an eye witness" (even when she was 6 years old). Evidence is ignored. Potential perpetrators are also ignored. There are so many victims in this story, but who prosecutes the prosecutors who made victims of the Elkins? Every day a new story comes out about prosecutorial misconduct. About prosecutors ignoring overwhelming exculpatory evidence. When will it all stop? My heart goes out to all that suffered in this case. Yet the murderer hasn’t been charged. The prosecutor simply moves on to another case – possibly to violate someone else’s rights. The judge(s) shrug it off – after all, it was a jury verdict. This is why I am a FORMER defense attorney – I could not take it any more.

Bob S., Olympia, Wash (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 11:34 PM)

I AM LOST WHY ARE THEY DEVORCING IS IT BECAUSE THE MOVIE DEAL OR THE MONEY HE GOT.

ROGER SAADEH SANTEE CA. (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 11:54 PM)

A truly great program! I am so happy that Dateline took the time to expose the Elkins' story and I hope that they will continue to broadcast more TRUE stories of those who were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. I am one of those persons. I spent nearly ten years in prison, in Michigan, for a rape and robbery I did not commit. I pray that Dateline will broadcast a show with all of the 196 DNA exonerees across the country to open the eyes of everyone in the United States of the massive and unjust failures in our criminal justice system.

Ken Wyniemko Rochester Hills, MI (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 12:00 AM)

It is a sad story of what that family went through. More investigation should have been done. I think the prosecutor should have been investigated. Melinda have you thought of becoming an investigator. That should be a movie. Gwen Villavaso Los Angeles , ca.

Gwendolyn Villavaso (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 12:00 AM)

I Applaud Melinda for her tenacity and determination to fight for what was right. I know that there must have been many low points along the way and to keep going on going can take an incredible toll on someone who is fighting for what is right against a system that is so wrong. I too have been fighting a different kind of battle where the system failed to come to the aid of the very people it is set up to protect. It has cost me thousands of dollars. Everyday I wonder who helps the people who don't have any money to fight back? Someone should set up a foundation to help people like this. God bless you Melinda for doing what you did. You will have a star in your crown one day.

L.R. , Houston, Texas (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 1:18 AM)

Ken of Rochester Hillls has a good point. Dateline does their show, "To Catch A Predator." What about doing a show about those whose are wrongfully convicted and freed! Once again, thanks Melinda to your diligence and your refusal to accept "no" for an answer. Everyone's lives count. And no amount of money can repair the damage that the Summit County prosecutors did! And everyone, the Elkins were featured on American Justice. You can see just how the judge and proscutors really conducted themselves! Take care, Melinda and Clarence.

Veronica Sanders, District of Columbia (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 2:07 AM)

I had the privledge of meeting Melinda and Brooke. Melinda is a very courageous woman. I am fighting the Summit County Justice system. I like Clarence was wrongfully accused of a crime I didn't commit. Also like Clarence I had the same judges and prosecutors in Summit County. I am still fighting because they continue to IGNORE THE EXCULPATORY EVIDENCE IN MY CASE. I like Clarence NEVER PLEADED GUILTY. God bless Melinda, Clarence and Brooke. I know how it feel because the Summit County Justice System is trying to silence me. And destroy my life. Melinda is a true champion of Justice. Melinda, Clarence and Brooke deserves closure.

Hazel L. Sanders, Washington, DC (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 4:40 AM)

I too believe that neighbor/girlfriend had to have been involved in a cover up. What person leaves a six year old covered in blood on her porch without calling 911? THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT BIG RED FLAG TO THE POLICE! Think about the blood that had to have been on this very evil man after committing this crime. I really don't think she messed evidence that her boyfriend had done something pretty horrible next door! HAD SHE JUST COME FORWARD, I THINK THIS INJUSTICE WOULD HAVE COME TO A END VERY QUICKLY. She should be prosecuted also! No one will ever convince me she did'nt know! How could she have not come forward, even with just suspicions? My heart goes out to all the family, and friends.. Thank God your free, at least of the prison walls.

Alta Schaeffer Spokane Valley, Wa (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 4:45 AM)

From the prosecution Summit County Prosecutor Sherry Bevan Walsh's comment to Dateline No Prosecutor ever wants an innocent person to remain in prison. However, it would be irresponsible to recommend the release of someone convicted of murder and rape without a careful and thorough investigation. Once our investigation was completed, we sought the immediate release of Clarence Elkins. Since that time, old evidence is being re-examined, and new evidence is being uncovered. We regret that we cannot provide the details of this investigation to Dateline NBC. Prosecutors are bound by ethical rules requiring us to first present our evidence in a courtroom to ensure a fair trial. Revealing details at this time may also jeopardize our ability to gain a conviction. We are continuing to invest time and resources to bring justice and closure for the victims and their family members. We believe justice will be served after the investigation is complete. The question of course to this bumbling group of "Keystone Justice Providers" would be ... "What about the INJUSTICE already served after their previous investigation was complete?" What could possibly take 5 or 6 years to investigate when they already had the real killer behind bars? Barney Fife would have known to stick a swab in a convicts mouth for DNA to prove or in all fairness, disprove his guilt. It's inconceivable that the Elkins had to covertly obtain a DNA sample. This case is so much of a laughing stock (had it not been so tragic), that it seems to be precident setting in determining that DNA should be inadmissable in court. I wouldn't trust this office to serve a summons for a parking ticket. I'm still shaking my head ...

Steve Russell Vancouver BC (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 5:09 AM)

My question is this; why did Clarence receive a life sentance and Mann is only in prison until 2009 - and he's a REPEAT offender! That is outrageous! There is truly something wrong with our justice system...

Jamie, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 8:12 AM)

As personal friends of Clarence and Melinda, I would like to answer and put to rest some questions about their marriage ending. Every marriage is hard work - even on a good day. Think yourself about all the factors that they went through...murder, attack, rape, wrongful incarceration, bankruptcy, unemployment, lack of money, raising two boys alone, prison, etc etc etc. I think Melinda put it eloquently - she put everything she had into getting Clarence freed and finding the person who murdered her mother. That part still isn't over for Melinda because Earl Mann still hasn't been charged. Unfortunately, the marriage, and trying to maintain that marriage through all of these stress factors, came up as a another casualty in this PREVENTABLE CASE. People would like this to be a fairy tale story with Clarence and Melinda walking into the sunset living happily ever after, but life doesn't always work like that. Yes, it is sad and unfortunate, but to question, "Did she leave him because there was money?" GIVE ME A BREAK! That couldn't be furthest from the truth. The marriage is over and they are both moving on, but Melinda and Clarence will always be connected through their beautiful boys and grandchild-on-the-way. Don't judge - just pray for them and their lives. Thank you!

P Vechery - Ohio (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 8:45 AM)

After watching yet again another bungled, missmanaged + perhaps corrupt accounting of the evidence/facts by our so called "justice" system It leave us even more disallusioned, frustrated + fed up with the system as a whole. Why is it that today in North America with all of our technologies + highly paid supposedly intillegent individuals that we employ to handle these matters that the average citizen seems to have more common sense + direction than those emploied to protect our rights + freedom. Its unfortunate that these missjustices occour in this day + age + need to be addressed at all. I have friends who refuse to watch the news or read a newspaper due to the frustration they are left feeling after doing so. My hat is off to you NBC for doing what you can to present + expose the facts to help right the wrongs. Perhaps our public emploies need to be reminded of the golden rule " do unto others as you would have them do unto you" OR perhaps they should consider "walking a mile in my shoes".

Dave Mullin New Brunswick Canada (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 9:12 AM)

I only wish that this story had a complete happy ending. Who did Melinda meet and fall for while her husband was in prison?

John Story (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 9:47 AM)

The prosecutors have TOO MUCH power! They decide what they will charge someone with, how long the sentence will be, and as in this story, they do NOT care whether the person is REALLY guilty or not. They just want a CONVICTION to put a feather in their cap. They did it to me just so they could take away everything we owned that I had worked all my life for.

Barb Pounders (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 10:22 AM)



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