Getting to prison in time to meet a killer

Danita Thrall Vancouver WA — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:22:49 GMT

Thanks you for doing this story
For Kent he was an impulse reactor But that is the way he was trained & He did it to protect other lives
In 1977 I lost a very dear friend to the prison system David Wayne Smith He was only 17 & was brainwashed & on druggs by Roger Drolinger in the Hollandsburg, IN. valentines day Murders
That will never change teh fact that he is still a convicted murderer
I would love to be able to write David Smith & let him know how sorry we all are that this happened
God hears our prayers & I hope God shines his light on Kents Mother
David Smith mom passed away But she was beautiful & Proud to be his Mother
I know I will never talk to David Smith again But we sat beside each other in class & he was a good boy
How the Evils of this world are upon us all to have their minds be controlled in this manner is unacceptable to our society & how it changes all lives involved
But They need to know that society is different from the lords blessed breathen

Getting to prison in time to meet a killer

Janet Vader, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:52:32 GMT

The Kent family are an inspiration! The way that they have taken a terrible tragedy and turned it into making the world a better place speaks volumes about their true character. Did Jason make a mistake? Yes, a huge one! But now he's taking his sentence like a man and choosing to change lives and inspire others to do the same. Not many families could weather a storm like this one and come out of it focused on helping other people.

Getting to prison in time to meet a killer

Teresa Smith, Louisville, KY — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:17:27 GMT

I'm interested to know what the Kent family believes about Jason's wife, April. Was she being truthful about the abuse to the children?

Getting to prison in time to meet a killer

Cathy Gallagher, Grand Rapids, Mich — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:53:08 GMT

I have known the Kents for more than 30 years. We've shared many meals and special ocassions together. I helped celebrate JP's successes during his growing up years and his wedding to April as a young Naval officer beginning a new life. And, in the years following this shocking, devestating, life-changing tragedy, I've grieved with Carol and Gene--for their son, for their changed lives, and for the Miller family. I share this because, as the Kent's long-time friend, I am experiencing what everyone who is close to them or to the Millers is experiencing--a new kind of normal in their relationships. A tragedy changes not only the lives of the involved family members but also the relationships between the family members and everyone who is close to them.

Yes, Carol and Gene and I still celebrate birthdays and Christmas and other special ocassions together, but it is not as easy to get together because they have moved from Michigan to Florida. Even so, our 30+-year friendship is still strong and close, more so than ever. But our celebrations are not quite as joyous, our conversations are not quite as light, and our laughter is not as often or as spontaneous as in the years before this tragedy. And, so, I do what good friends do in ways that I never expected--ways that have become a way of life in my "new kind of normal" methods of showing friendship: I write to JP in prison, and I contribute small items for the wonderful "hope boxes" that Carol and Gene send through their organization "Speak Up for Hope." As I do, I can't help but grieve, even as I admire how Carol and Gene have continuously walked their faith and turned tragedy into a form of triumph through the forming of Speak Up for Hope. And I wonder, if I had been in their shoes, would I have been as strong, as faithful, or as determined to find a way to bring what good I could out of a devestating, life-changing tragedy? Carol's book, "A New Kind of Normal," is one that all people will benefit from reading.

Getting to prison in time to meet a killer

Eagan, Tempe, Arizona — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:04:42 GMT

April's testimoney was incompetent. She became a mom at teenage with no education; married to Miller (ex-huband) who are on alcohol & drug abuser.
The prosection team did an outstanding performance by nailing the April's competency.
To Jason Kent,
"LOOSE LIP SINKS THE SHIP" April is nothing but the loose lip on your trial.
Taking April into your precious life is nothing but the opening a can of worms.

Getting to prison in time to meet a killer

Cindy Lund, Ft. Wayne, IN — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:40:04 GMT

I have no doubt that there are many people like myself who are strangers to the Kent Family, but nonetheless tremendously moved by this situation. How can we help? How can we have contact with the Kent Family and support them and their new ministry?

Getting to prison in time to meet a killer

Tom Saunders, Casselberry, FL — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:30:28 GMT

Is it possible that the Dateline interview will be run again? Or may it be seen elsewhere?