For those of you that have suffered grief, there is no sense of purpose.  I search aimlessly for something to make a difference in this world.   I encounter people that are fake and it enrages me, but I must be civil.  I see those that were there and I must keep control.   All the while I know that I can do nothing to bring back my son, but I want to do something….    I must do something….   We cannot accept that which we know to be broken and just walk away.   We must do something to honor the memory of those that left too soon…..

I have a burning desire to foster change.   It just eludes me to how.   I have documented on this site numerous parts of our “system” that failed.   I burn with a desire to make tomorrow better than today for at least someone.   I refuse to accept that all this is for naught.

We each have the opportunity to stand each and every day against those things we know are wrong.   Sometimes it is against a person that is a liar.  They are more worried about making them self look good than the truth and they care nothing about anything else.  And we just let it go.

Sometimes it is against a system that we know failed.   We try to promote change.   I have documented on this site where numerous areas failed.   Some are making movements to bridge that gap.  For Alec, it is to little to late, but for the next person (God forbid), there is hope it will be handled better.  There are legislative changes that I will do whatever it takes to make clear and beyond interpretation error such as a person allowing the documented situations to go on with no responsibility and the fact that the crimes against children do not consider this a violation.  I just need a link to a legislator that has enough character to move it forward.   All facts are documented.   I seek an audience to present the facts and have to believe that is enough for a start.

Bottom line, we each must decide to either be passive or active.  If we choose to be passive, then we are joint owners of all evils that result.

I am not seeking agreement, though if you do then let us do something to change the status quo that is only considered fair by those whom it favors.

The love for my son does not blind me, but motivates me to yell at the top of my lungs that he deserves everything that anyone under the law does.

My love for my family requires me to show them that I will do SOMETHING even if it is not popular.

We teach through our actions more than our words.   If nothing else I would rather rage against the broken system than “go along to get along”.

Alec would stand no matter what for what he believed.  In honor of him, he deserves no less.   Help me find an audience to change the laws mandating the involvement of the Crimes Against Childrens unit when a minor dies at an individuals house and that person allows alcohol to be present and the parent doesn’t know.   Help me set standards for crime scene investigations  where our children are concerned based on standards and not assumptions.   Help me to get those standards based on the accepted standards outside of our community as are documented on this blog.

We change the world by not accepting it as it is……

 

 

To those that follow this blog, thank you.  As you have probably figured out, this is not one of those once a week, or daily blogs.  It was meant to be a place where the status of Alec’s investigation and updates could be shared.  Yeah, that ain’t working…..   It has turned into  once a year updates and a post when I have reached a breaking point.  If you haven’t guessed this is the later…..

So, Alec’s case was reopened.   People have been interviewed.   No other update.

I am at a point that I will share my theory now.   So, with the case reopened, no FOIA can be honored.   In other words, the original investigation is under lock and key and legally nothing will be released.

The problem is as follows:

• Only those at the death scene were considered
• The original investigation IS what is at question
• I believe that this is dragging on hoping that I will go away and blocking me from FOIA of conversations that were not previously revealed to me
• If you ask enough people enough questions, the scenario that Alec was depressed, or whatever will be put together to support the original conclusion of suicide (that was not based on fact or decent investigation)
• Nothing said of those at the scene do I believe is trustworthy
• Given enough time and enough “data” or “statements”  I could find someone or something to paint any picture I wanted to.
• The fact that we will never know exactly what happens is due to the lack of investigation protocols being followed.   The only people that know now are Alec and those there.  Period.  I will never trust what those there say, because the investigation was botched and is not creditable.   Ask yourself who owns that???

Most people show no support of their elected officials in Washington.  I ask you, what have the local done to earn your trust???   You think you know them?  Wait until you are in our position, depending on them to do the job you think they will to ensure JUSTICE.  What you see on TV is NOT what happens in the real world.   If you are one of the “IN” group, then yes.  You probably are family friends, or contributors.   Many think they are in the “IN” group, but wait until you need them to perform.  There are no standards and no checks and balances.   I can prove that to you.

Many people I call friends are torn because they know me and are friends with some of the players in this scenario.   I feel true sympathy for them.   They can not reconcile what I am saying with the reality  they have painted.

So WHY do “I a thrust my fist against the post ” ???   Alec’s little sister is watching.  Wondering if there is a thing called Justice????   Wondering how does the world really work???   Do elected officials answer to anyone?

My answer is as follows:   Elected officials are human just as everyone is.  They should be judged by their actions and held accountable to the standards they committed to when they took whatever position they are in.   If I don’t do my job per the requirements I will be let go and that is “fair” !!!    So should everyone…   No excuses because you know them, base your judgment on COMMON SENSE.   Are they doing their job for EVERYONE not just those with enough influence to help them be reelected.   No free pass because they are a friend.   The good ole boy system works good for those in the club and enrages the rest of us.

As I bring this blog to a close, I want to point out that monthly I have to ask for an update and there is none.   We have someone else to talk to.  We have…..   There is NO END.

Those of you that are dealing with grief can understand where we are and those that haven’t probable won’t.  I don’t fault you and I pray that you never understand.  This is dragging past three years.   No one will ever say they are sorry.   I am looking to find support to change the law to either force a proper investigation or to force the crimes against children to do their job (as has been noted in this blog is a joke in this situation).

This is not meant to be a just a rant but a call to a change so that if ANYONE reading this will be treated and handled correctly if God Forbid you find yourself in this situation.

God Bless and keep your faith.  Stand firm and speak the truth.  Call out those that hide in darkness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As 2018 comes to an end, I wanted to share with you a few things.

In 2018, Alec’s case was reopened.  Outside of that one event there has been no progress.  Those that know me, know that I don’t have a problem sharing what I think.  HOWEVER, I am showing real restraint in connecting dots and presenting theories for why this continues to drag on.   Monthly I ask for updates and there still is no end in sight.  I am being cautious to not say or do anything that can be an excuse.

With that said I do believe that the lack or slow action comes from the same place that the original investigation was ruled a suicide and moved on, one person’s crisis does not warrant the same importance from someone else.  I am sure this will be explored in more detail if/when the case is closed again.

I would like to reiterate that there are no misconceptions that there is something that can be said, found, or done that will change the outcome that Alec is gone.   I also know that Alec is forever a part of the fabric of the lives of those that loved him as each of your loved ones are part of yours.

I have neglected posting on this blog because from an investigation perspective nothing has changed and  because I have had to come to terms internally how to move forward.  I have not neglected remembering and loving my son.

For those of you that didn’t know Alec, I would like to share some things.

Alec was a Christian.  He made mistakes but I will challenge anyone to say they are without sin.  There are many “Christians” that said many things  when he was alive but if they were “concerned” more than “judging” and “gossiping” I never saw an outstretched hand.  He had conflicts in school with teachers over his beliefs.  You see he believed that you should stand for what you believe and just because you are in a role of authority, you still have to follow the rules.   We have some wonderful teachers in Nashville but we are lying to ourselves if we think there are not some serious problems also.  This is directly linked to why the disclosure of the investigation and actions will continue.  We may or may not be able to prove what happened that night, but we do know how it was handled and that double standards exist and only by shining a light on it can we change a broken system.

Alec’s heart was huge.  He would make any sacrifice for those in need.  He would help anyone that asked.  He was  so accepting of anyone, especially those that were struggling.  I only wish that my heart was as loving.

Alec was a human.  He struggled and made missteps just as we all do, but he filled our lives with love and laughter.  He would do anything no matter how silly our outrageous to bring a smile to your face if he felt you needed to.

Alec is forever 17, frozen in time and at the same time living a parallel life in my mind.  I have seen him graduate, go to welding school, driving home, wondering where he would be living , did he start his own business,  would  he have started his own family, and missing him .  When we loose someone we love, there is a hole that is forever a part of us just like they are forever a part up until then.  With time, the hole doesn’t heal, but you learn to move forward incomplete.

As the bible says, hold on to what is good and mediate on these things.

You see, this blog is to honor my son and encourage others.

Love and God’s blessings upon you.

Things that are spoken take a life of their own.  What is presented first has the advantage regardless of its accuracy. CL

3 years later and I don’t feel that we are any closer now than we were…..

What I do know is that there is forever a hole ripped into our family’s heart.  Time does not heal anything.  Added to the fact the way this was handled from the beginning and the decisions that were made, the wound stays open.

No matter what the reopened investigation finds, if anything, the remaining items won’t be addressed.

Why will some people be held responsible when underage drinking is allowed and others not?

In the age of CSI and all the crime shows, there is a misunderstanding of how crimes/deaths are handled.  They are NOT handled like in the shows.  However, there are standards and procedures in place that establish a level that I believe is reasonable to expect.

There is no advocate for a family that disagrees with the initial findings.  There is no established procedure that can escalate.  There is no one to help you navigate.  You are totally helpless.

Limited resources is one of the excuses (reasons) that has been given.  There just isn’t enough ______  to ______.    Yeah, that doesn’t make me feel better.  Can we use that excuse (reason) for our taxes ?   Think that only works one way.

You also realize that most people will not get involved.  That is fine.  I was advised to “let it go”.   All I can say to that is what I actually did,  “would you if it were your child?”  Even if you would, doesn’t mean I can.

We all have assumptions of how something will be handled but you don’t know until you are there and it becomes real.  I truly believe that the level of attention and scrutiny is different based upon who you are and your relationship to those involved.

 

 

I am really struggling with this post so I guess I will revert to my normal self and just start putting it out there.

Many people think small town life is like something in a Hallmark movie.  Obviously I thought it had its advantages for raising a family or we wouldn’t have.  I guess it is advantageous if you are in the “in” group.

There are classes of people in any society.  In a small town you are either “in” or you are not.  This translates to a double standard.   Double standard at school, with law enforcement, with zoning and business …….

I do know many wonderful people that are in the “in”.   Many of them do not try to be in the group, but they are.  They probably will disagree that they are treated different and that is fine.  I have no problem with someone simply because we disagree.  I respect them even more for this.

You can see it in the newspaper when someone gets caught doing something (or the ones that are not listed and you know they got caught) and the punishment is completely different from others for the same offense.

This double standard is life.  People are people.  What gets me is when these people think they are above the rules that hold our society together.   They live like Peyton Place then want to get sanctimonious and be the moral authority.   Just because someone is respectful to you does not mean they have any respect for you.

Ignorance really is bliss.  If these people  knew what was going on the minds of those smiling faces I wonder if they would care.

See in a small town, everyone knows EVERYTHING that happens, whether it is true or not.

Yes, this gets into the gossip.   People embrace gossip so much because they like to tear people down and it supports their negative view of that person and possibly the world.  Wonder if this is a projection of the ugliness inside ?

Here we are right at a month since my last blog and STILL NO UPDATES.  Gee, I wonder if I am being strung along….    Just sharing one of the many thoughts that cross my mind.

This blog has opened many conversations with people that weren’t sure as to whether to believe what they had heard and revealed just how many people are living with this double standard that some do not have to the live by the same rules as others.

Why have Americans lost faith in their government – for me it is the same problem  locally as is in Washington –  you think you can tell me the rules but you are exempt.  You can talk a good talk but your actions fall short when it comes crunch time.  You think you are better, smarter, know better –  pride.  You are not a servant and have no compassion or empathy.

Every vocation is filled with people.  There are those that fit my rant above and those that live up to a standard.  Sadly for the good, once you deal with the hypocrisy you are weary.

I try to treat everyone with respect without regard to station or history, but based upon the decency that all people should be treated with.   My respect is reserved for those that earn it.

Time moves forward whether we do or not.

It can be such a horrible associate.  Reminding you of what could or should have been and never will.  When you loose some one you remember the first everything.  The first missed birthday, the first missed father’s day, then the milestones: graduation, plans afterword…..  As the years move on, you keep count and the first become second and third….   but you never quit counting….

Time taunts you also in other ways.  It teases you for being on a course you know you must be on while it is telling you that you are wasting time because look, nothing has happened yet.

I truly believe the worst thing you can do about anything is nothing.   It is better to try and fail than to hide and do nothing.

• October the 30th 2015   –   Alec passed.
• December 02 2015 – Property will remain held until tox and reports received
• December 28th 2015 – Arkansas Crime Lab report completed
  • Noted manner of death suicide (circumstances of already treated as suicide noted and referenced as part of reasoning)
• January 2016 – No Response
• March 2016 – first time notified of ruling of suicide
• March 2016 – begin getting evidence (personal belongings) and photos, etc..
• Pursuit of reopening based upon findings in evidence….
• May the 11th 2018 – Agreement to reopen the case
• September 6th 2018 – No updates……

I want to thank those of you have that have encouraged me to continue this blog.  I truly wish I could give you more information than since May the 11th it has been reported that interviews are underway.

No Freedom of Information Act Request can be exercised at this time due to the case being reopened.

Once the case is closed again those findings will be shared as will the information surrounding the first round and this one.   I have nothing but time.

I have decided that I will become active on here again while taking care to not impede the investigation.

The system failed and in addition to that, the system is so broken that an average person cannot navigate our legal system on their own.    Job security = Laws written by lawyers

There is no reason that our system to be so complex and layered that I cannot file a wrongful death suit on my own.  IF you know where to find the forms and rules of engagement please let me know because I have all laws sited and it is a slam dunk.

Wrongful death is a civil matter so that does not impact the investigation which is criminal.

The truth exist whether people want to believe it or not

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been quiet on here for some time. There are a couple of reasons.  The investigation was reopened and I must be careful to not do anything to jeopardize or impact its progress.  This is a major event in and of itself.  Also, I know so many people that have lost loved ones recently.  Out of respect for their loved ones and their pain I just didn’t know what to say here about our ongoing search for justice.  We can all be going through our on trials not diminishing the love we have for others when they are suffering.  I will not name whom I am speaking of here out of respect but ask for prayers for them and to share the love we have for them.

Tonight, I type this because Allie asked me to keep the blog going.  This may appear to be my personal quest but I also the family and friend spokesperson.  My personal investment is evident but in no way do I think the individual pain and loss others feel is any less.  Grief is just personal and lack of justice is just a sign of disrespect and insult making it even more intense.

The question has been asked about when will closure come?  Never.  There is only learning to live with the emptiness and pain and to keep moving forward.  There is no end to it like closing a book.  Though I felt for people who had lost loved ones, I never understood.

Some think that a burden was lifted when the investigation was reopened.  Nope.  It is just like it was right after losing Alec.  Reliving everything.  Checking emails constantly for updates or request.  Searching the number on a phone call through your memory if it could be about the case.  This is just my perspective.  Others are looking to me for updates and I have to say, nothing yet….

What is the purpose is another popular question (though only a few will openly ask)?  The purpose is justice.  Plain and simple.  As we have pursued this we have learned how broken our system is.  The system we are told to believe in because justice is blind and will be served.  The system we pay for with our tax dollars.  The people that have to kiss babies and other things , leveraging photo ops and illusion so they can be elected  into positions to represent us.    People believe that all is well, this keeps everyone from having to do anything.   The questions that have been presented pointed out breaks in our system.  I understand now why Mr. Geberth (author of The Seven Major Mistakes in Suicide Investigation) is so passionate about proper investigations that he teaches those standards.  Real people relying on the public servants to live up to the expectations they have been fed.

Outstanding Questions:

• What are the death scene investigation standards and who enforces them?
• Why was nothing done to the boot legger or adults having and allowing parties when there are numerous cases of people in the same situation being held accountable all over the country?
• Why is it so hard to get a public servant to help you?
• Why is it so hard to get any direction or assistance when you disagree with an initial ruling?
• Why does this not fit under the Crimes Against Children definition ?
• Why does failing to follow the law for a public servant not matter regardless if it is a misdemeanor?
• What really happened?
  • This  we may never really know

 

How do you change the status quo?

The first step is to care enough to do something.

Most people I know are really good at gripping.  They won’t do it to the person or entity that are upset with, but they are really good at doing it.  They have practiced….

Nothing but negative comes from their mouth, but when face to face with the person they are not happy with, they act like they are in a love fest.   This is the problem.  If you are doing it, you are the problem.

If you disagree with someone, have enough backbone to stand.  Conflict is not evil.  If you don’t like something, stand alone first and then see if anyone will stand with you.  Have some guts.  Has everyone been so conditioned to not upset someone that they are not capable of doing this???  Is this the side effect of  pc?

That is what this blog is about.  The current system is broken.  Who we think have our backs and we expect to do their jobs, don’t .  If WE don’t hold them accountable no one will.

I do not like and will not accept how the death investigation of Alec was handled.

• There are laws that were ignored.
• There are standard procedures that were not followed
• There was a lack of response from public officials that SHOULD have helped

Here is the thing,  I don’t know what the reopening of Alec’s case will find in the end, but I know what I have found along the way.   No matter how this ends up, there are several things I will continue to fight for change in.

1. The fact that nothing was done to the individuals whom, being adults and condoned activity that was not legal on their property had NOTHING done, known pattern, while others face charges in similar situations.
2. How death scene investigations are performed in comparison to established standards.
   1. The scrutiny applied originally to the investigation.  No matter the outcome of the follow up investigation, no reasonable person could conclude the original investigation followed any protocol or standard.
3. The laws surrounding circumstances involving the death of a minor.   This is the issue I wish to address at this time.   IF what I have been told IS accurate, which I am not convinced:  WE NEED TO CHANGE THE LAW

Yes this is personal because my son was insulted because the same care and attention was not applied to him as would have someone else’s child.

I have spoken to numerous others that have a similar story to share and I offer this blog as a medium for you to put forth your story.

Are you going to wait till something happens to someone you care about and you are in my situation before you stand up to these atrocities ?

Today we are going to review the Death of a minor and established laws surrounding this:

If  you review the Crimes Against Children (MINORS) Division of the Arkansas State Police :

•  Coroners, Law Enforcement Officers and Prosecuting Attorneys are defined as mandatory reporters

  • Neither the Coroner, Prosecuting Attorney nor any of the Hempstead

    County Sheriff’s department reported per the state law.

• Lt. Lafferty of the State Police was notified of the failure of the Coroner to report.

  • He advised that this was a misdemeanor and that the statute of limitations had expired. He also stated that from his conversations this was not maltreatment therefore investigation will not be initiated through the crimes against Children Division.

  • Upon notification of the inability to respond due to lack of reporting at the time and refusal to take this call as notification, a call to the hot line was placed per website guidance and a report was taken 

  • Calls were placed to the district representative who never followed up

• See 2015 Arkansas Code, Title 12, Subtitle 2, Chapter 18 Child Maltreatment Act 12-18-402 (2015)

  • (a) An individual listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (b) of this section shall immediately notify the Child Abuse Hotline if he or she:

  •  (C) (i) Died suddenly and unexpectedly.

                (ii) As used in subdivision (a)(1)(C)(i) of this section,

    “died suddenly and unexpectedly” means a child death that was not caused by a known disease or illness for which the child was under a physician’s care at the time of death, including without limitation child deaths as a result of the following:

  •  (c) An accident;

  •  (d) A suicide;

  •  (e) A homicide; or

  •  (f) Other undetermined circumstance;

  • (b) The following individuals are mandated reporters under this chapter:

  • o (2) A coroner;

  • o (13) A law enforcement official;

  • o (18) A peace officer;

  • o (20) A prosecuting attorney;

 

Apparently there is a gap in the implementation of this law.

IF Alec’s death had been reported per 12-18-402 then the State Police would have been involved and required to investigate.

This is a misdemeanor and you know, those don’t really matter.

I made a reference to Lt. Lafferty arguing that Alec’s death did not fit the definition of MALTREATMENT which will be argued, to the point I believe you will see that he does fit the definition, in a latter blog post.

I am in need of support to put forth clarity surrounding this law, that if an individual allows alcohol, drugs, illegal activity,  etc…   to be allowed on his/her property, then they are clearly responsible and subject to this law.

If we do not voice disagreement then we condone,

Whatever we condone, is our standard.

God bless and good night.

 

 

 

Hello,

It has been several days since I have provided any updates and I wanted to share with you why there will be gaps at time.

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one you understand that there is a hole in your very essence.  This hole is where part of you was ripped away.  While you feel the brokenness and pain, you still must keep moving forward.  You must be able to meet your obligations for work.  You must do this because the bills and expenses just keep coming.  In other words,  normal life goes on whether you feel like you are a participant or just an observer.  You must be there for the others in your life even though at times it is all you can do to function.  They need you.  For me, the noise had to be reduced.  Not exactly anti social but not fully engaged either.

While all of this is going on, people stop coming around.  You talk to them later on and they tell you they just didn’t know what to say.  I understand this.  I have been guilty in the past of having issues that I had to deal with and then time went by and I felt guilt for not being there for someone.  Others, like Alec’s dear friends still hurt themselves.  It is a reminder.  It can be painful.

For me this is further compounded by the fact of having to continually research his death in trying to get justice.  Even though the reopening of the investigation has happened, for me I am back where I was when it happened, reliving the intense pain and emotions.

I recognize I am intense anyway.  We are who we are.  I was never a bunny rabbit and unicorn kind of guy and realize that it is more fun to hang out with people that are light and carefree.  When I get focused, well, I understand.  This blog is an opportunity to share my love for Alec and my family,  what happened because change is required, and to speak about the most horrible experience a parent can go through and what the side affects were for it not being handled correctly.

This is not just me but I can speak more in depth about myself.  This will always be a part of my family and those that truly loved Alec.  I pray that you do not have to walk this road, but from what I have researched it is more common than you would think.

I had to stay away for a while to gain my composure and ensure nothing I say impedes the investigation.   You can only stand close to the fire for so long.

Updates and information will be coming.  Thank you all for your support and understanding.

The recurring question is why were things handled the way that they were?

At the end of this blog, your feedback will be requested in the form of comments/reply as I see this as the only way we can have a discussion.

I am convinced that if Alec had been a senator’s son (reference to old song), things would have been handled completely differently.  In light of the case being reopened I will tread very carefully for now on what is disclosed online.  Just so you know, all, no matter what, will be disclosed by the time this is over for your review.

Certain people have floated a narrative of what has happened and now it is time for facts to be presented.  As facts are revealed you will have to make your own decisions.

Once this re-investigation is over, my second freedom of information act request is already in the que waiting to be processed in addition to exactly what happens with the re-investigation.   All will be displayed here for your assessment.

There are a couple of areas which I can safely disclose on here without the possibility of jeopardizing any part of the investigation.  One is why this was not considered to fit the definition as laid out by the crimes against children section of the Arkansas State Police.  This one we will get back to.  For now let us focus on the follow up and deeper dive into “Life in someone else’s hands”.

There are several areas of “action” we could discuss.  The one we will address specifically is known behavior and events of that night at the physical location of Alec’s death.

At the very least Alec’s death is a wrongful death.  Below I will outline both the laws and support for that assertion:

• Proving negligence per se claim in a personal injury case usually means the plaintiff — along with his or her attorney, if retained — needs to establish the following:
  • the defendant violated a law
  • the intent of the law was the prevention of the injury that ended up occurring
  • the injured patient (the plaintiff) is counted in the class of people the law intended to protect

It is unlawful for any person to sell an alcoholic beverage to a person under age 21 in exchange for money or other item of value. Arkansas Code Annotated 3-3-202

It is obvious from the police report that alcohol was supplied from a “bootlegger” for this approved party.

5-27-209. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

(a) A person commits the offense of contributing to the delinquency of a minor if, being an adult, the person knowingly aids, causes, or encourages a minor to:

(1) Do any act prohibited by law;

Okay, so come, reason with me…..       It was stated in the police report that the alcohol involved was acquired from a “bootlegger”.  Everyone on the property was an adult by the definition of Arkansas law, except Alec.

To go further, review of Police Reports acquired through a FOIA (Freedom of information act) request proves that this is an established behavior at this property making it a community risk.

I will not disclose all information out of respect but you can file your own FOIA request to gain the particular details if what I provide is not enough or if you doubt what is presented:

• 06/28/14  (SO14-1784) underage party with battery charges
• 04/18/15 (SO15-0733) underage drinking
• 09/19/15 (SO15-1763) Underage party with battery charges
• 10/30/15 (SO15-2016) Underage party with the death of my son Alec

They all have in common the following:

• the police reports verify that there was underage drinking
• No charges were ever filed

You could let your kids or your friends could be going to a place like this that has a clear history that is not known to you.

My question that I pose to you is this:

Why have no charges ever been filed against these people when this is a known, established behavior???