PolkCountyToday.com

I didn't think you would post my letter to you. Its ok, seems you got the attention you were looking for.

 

I read about these things and it makes me sad.   Mr. Pinkard Lost his life through no fault of his own and his family has suffered through holidays without his presence.  They are AFFECTED by his death and must deal with loss everyday.  Now Ryan Foley is taken by death from his family and his family must also deal with hurt, anger, loss, uncertainty.  It's human nature to want to blame SOMEONE or SOMETHING for a loss difficult to understand or accept.   But it ain't YOUR FAULT and it ain't MINE.  We teach our children that it's necessary and BEST to pause before speaking harshly.  We just don't practice what we ought most times.  Keep on Keepin on Willie!  I like your corner of the web!!

 

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Willie, how often do you personally write comments under an assumed name?

 

 

Thank u so much for keeping us up to date with news we would not other wise have known we know this baby n are deeply grateful for the information u have provided!!!!!

 

 

 

i'm  an avid reader of pct and as i read i see an abundance of traits of human nature. willie, i think you handle yourself well as a seasoned reporter. there have been, in the history of the world many who have excelled at things, having no formal training. we are all given a talent or talents to use for the glory of God. no, we are not to glorify ourselves. and there is a God who watches everything we do and say. and we will all give an account in the end. as Jesus said we will give an account for every word we speak. let us be more forgiving and slow to use hateful words. keep up the good work. we learn as we go.

As a former resident of Livingston this brings tears to my eyes.. First off I would like to say that night that this tragedy happened I was working in the hospital , I remember mr picknard.. He was pronounced dead as he was wheeled into the hospital doors.. I will not state my name due to that I am still a current employee from time to time ...another thing I would like to add is some ppl on here are very rude, and have a very mean judgment twrds others. Ryan was a great kid as well but sometimes guilt consumes us or we each have so many issues or things in our head we dont say or express yet ppl judge to quick ... As for this story its tragic but willie you out did yourself by brings us the complete report.. I have always enjoyed that ... Thnk you , and may both ryan and mr picknard rest in peace ...

@ Uneducated Editor: in your last sentence perhaps you meant for an " is " to be between he and just, not that spell-check would catch that. Perhaps a proof-reader would be in order...

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For everyone out there that thinks Ryan took the coward way out or that they are glad for the Pinkard family you can go to ****!!!!!!! Ryan Foley was one of my very best friends and I have spent most every weekend with this man he was the kindest most good hearted person you can meet. This man was an uncle to my sons. YOU HAVE NO CLUE HOW HE FELT OR WHAT WAS GOING THRU HIS MIND EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!!How dare you judge him and say such nasty things, he was a person WHO DID HURT OVER THE FACT THAT HE TOOK THE LIFE OF SOMEONE ELSE. Everyone needs to back off and let him Rest In Peace. Im sorry that the Pinkard family lost their loved one and Im sorry that my dear friend has passed away too.

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Its hilarious how people can talk about people when they have no clue who or how they are. I never would be on this page but im sure he would do the same. Its a joke how people all over do the same things as all the others but feel they must gain some sort of fame or attention by running thier mouth over a keyboard.. Ryan Foley was prepared to take his punishment any way it came for the accident that occured "Accident not on purpose" and for sure didnt take the easy way out like whoever says not even being grown enough to write theier names behind there comments.. Ryan was probably the softest heart i knew and loved his family and looked after his brother as one should.This boy is forever missed and loved by my family and many others through out Texas and NJ. mistakes are made and people overcome and forgive and forget but one thing i know people will always remember is that goofy smile we all know.

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Westboro Baptist Church is not Baptist nor is it a church.

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I have no problem with this story being posted. Had it not been posted the majority of us would not have known that the man overdosed. So I see no difference between posting it here or carrying it in the newspaper or the obituary. 

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As a former high school teacher of Ryan's, I can attest to what a wonderful kid he was.  He was always smiling and making everyone else around him laugh and smile.  Yes, he was rough around the edges and made some silly choices, but he had a heart of gold and a genuinely believed in this kid.  My heart aches when I read the story of the accident that took the innocent man's life, at the fault of Ryan.  He joined the military and wanted so bad to get his life going in the right direction.  He had no idea what an emotional toll his service would take on him.  He was a young man who thought he could conquer the world, so the military didn't phase him.  If he only knew...I'm not excusing his behavior; he was guilty, but he was a fabulous kid with a wonderful heart deep down.  He just allowed sin and temptation to get the best of him.  I am so saddened by his passing, as I always believed he would triumph over these demons.

I've said this many times, but the editor will not publish any of my comments.  He is an uneducated, incompetent writer who thinks he is a news reporter.  Given the terrible, unprofessional and often on the lines of illegal writings, it is obvious he has zero journalism training.  He can't spell, even with spell-check available and should be charged with slander.  I love this site and reading about the news in our town; I just wish a more competent person would take over.  This editor has no more than a high school diploma and worked for the county for years.  He thinks of himself as a reporter, but anyone who reads this site knows he just a wannabe.

 

Angelica Herrera, two things. 1. You obviously need to take a look at a history book. WWII vets were praised, glorified,(although not on TV commercials since they were in their infancy, the first tv commercial in the US was in 1941,so you're right on that one...lol), and given many parades when they came home, and are still to this day praised as heros, deservedly so. Yet they still had many vets that apparently according to your standards, didn't deal with their emotional wounds correctly. The documentation wasn't the same then as now. 2. Unless you are a vet, which I seriously doubt, your opinion matters little in how vets deal with their trauma, and no, not all trauma from war is visible.

 

@MARK; No sir I do not attend Westboro Baptist Church and as a matter of fact I completely support ALL veterans. I respect them, and I thank them for their service. @RANDOM: It is not tacky or done in poor taste, it's called a follow up because it is connected to a previous story on this website. He's only reporting the news. Why do I want to wait until Thursday to find out what happens on Sunday night or Monday or Tuesday and Wednesday for that matter, when I can come to PCT (TODAY) and find out?

 

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Thanks Willie for keeping us updated.  Some of us appreciate the hard work you do to bring us the news and to follow up on the stories. I hate being left in limbo wondering whatever happened to them.  Thank you for bringing us the rest of the story.

 

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I have no problem with this story being posted. Had it not been posted the majority of us would not have known that the man overdosed. So I see no difference between posting it here or carrying it in the newspaper or the obituary. 

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I can understand why people are so upset, I too am someone who grew up with Ryan and knew him for most of my life. However it is not uncommon for an article like this to be published in any news source. If someone has been arressted for a crime but has not yet been convicted and they pass away while out on bail the headlines always mention it. It is sad that Ryan will most likely be remembered for the accident last year because that should not be what defines him but unfortunately we make choices in our life and more often than not it is the mistakes that we are remembered for.

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On Thursday morning June 13 I heard the phone ring, my wife answer and then her cry 'Oh my God'! My wife's nephew Ryan Edward Foley was dead at the too young age of 28. His father found him unresponsive in bed in the morning. I write this as of Saturday June 15. An autopsy is in process. No cause of death has been reported. Yet when I searched for an obit or news report in the Livingston area I found the Polk County story of how Ryan "reportedly died of a drug overdose." No autopsy or cause of death  but you have the audacity to report Ryan dead of a drug overdose. Shame on you!

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to Destini and Her General Comment Comments: Why are negative comments such a bad thing? Yeah, people may get carried away and say some super negative stuff, but that's the nature of things at "Letters to the Editor", AKA "Psychiatry for the Poor." I look forward to reading others rants no matter how uninformed or radical their views. It makes me think to myself, "My life may suck at times, but at least I'm not that dude." And why must everyone know your real name? I love that people can speak their minds without fear of repercussions. That is how the truth get out. If it borders on inappropriate, you know that Willie is going to censor it. Life is made up of opinions, that's all that this page is. It's a pandora's box of stuff. Some things you can use, other things you throw away. I'm grateful that we have this in Polk County. BTW, What type of name is Destini anyway? I wouldn't name my daughter that. That's a stripper's name. But,...that's my opinion.

 

Sincerely,

E. Fudd

Willie, I understand that you have the right to run your "company", if you will, the way you see fit. I don't run a newsfeed other than the one on my Facebook so I don't know what all running a media website entails. However, I can't help but see things you do that I think jeopardize your business like; 1.letting a newsfeed about a driver passed out at the wheel  along with many other posts, go on and on until its completely out of control and people are acting ridiculous. Although I don't agree with Drunk Driving I don't think it's ok to have what looks like a Jerry Springer episode written on the internet. 2.When someone lashes out at you or calls you out in a statement or accusation, I think it makes you look like you can't handle the negative criticism when you write back. I don't think you should stoop down to that person's level and make a comment. However, I do understand that it must be tough seeing people blast you and say bad things about you but, I don't see Fox News writing back to people who say nasty things about them, at least not on a public forum. I understand that the newsfeed does say "Letters to the Editor" but I still think that writing back and "adding flame to the fire" just makes it all worse, endangers you and your family and jeopardizes your business and how you look. If I were you, I would do away with the letters to the editor; I KNOW AND FULLY UNDERSTAND that everyone has their freedom of speech but Polk County has definately made it clear that the majority of them have nothing nice to say and only want to bash people behind a computer screen on a keyboard. I think the website would be more "professional" if the comments were done with.  3. I think you should put a little more heart into your work. I think you would go further and have many more supporters if you did so. For example, I think that it is disrespectful to post a story online without having acknowledged that the families HAVE been notified. I am not just saying this from here say either; I have been an immediate family member to a person that was in an accident and the way we found out was Polk County Today; no offense against your website, but thats not the way we woulve chosen to find out that a family member had been hurt. I do enjoy this website, I like to see whats going on, NOT ONLY THE ARRESTS, but also the news that you bring about the Hospital, current food locations, etc. I just think that maybe if you made somethings different on this website you would have more followers and supporters. At the least, I ain't trying to bash you because I wouldn't want anyone doing that to me; just throwin my "two cents" into the bucket. You can take it or leave it and take it how ya wanna. You can post this if you want, I'm not ashamed to say my name or speak what I have to say; and I'm SURE that people will comment back with comments regarding freedom of speech, and "if you don't like it, get off!" along with many other negative comments even when I said nothing wrong or hateful. But, if anyone listens to this, and ACTUALLY listens, they'll realize they are exactly WHO I am talking about-->the "majority" that doesn't have anything nice to say.

Thank you for writing.  3 things I'd like to point out:

1.  We wont post the name of the deceased until relatives have been notified (That's ALWAYS been our policy),

2.  Letters to the Editor is a chance for people to make their voice heard (like you're doing).  We wont take that away,

3.  We do put our heart into PolkCountyToday.com.  That's why we're out at all hours of the night if necessary (and all types of weather) to bring you the news.

Again, thanks for writing and being a reader.  Your thoughts are duly noted. - Editor

You know as I sit back And read top headlines I'm sickened by the adults who drink & drive, I know most of these adults have kids, grandkids & maybe great grandkids, what kind of example are you setting for these young kids? Do you want them to follow in your same foot steps? No you dont, so how bout y'all start using your head & the knowledge u know right from wrong

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With all the bashing going on with fake names, I just want to say thank you to Mr. Copeland Marsh for using your real name (or should I say for being an adult) and you are absolutely right, this is a really informative website for all to share. Thanks Willie, I for one appreciate your hard work and dedication. I also enjoy your pets, what cuties and hard workers. Don't forget to make time for a woman.

 

Larry, reread my post, I wasn't bashin the drunk, just questioning the danger of crawling under a vehicle on it's side!  Willie has worked hard to create and maintain this site and he has a lot of fans around the USA! Don't try to limit a good thing to just a few, it'll be a losing battle!

Looks like the two times she was caught before didn't teach her anything.oh well you can't fix stupidity.

Sad news i love this girl like a sister to me been knowing each other since 2 nd Grade ,I glad you didnt get killed.....Be praying you get. your life together!!!'!'!!

Really have to give it to those folks who look at something and start wanting to bash. If it was not for these types of folks guess this message board would be boring. We people of Polk County are thinking Copeland Marsh stay in Huntsville.

And the Trooper let her crawl under the vehicle to get a shoe!!?? What if the damn thing shifted!? That does not seem like a good thing to do! What are you people thinking!?

 

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About dank time someone put that loser behind bars when I worked in town I had to deal with her and her crack head boyfriend to. They steal and lie and'm also intoxicated. I. Feel so bad for her children. Thank you p.c.s.o for locking her up.

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Wow great advertisement for the Whistle Stop.  BTW, how do these people keep getting vehicles to drive?

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Great public relations  for the whistlestop!

Mrs. Harrington, First , my sorrow for your loss, and well placed statement below.  Second, Would you please post the arrangments for Randy? There are a lot of us that would like to pay respects to a good man, Vet.,Biker,Family man and a member of Post 629. He will be missed by a lot of people.Thank You

This was my husband I was about 30 seconds behind him. The man that hit him is at fault. Randy Lee Harrington was 57 years old he died in my arms at about 8:35. Any more question feel free to ask but at the very lest get your facts straight. Then shut off your mouths. Dangerous to ride a bike drive a car fly a plane at least we had fun and enjoy riding with the ALR and the PGR. We would honor you if it was your family and a vet so if you have nothing good to say please keep it to your self or your facebook page. Thank you very much his loving Wife.

I have something to say to the people taht are posting how motorcycles are dangerous and the man shouldn't be charged. Yes he should, I sat at the scene with his wife for hours while she watched the love of her life being loaded into a hearse. The man that hit him not ONLY turned in front of him and killed him BUT he left him laying in a ditch, did NOT try to render aid...he ALSO left the scene and went and hid in those cabins until he was forced to come out. So YES he does deserve to be charged to the fullest extent of the law!!!!!! The man killed a PATRIOT, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend! I am disgusted by some of the comments on this thread defending the jerk who did this and blaming someone for riding a motorcycle. If people would pay attention accidents like this wouldn't happen. I have also heard that his mother is saying that "his vision is bad" and so its not his fault. If you can't see then it is premeditated every time you get into a car and drive.

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William, I understand you are being driven by grief right now, and that is totally understandable. In your heart of hearts, do you believe the other driver set out with intentions to kill your Step-Father? I do not, but I think it is human nature, sometimes, to want someone to blame. If the other driver is proven to have alcohol in his system, that is one story, but I bet he is absolutely devastated by what happened. Turn to God for comfort. You will see your Step-Father again one day.

Tyler tv station :  Randy Lee Harrington, 55, of Livingston, died at 9:15 p.m. on the scene. I am confused--- the" nam " war was over 40 years ago--- perhaps somebody has wrong information!!!

Kjr B the word murder is my opinion. i have freedom of speech just as much as you. we can meet up so this goes no further. i will not argue with you about this. he was my step father, the only man who put forth the effort to be in my life. he was a grandfather, dad, son, rider, and much much more. if you step in my shoes and take what i am feeling the word murder would make much more sense too you. i may be being ridiculous but i am hurt by losing the only man thatwas a real father to meso please understand where i come from on that subject and my choice of words.

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Deek, you partly answered your own question. Toxicology results take a while to get back to determine if drugs or alcohol was involved. When I was investigating fatal accidents, we were required to have both parties tested. Also the question of speed had to be addressed. I know technology has advanced in the last few years, so it should not take very long before these questions are answered.

Kjr B the word murder is my opinion. i have freedom of speech just as much as you. we can meet up so this goes no further. i will not argue with you about this. he was my step father, the only man who put forth the effort to be in my life. he was a grandfather, dad, son, rider, and much much more. if you step in my shoes and take what i am feeling the word murder would make much more sense too you. i may be being ridiculous but i am hurt by losing the only man thatwas a real father to meso please understand where i come from on that subject and my choice of words.

This was a friend of mine, as of many. A GOOD MAN in all respects. He will be (and already is) missed dearly. There was no complaints about his life that I've ever heard come from HIS mouth. He was very content with what he had. The only time I ever heard this man complain was when someone would call in a service for the phone company at 4:50 PM. And, even then he would laugh about it. As much as we ALL hurt for the loss of a friend and a good man, accidents do happen. This is a terrible accident. NO ONE needs to be charged with "MURDER"! We all need to think about the memories, good times, smile and let this good man rest in peace. We'll all miss you brother.

Kjr B - I don't deny that motorcycles are dangerous but it wasn't the motorcycle's fault.  The driver of the blue truck was at fault.  My husband and I have been gone on a motorcycle vacation since April 27th.  We left Livingston and rode all the way to Alaska on the Al-Can Highway and we are on our way back now.  I pray to God every morning for a safe journey to our destination and thank Him at night for the safety of arriving.  Everything we do have risks and some even involve danger.  I have heard of Randy and I pray for his family.  Randy was a member of the Patriot Guard and so are my husband and I.

I am so saddened to hear of Randy's death.  He was a hard working good man.  The city of Livingston should tear down those "cabins" from where the person responsible for the "failure to yield" was pulling out from. Those cabins have been nothing but trouble for our neighborhood.  God bless Randy and his family. He was such a great man

So sad this gentleman lived through the Vietnam War and was a POW and to die by someones stupidity. This happened near our home.  May God bless this man for serving our country.

i'm sorry for your loss and i know it's none of my business. but, a thought occurred to me, looking at the two close headlights on the motorcycle at night, would look like a car much further away. could that have been the reason for the accident? look to God for comfort; and may He be with you.

Randy will be missed by many. Any time person decides to ride a bike they take the chance that something might terribly go wrong. Randy understood that.  This is a terrible accident. I'm sure the other individual is sorry for this tragedy. RIP Randy. We all loved ya!

William, I understand you are upset, but you are being ridiculous. The word murder implies premeditation. Unfortunately, this appears to be a terrible accident. Motorcycles are very, very dangerous. I'm sorry for your families loss.

Thank You for the writers compassion to my cousin, Randy Harrington.  You don't see that in most accident stories.  And for the picture showing his vest and helmet. He loved honoring vets and now, sadly he is the one being honored.  RIP Randy

As I have pointed out here before, I don't understand how these types of accidents can still be " under investigation "; this person turned left in front of a bright yellow motorcycle with dual headlights at night-time so a " I didn't see him. " is not valid in my opinion. This is a case of vehicular homicide, plain and simple, and should be enhanced IF alcohol was involved. I hope justice is found for you and yours and I believe I can speak for the American Legion Riders Post 402 when I say we are sorry for your loss.

that was my step dad, the boy who murdered him deserves full punishment. i want to see too it that he gets what he deserves

 

Look out, here come the bible beaters! lmao

Unless you have an official police report right in front of you or unless you were the office on the scene or the paramedic who drove up or the tow truck driver who hauled truck away then trust me you don't have all the facts. Let me ask you a question and I want you to be truthful in your response, 'if he was passed out in front of his house do you think he would be arrested?

 

WOW! You truly just showed how stupid you are! Go read your FULL bible! I do believe it always says abide by the laws of the land. Just like drinking and driving is a law of the land DUH! So before you go preaching the bible learn it. And fpr anyone who says this was "an accident" is truly "special". You do not ACCIDENTLY get behind a wheel after drinking! You know what you were doing. Take it from someone who has had two family members killed by drunk drivers, another one almost lost their life from one, AND had a loved one arrestedfor a DWI. BUT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL YOU EVER HEAR ME DEFEND THEM! It did nothing but cost the family a whole lot of money. Money that could of been spent else where. No one in our family will tell him "we understand" "we know you made a mistake" NO we let them know real quick they screwed up big time. I just cant help but laugh at how stupid people are by defending him. You would think after what his brother is going through he would never want to put himself in that position. Guess he isnt as smart as yall claim he is! And for a man who has kids to set an example like this tobhis children, it truly is sad! And YES there are some of US out here who have never gotten behind a wheel EVEN AFTER just ONE drink. I will never want to be the cause of someone dying do to my careless mistakes. To bad he doesnt feel the same!!! You all need some jesus in your life. And I dont mean just TALKING about how you have a good lord upstairs or you know your relationship isnt that strong with him....well guess what use those knees for what they were made for PRAYING!!! Smh smh!!!

@Editor: I noticed that is someone has an opinion different from yours or if they state an irrefutable fact that you can't disprove other wise you either put them down by saying 'oh you think you are smarter than everyone else' or you don't post their comments for a few days to a week' You know I was right in what I said. Hey, I noticed that in the small box was juice and a sports drink. Oh and by the way was the dog arrested to? He looks like he just woke up, lol

 

I find it sickening that people want to bash the peters name because one of the boys gets arrested for suspicion of dwI. for everyone that don't know these boys please keep your **** mouth shut and you trashy opinions to your self. Before you go preaching why don't you remember those 10 commandments thou shall not judge... To the Peters family I feel very sorry for yall with what you are going thru may god be with you.

 

Oh my gosh..Billy Bobbins..really? You are either young with no kids, out of touch with reality, or just plain dumb..To make the insinuation (excuse my spelling of that word) that only bad parents have bad kids is totally ridiculous..My wife and I have 2 children, a boy and girl. We raised each one with the same morals and values that are Biblical.  The oldest which is a boy, graduated from college and has never been in trouble with the law. He and his wife are doing very well. The youngest, which is our daughter, was raised the same identical way. She received a full ride scholarship to a college. What happened? She is now 21, was kicked out of college for partying and breaking athletic rules, contiues to party all night, lies to us and would rather be with her "friends" than associate with us. She has been in accidents when fortunatly she was not behind the wheel. One of these accidents should have cost her life. She has never been in trouble with the law, but it!   will eventually happen. You can't keep pushing and get away with it. She has had the opprotunity to go to work on several pipe lines to make good money, only for it to never happen. So, she works for a local grocery store for minimum wage, and has nothing.  With hopes and dreams that will never be accomplished until she has reached rock bottom with no "friends" around to help her up! That is the reality of how it works when good parents raise kids that do turn out bad.

And the Judges let 'em right back out!  In Walker county the idiot that ran into me totalling my car and injuring my back, has now had his 3rd DWI!  The first 2 he was mollycoddled, no jail time beyond the first 24 hours, no TDL suspension, gotta keep the drunks on the job and driving so they can keep the revenue coming!  And don't kid yourself, these idiots are out on the roads at ALL hours!!  This jerk in Huntsville was charged Easter Sunday at 6am, another at 2pm, and caused the wreck with me at 7am on a Monday! Doubt he was even slapped on the hand for his 3rd DWI!  Thank you Judges! Still no additional insurance coverage required by the State of Texas but the minimum, meaning he is under-insured! God Bless our Law Enforcement! Get 'em off the streets if just until the Judge turns 'em loose!

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All I have to say is I agree with Copeland Marsh.Our Law Enforcement do a great job getting these people off our roads they do the best they can.

Billy Bobbins..Ok, so how many bad parents have good kids A lot.. How many good parents have bad kids? A lot! No matter how you raise your child there is no guarantee how they will behave themselves when they become adults..You need to come to the real world and get out of your cave!

@Editor: I did not read in the paper were he was drunk at the time of his arrest. He was arrested for the suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The decision to arrest him was based on him going off the road. But it does not say what time he went off the road. An hour before the bus driver saw him? Or the night before. We don't know. For him to be passed out at the wheel tells me that he was there for some time. And when the police arrived he had the presence of mind to tell the office that he 'had been drinking' No were does it say his blood alcohol level was, it does not say that his speech was slurred or his words were running together, if they were why isn't it in the report. Once the two truck was called that was it. So instead of given him a ticket and sending him home, he was arrested for the suspicion of driving while  intoxicated. That's like arresting a man for the suspicion of robbing a bank.

 

So Mr. Editor, as you can see and everyone else that posted things about the Reservation shows clearly that driking isnt just on the reservation. SMH

 

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Oh! shucks people pat these good ole boys on the back and give them another beer....

Law Enforcementpersonnel work hard to get these fools/potential killers off of the roads!  The Judges are the ones running a revolving door system, they put repeat offenders right back on the streets so they can continue to work and pay all the fees and fines, keeping the lawyers in business.  Our Judicial system could care less about the citizens who die because they let a drunk back out on the roads!  Lenient Judges need to be thrown out of office and tougher ones put in their place!

For the record I do not believe that a person should drive while intoxicated wheel they are behind the wheels of a pick-up truck or going down the road in a automatic wheel chair. But in this case if the guy was passed out behind the wheel and was not drunk at the time the officer arrived then he should  have been ticketed and not arrested. But when the tow truck was called and the paramedics came the police officer had no other choice but to arrest him. They could have ticketed him and let him go if he was had full use of his faculties.

 

It really amazes me that people love to cast the first stone and rip people to shreds in open public. I have a problem with drunk drivers also.. Just like I have a problem with people talking and texting while driving, or people DUI of prescription drugs for their ailments.  That's not my point to this. If your going to bash others do it in a place where we don't have to read  your hatred. It's like FAcebook.  We don't want to hear your drama! What have most of you accomplished by this back and forth trash talk? I have learned several important things in my life, one was when you talk about others and condem them you best be ready because you will be next! Then what? We will be reading your story on PCT, people will bash you, and you will be crying about how wrong that it is. I love reading PCT, even the true letters to the editor where people state their opinion, but all this pointing the finger posting back and forwards is pretty childish.  If you are proud of your post use your real name don't be embarrassed and hide.. If you are big enough to say it then don't hide in cowardice.  It's easy to hide behind a computer screen and bash people, but are you adult enough to say it to their face? Apparently the bashers know these people personally, be an adult and tell them face to face. I do not know anyone involved in the DWI incident, so I have enough self respect to keep my mouth closed. Only one thing has been accomplished by this spewing hatred, bullying and holier than thou attitude, the posters name being tarnished, but first you have to have self respect to even realize that!

Shame on this man.  Shame on his parents, they obviously have not done a good job of educating their children on the dangers of alcohol.

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Simple.  This guy should have his license taken away and sent to drug and alcohol counseling.  He should also be required to speak to Middle and High School kids in the community about the dangers of drinking and driving.

I wonder how many people have been killed over the last five years from texting than from drunk driving?

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What if he was passed out at the wheels on the side of the road in front of his house would he have been arrested? What if he had gotten drunk at home, went to his truck and went to sleep in front of his house would he have gotten a ticker or been arrested? I doubt it.

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KjrB: I agree,you sound like you have been a victim of this horrible crime also, if you have I know how you feel. It amazes me to think how people could careless about this subject. human lives mean nothing to them. CALLIE: Perfect has nothing to do with this, its about responsibility. Responsible people do not put other lives in danger. YOUR the one that needs to GROW UP. What he did was a CRIME. Its O.K.that they kill someone because they made a mistake,that mentality is ridiculous. If it was one of YOUR own that was slaughtered by a Drunk Driver, WOULD you feel the same???. Obviously, you do support Drinking and Driving OR we would not be having this conversation. I will be 100% to getting these animals off the roads. Kris F: agree totally, the one that killed my husband has gotten caught 4 different times since he killed by husband, 3 times in Polk, 1 time in Montgomery County.,,at least no one else has DIED by his hands YET. Just Curious: asleep on the side of!   the road is very different from being PASSED OUT, he deserved what he got--ARRESETED. ROXIE C: Thank you, I appreciate your comment, im so sorry about your nephew, Thank God one of these monsters didn't kill him and im so glad for you. I just don't know how people can be so cruel and in my case law enforcement lets them get away with it.Again im so glad you didn't loose your nephew, I can only imagine the pain you went thru. My husband was slaughtered at 9:25 am by a drunk/doped up person. To: Whoever You Are: Spelling is not a part of this post, INNOCENT PEOPLES LIVES ARE BEING TAKEN BECAUSE OF DRUNKS THAT CHOOSE TO DRIVE,,,,,I DO NOT SEE THE HUMOUR IN THIS AT ALL. Since you think this is so funny, why hide by not giving a name.

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Joe smith whoever you are Kalen is not a punk and if you were in this situation how would you feel if we said all that about you ? All of you guys need to think about what you are saying and  put yourself in their shoes before you say anything

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hahahaha! Sorry. It cracks me up reading letter to the editor. Some people can't spell correctly. hahaha! This is kind of like the funny page. People type the word of how they pronounce the word!!

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Anita Pinkard, first and foremost my heart breaks for you and your family.  As far as the people on this site complaining about the bashing of the DRUNKS, they are just STUPID and you can't fix STUPID. The boys may be good boys, and the family may be a good family. However, The boys should NOT have drove drunk or allowed someone drunk to drive  a vehicle period, bottom line. If they want to kill themselves it is ok but they don't have the right to kill an innocent person.  My nephew was hit by a drunk driver at 9:00am and he was in ICU for 3 mths. We did'nt know if he would live or not, fortunly he did but has so much metal in his body. It's ok though he is alive. Please dont listen to the Idiots complaining.

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I person should not drink and drive no more than a person should text or drive or use the cell phone and drive, but if he is asleep on the side of the road and the vehicle is inoperable than why arrest him? He should have been ticketed and released.

@Teacher: the answer is yes.

"Bad judgement," "Made mistakes" "people make bad choices" "keep you mouth shut about it" all of this is enabling, and it fills up graveyards.

None of us should care where these drunk drivers come from, nor which family raised them. When you drink and drive, it shows a lack of respect for life - not only the lives of your family members, but also the lives of others on the road. Good-hearted people or not, alcohol deadens your senses and diminishes your ability to function normally. That is something we're all taught from grade school age, so there should be NO EXCUSES  and no "mistakes" about it! Authorities estimate that for every time a drunk driver is caught, they have driven drunk 10 times or more. Think about it, people!

I cant believe ppl are getting drunk, and getting drunk while driving.it amazes me how ppl can get ao muxh stupidity in them.Wow.

No he doesn't drink and drive  with our kids.... Our kids are no where near abused, mistreated or anything along those lines!!  Like I said I'm Amazed at all these perfect people on here, && @ joe smith whoever you may be you are truly clueless...&& big Richard ole jail house are you kidding me grow up I'm sure you've never done anything wrong in your life!!! No what he did wasnt right but come on people stop acting like youve never done anything ever wrong!!! My god at the hypocrites in this town!! Everyone is the bad guy until its one of yours!! Both Keaton and Kalen are hard working guy and provide for their family no I don't support drinking an driving but you know people make mistakes!! Ill be there 100% to help with with whatever we go through call me what you...

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When you put my family at risk with your stupidity, it is every bit of my business. Stop disrespecting my family by getting behind the wheel under the influence. It's not rocket science. The people standing up for him must not know what's its like to lose a loved one to a selfish, immature person who chose to party and kill someone. If we don't raise a stink about it, then it's almost like we accept it. I want to make it known that we will not accept this. Stiff penalties for people who disregard the people of Polk county!!!

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@Callie, do you allow your children in the vehicle with him  drinking and driving? If so that is child abuse.   Defending drinking and driving or letting a child ride in a vehicle with someone drinking and driving is the same as letting some one physically or sexually abuse your children. IT'S AGAINST THE LAW...

Angie, it's okay to drink and drive if no one is hurt??? And this family is really good people? So it's okay to commit fraud (Archives May 2011)?

Angie Lester:Your daughter hit and hurt, I am truly sorry, im glad she is o.k. Drunk Drivers are going to kill someone eventualy.I pray for victims. What do Drunk Drivers go thru?? If they even go to jail, Law Enforecment lets them right back on streets, giving them a license to kill again. I do not buy the word MISTAKE,its called a crime, again what about the victims feelings, its always about the Drunks feelings.BNT: Drunk Drivers are not good guys, here we go again with the words mistake and shouldn't have. So what do I tell my grandkids, oh this guy that killed your grandfather just made a mistake and shouldn't have been Driving Drunk, but hes a good guy, that's crap. I WILL NOT justify ANY Drunk Drivers actions.Lauren[keatons niece: It would haunt me at night to know a family member of mine could have KILLED someone. Willie was reporting the story, we as the public has a right to know about these people for OUR safety, Grown ups were suppose to be examples, o.k. where were the grown ups in his family? They are killers, their choice of a wepon is a vehicle.BO CEPHUS: Im glad there is someone that doesn't believe in patty-cakeing drunks that drive, even the good ole boys.I do not see how you people can justify, a KILLER[ Drunk Driver}they are commiting a crime, or in most places it is a crime, not here. All they get is pitty by people , and Law Enforement. For all of you that take up for Drunk Drivers, LOOK in archives MARCH 1st 2012, LISTWEN AND WATCH VIDEO, than tell me how innocent they are, what their mistake and should not have beens done to a family.

It's about time these punks finally get charged for there stupidity! Kalen deserves to be judged why because it was "his" truck he willingly gave access to use... In return robbed 2 of life think about it a mother from her kids and a young man of his dreams not including the rest of family and friends of these people... That's something you can't just blame on the driver when you look at the facts on how it played out.. Plus attempting to try and pay a witness to help save you're own ace from trouble cause two people died... really the charges are light compared to what  he really should receive!! Now let's move on to Keaton this waste luckily it was the tree that was the victim instead of a innocent person.. I just pray in the future when him and his brother are on this site again that no more innocent life's are taken because they will be on here again they are just that stupid they could mess up a wet dream.. But may be awhile for kalen only reason being his new!   boyfriend big bubba will be to busy doing you know what to his chicken eye.. Yes the rest of the peters family are great hard working responsible people but no matter what though "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink"  think about that people that while drawing a conclusion on you're thoughts of these acts they involved with.. Also off subject if a hair sample was pulled from these two it would revile alcohol isn't the only thing they abuse... Why I say that well   I'm surprised Keaton was found asleep hint hint... These two are guilty for drinking, driving, pulling guns and knives on people that I have witnessed over a 5yr period.  Reason being for weapons involved in their actions is because they always couldn't resolve a conflict old school man to man that they would start! So thank you mr Willie for reporting the facts on Polk county today and putting these scrubs on blast no matter the last name of who it involves  the ones who defend the idiot brothers or anyone else tgat gets there pic on here for a crime prove they know they are guilty of the charges and are ignorant as the ppl they are defending..

Lmao sign from god, maybe next time he'll raise the boy right.

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Teacher

Look at the picture with the truck on the wrecker, there is a cross above the truck. A sure sign from God. Get your life straight!

Wow !!! Some people are so quick to judge and be hateful these are good guys.    Yes Keaton made a mistake he should not have drove drunk he has two beautiful babies he should think about more. We all live and learn as for his Brother I am so saddened for him that boy was old enough to make his own choices he didn't make him or force him to drive his truck ...he should not loose his whole life for a action took by that boy ..yes it was his truck .but that boy knew what he was doing .... Judge not less ye be judged .....shame on some of y'all for the things y'all are saying ....

I'll keep to myself about how much it completes me every time I go to this site now that it's a Peter's family reunion this week down at the ol'JailHouse!!! I mean I literally get down in the floor with laughter sometimes...  I would like to say thank you to the parties involved for making this all possible for me... The bus driver, Police, News Reporter, all the way right down to the Peters Brothers for being complete idiots their entire lives!!! You had me at HELLO ! I'm going to keep that all to myself... now!!! thanks again

For you family members and supporters of these boys, shame on you. You are doing them no good service by getting on here and publicly excusing their unlawful behavior.  In psychology, there's a term for what you're doing. It's called "enabling." And it's counterproductive to positive behavioral reform. The public has every right to judge deviant, unlawful and anti-social conduct. Only the justice system has to presume innocence. Public shaming is, and has been, a major deterrent to crime. Should the public have waited to judge the Boston Marathon bombers? Of course not. Winding up in the news for engaging in unlawful behavior should be embarrassing to criminals and their families. Perhaps this will discourage them from acting similarly in the future. But getting on here and attempting to make excuses for actions that jeopardize the safety of innocent people, just because these are "good ol boys," is almost as inexcusable as the unlawful behavior itself.

Seems like to me that if he wasn't drunk at the time the officer arrived he should not have been arrested.

Willie it would haunt me at night to know I put something like this on here you DID NOT have to mention that his brother went to jail I thought that grown ups were supposed to be examples and if that's true (which it is ), then you are no grown up once so ever !

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CALLIE, skeletons has nothing to do with DRUNK DRIVERS. Good hearted people DO NOT DRIVE DRUNK. If he killed someone in your family would you still be taking up for him???. For the people bashing, again he caused the bashing. This guy should not have let a DRUNK DRIVER drive his vehicle, that would have been the right thing to do, hes just as guilty. ANGIE LESTER,people mean, WHY because we are against DRUNK DRIVERS,Lets to a flip side to this,, YOU don't have a clue of how victims feel, when one of these incompent DRUNK DRIVERS, kill innocent people,try being on that side of the coin, go ahead and ignore the victims, law enforcement does. CALLIE, Victims of DRUNK DRIVERS are not perfect, {no one is}. but it does not give them right to kill innocent people, until it hit your home court, you wouldn't have a clue. A GOOD ROLE MODEL IS NOT GOING TO TAKE UP FOR A DRUNK DRIVER.CONCERENED CITIZEN<< AGREE with you totally. If you don't want to be bashed than don't do the crime, IN SOME PLACES ITS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. MOTHER OF A FRIEND, Brother is just as guilty. WHY ARE PEOPLE SO QUICK TO JUDGE? DRUNK DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING, I don't call that judgement, its called facts. INNOCENT people drive back roads also,,,one thing I do agree with you on, is the BUSTERS issue. Was justice served {NO}. Agree DRUNK DRIVERS kill people and ruin lives forever, bashing is the least of they deserve, but whats worse, NO JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS, you take up for them, your a idiot. I believe DRUNK DRIVERS should be put behind BARS for a VERY long time, considering they are KILLERS. Im just curious, how many people on here have been a victim of a DRUNK DRIVER???

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Callie, in the past I DID use my real name.  Unfortunately someone (or more than 1 someone) has chosen to make posts using my name and posting things that I definitely would not have said so I asked Willie not to use my name anymore. Plus one of the posts made in my name that I didn't post ended up in me getting some harassing phone calls.  Regardless, if you are going to stand by your man, please get him some help and be there for him.  He is still  young enough to turn his life around and be a good and productive citizen.

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I can't stop looking at this, I laugh every time lol!

Drunk drivers kill people and ruin countless lives. Being bashed is the least of what they deserve. Only idiots take up for them. Until it is someone you love that becomes their victim. Drunk drivers should be publicly whipped.

Why is it Willie that you have to point out the story of Keaton's brother Kalen. Kalen was not drinking he was charged with something that he wasn't even around when this accident happened. If you do not know these boys do not judge them or there parents. Both of these boys have worked very hard for what they have and take care of their children. Whys is it people are so quick to judge and act like they have never did anything wrong? At least Keaton was in a back road and not on a major highway. Like the man & his wife that pulled out of Busters and hit a kid, pulled back in the parking lot and parked, he runs in the woods and she goes back into the bar and it's all swept under the rug because of who he is in community. These boys come from a very good family.

If your dumb enough to get caught inside the vehicle asleep then yes he deserves to gey blaseted all over polk county today!!! He should of put minutes on his phone instead buying that fancy ice chest and called his lil lady to pick his dumb*** up

I am really amazed at all the negative comments from these "anonymous" people why not come out with your names!! I'm Also amazed at all the perfect people on here!! Keep the negatives to yourselves!!

Im with you callie. People pass judgement way too fast.people are just mean til it happens to their loved one.just keep your head up girl and ignore the neg remarks.

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Well Callie....no one in my family, including my kids, were never arrested, never drank and drive and are strong members of the community.  If these boys were so good they would not be getting in trouble.  Their actions speak for themselves. Hopefully you will be a good role-model for your boyfriend and help him change his ways

THANKS ANITA FOR KEEPING SOMEONE OFF THE ROAD that seems to be drinking

The question, Mr. Editor, is whether that high dollar Yeti cooler still kept his beer cold? Was that ice inside there with those "cool ones?" Judging by his cap and the sticker on the back of his truck, evidently his redneck games are sponsored by that manufacturer! Although I'm thinking that getting drunk, running off the road and passing out might jeopardize that sponsorship! Idiot!

Callie, anyone can be good harted, but lets face the facts, he was drinking and driving. You two have two children that are young and need their father as well as you for support for your family. What would you do if something wose would have happened and he could not be that person anymore? it happens everyday. Ultimatly you can not justify his DWI. Hopefully he lives and learns.

his BAC was 0.12 that early in the morning.

For all of you bashing...are you perfect yourself? Doubt it. We all have our problems. Yes Sometimes poor judgement is used. Now do I think the younger brother should get manslaughter? No it wasn't his decision to take the truck. Put yourself in his shoes. If someone drove your truck...would you think you deserve manslaughter if they wrecked it. No...he wasnt involved it was just his truck involved

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REALLY! Thank god yourself nor anyone else was hurt! Im say a prayer for you cause your making really bad choices KEATON!

 I am the girlfriend of Keaton and have been for years now and livingston resident,, if you don't know the boys don't go judging actin like you have no skeletons in your closet!! They are both good hearted people! So I you don't know them please keep the comments to yourself instead of Bashing bashing bashing!!

What is it with this family??????  I think that alcohol has grabbed them and screwed them up!!!!  Someone needs to get these boys some help and NOW!  Maybe their parents need some help as well - evidently someone did not raise these boys right!!!

 

Good Morning Willie!! I am the woman in the picture taken at the wreck on 2665, standing next to Trooper Evans. I am a V.F.F. with Indian Springs Fire Department. We are having our Bar-B-Q sale this weekend starting today, June 7th, I would like to invite you to come join us today from 10:30 until ?, or you can order a plate at 936 563 2323 and we will deliver it to you! Or you can come see us Saturday, June 8th at the Fire hall from 10:30 to 5:00. We are also having an auction at 1:00 on Saturday. Hope to see you there!! Everyone is welcome!! Thank you, I.S.V.F.D.

 

Looks like they took another BIG hit, and it's only been about 2 weeks. Thanks for the pictorial coverage.

kudos to deputy Comments: Hell yeah!!! That's what i call a humble officer. I sure we had more like that who would go out of their way to help a citezen in need

Coming home from Livingstone yesterday just as we were about to come over the bridge . Pulled over on a side street was a pos officer changing a tire for to young lady's. I'll tell you this it made me proud to see that . That could be my daughter my wife our anyone else's loved one . You never know these days. He deserves a mention if I knew his name I would call the sherrifs dept and bring a hundred like minded fathers over there to pat him on the back. Way to go PCS.

 

When is law enforcement going to get off their back ends and stop these fools from driving like there is no tomorrow on this road?  Every time you pull out on this road this last year you take your life in your own hands because of people cutting from 146 to 59 now.  The young ones will run over you if you get in their way.  It won't stop until someone puts a stop to it.

3 of those were from Holiday Lakes Estates where the lower class now reside. Try watching the speeding in the subdivision alone. Then there was the one at the entrance the other day and nobody reported his name.

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Logging Truck Rolls on FM-2665 Comments: Something needs to be done about these trucks that are now going down 2665.  They are always going at a high rate of speed and at the bridge are in both lanes to make the curve instead of slowing down.

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This is a dangerous area on FM 2665.  In the past month, we have had a car go through our fence, another almost go through the fence, less than 100 yards from this location another automobile rolled.  Now this log truck accident, causing damage to fence again.  Until recently, there were never any accidents through this area, people used to drive slow through these curves, but not any more.  I know some cars drive these curves at 70 instead of the posted 45.  It's scarey!

 

 

If the Tribe has nothing to hide, what's the problem?  My Mom used to tell me, if you are doing right, then you can stand anything, but  if you are doing wrong, you will try as hard as you can to stay in the darkness.  The Tribe still resides in the USA.   as far as their heritage, I have mine too, but it is no longer politically correct to have one, due to the fact, I am white. Anytime I see a report, that stirs up a hornets nest, like this has,  somebody is in fear of being found out.  Guilty barks loudest!  (I didn't say dog, for fear someone would take umbrage!

 

Willie they are my friends and I don't close my eyes to things but I also don't get into people's personal business when it doesn't concern me and I sure dont write it for the world to see you are no reporter you are a gossiper

To FBI--you state "How long have the Judge and DA Office been working together against the citizens of this county?" You mean like Polk County citizen Dave Shannon who the DA's office just prosecuted and Judge Coker sentenced to life in prison? Do you think the DA's office and Judge Coker were working against the citizens of Polk County in that case? Or are you someone who's been prosecuted yourself? Are you a supporter of child molesters and abusers? Maybe you're one of Quanell's minions? I don't know what Coker or the DA's office have to do with anything going on at the reservation (or maybe you're just a political opponent of Coker's), but I will tell you this: My child was one of Dave Shannon's victims. I could not be more proud of the job that the sheriff's department, DA's office and Judge Coker did in removing that predator from our county and locking him up! If you're upset with the approach the law enforcement takes in this county against those who exploit or harm innocent children, then maybe you should go somewhere else.

The Alabama Coushatta Tribal Council in good standing hired a Chief of Police who they thought was going to work with the tribe, but no,  that is not the case, the Tribal Police Chief is so secretive, he brought in his own people, and now they can't handle anything, so they turn around and blame Tribal Council, the tribal members never sees the police chief around, he has not communicated with any tribal members, in fact he talks about them and laughs at them and if any of his workers  doesn't agreed with him, then they might as well say good bye. The tribal chief doesn't care about the people,  he is in his own little world with his so call police force. So don't go blaming Tribal Council, we thought we hired the most qualified tribal chief of police, but we hired a fraud. Enough said!

Oh wow!! Professional journalism eh?  Investigative report? Uh oh, shame shame, Willie, your true colors are showing.  Chronic alcohlism in Indians only? Alcohol doesn't affect any other race, hmm learn something new everyday.

 

DD you must be from Indian Springs!! hahahahahaha...

I am angry mr editor because the alabama coushatta tribe are my friends. I have been around the rez for 7 years some are even family. Being white I dont always understand their ways and never will but I do respect the culture and ways.  They are wonderful people when hurricane Ike came they took me and my kids in and treated us like we were one of them we stayed for 2 weeks. I dont live in Polk county and my are was hit the hardest they didnt have to help us but they did and I will be forever grateful for all of it.  I had no place else to go so I take this very personel. My heart hurts when you have labeled the tribal members the way that you have. So this little white girl will stand and support the Alabama Coushatta Tribe with all I have.

 

Willie,
You are officially a journalist in my book now.  Good job and good questions, this is what reporting the news truly means.  You've also risen in my estimation of your character.  Despite knowing what the reactions would be you pushed forward and were unafraid to write and publish your story.   Rez crap stinks just like everyone else's crap.  Ya'll know there's lots of drinking there, don't pretend it's not.  I used to run with most of you so don't try climbing up on ya'lls high horse.  Of course most of the ones I ran with are all dead now because of alcohol.

 

Wille, you need to get back to real investigating reporting: such as the Judge Coker, Jones (now Judge Jones), DA Office as to their praticies of deny citizens fair trail by texting between one another during trials. I'm wondering how long this has been going on. Now that's a good headliner you can work on, How long have the Judge and DA Office been working together against the citizens of this county? Now that could give something to keep you busy long enough to keep you out of Reservation business.

Has anyone questioned the "Captain" of the Police Dept.? Come on Willie, you know!!! So do we!!!

"The motives and actions of the AC tribal council are being questioned. - Editor"
Why is that?

 

heck stand your grounds willie... there only mad cuase it has been put in the public eye... and if your so called friends from ther. stop being a friend than they wasnt a true friend any way. good reporting willie

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It is clear that the problem lies within the tribal police force,  to begin with the chief of police, if he can't do his job, why don't he quit, instead of his workers complaining.

NEWS MAY BE YOUR BUSINESS BUT THIS IS ALL GOSSIP NO FACTS GET THE FACTS BEFORE REPORTING THE NEWS MISTER EDITOR !!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for your answer.  The tribal official who complained should follow the chain of command like everybody else.

The clear issue with this particular situation is not that of the officers but mainly the residents of the reservation. The police can only do so much with and without the co-operation of others. These officers are indeed licensed by the state of Texas and to question their ability to do their job sufficiently and effectively is hypocrisy. The chief of The AC Reservation Police force is a very fine and adequate leader that makes sure that things are indeed done properly, fairly, and efficiently to not only the Tribe's standards but that of the county's and especially of the state of Texas. It is very disappointing for one to accuse and subliminally put in notion that the officers were only hired and developed this force to keep mayhem and criminal activity alive and swept under. These suggestions only make the tribe seem illegitimate, not the police force.

 

In the beginning of your story, you said, you spoke with people from the Alabama Coushatta Tribe, but now you are saying you spoke with Tribal Officials who don't like what is going on.  Why don't the tribal official quit if they don't like what is going on, just because they can't do their job, they blame other ppl...  So the information came within the Tribal Police Force!  Not from a tribal member!  Now we know this is a lie, because this is all here say.

KEEP YOUR NOSE OUT OF THE TRIBES BUSINESS IF IT DOESNT EFFECT YOU LEAVE THEM ALONE AND STOP STIRRING UP TROUBLE IF THERE IS A ISSUE THEN IT WILL BE HANDLE WITHIN THE TRIBE NOT IN THE PUBLIC EYE...  GET A LIFE AND WORRY ABOUT THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER THAT EFFECT ALL OF US.........

 

Dont close this forum, Willie. You opened up a can of worms so listen to all this BS. You know who your imforment is and the Tribe knows too. Lets see who gets the last laugh!!!!

Hey people! Haven't you ever heard of investigative reporting? I don't think Willie just pulled this information out of the sky! And Granmy, you're just mean!

Okay Willie,like I said before you had your fun, just stow it.  My question to you is why did you take a word of an anonymous person and ran with the story?  Have you ever been to the reservation?  Have you ever participated in the tribal events or activities?  Do you know the customs and the traditional ways of the tribe?  Do you know the history of the tribe?  Why don't you bring your little camera to the pow-wow this weekend,you might learn some history.

 

hambone peterson, if you had read my previous entries, you would know that i am very well versed in the Bible as i have read the whole thing and continue to read it. here's a quote, "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. if a man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him".so yes, i'm not ignorant and am well aware of things to come. God bless you.

So...Is all of your hate mail going to your spam or are you having technical difficulties.

As I see it. That's their land and they can do as they please .its not any of our business what they do out there are how they do it. I'm proud to call them neighbor. So let them handle their own affairs as they see fit.

Maybe everyone needs to ask D. And & D. Anderson, both ironically from Goodrich! They seem to know the uneducated answer to everything..."COVER UP"! What a bunch of bull!!! Another one of those "everyone's out to get me and against me type of people! I say good job to Polk county, ACPD, and Judge Coker, so take your cover ups and crawl back into your little hole!!

Willie, looks like you put foot in your mouth, always happen to your kind!! LMAO!!!

Livingston lets Murders go when was justice for the AC tribe when Daisha killed one of us now she is walking free sad sad storey

HEY FRED! This whole nation that we live in and its economy are based on the "lust" of money. Don't kid yourself. Capitalism is evil, it puts the money before the people. Always has, always will. This government isn't a Christian government. It's fueled by greed. Where was Greed ever mentioned as being a trait of Christ's? And as far as this government or any worldly government returning to some form of or degree of morality, you need to read your Bible because it tells you how that all plays out. There's NO reverse gear on this runaway train. The end is inevitable. That's why alleged corruption in the ACPD is laughable. There are bigger fish to fry. In conclusion, don't look to your government as a moral compass.

To proud tribal member, life is not fair and plain and simple thats just how the cookie crumbles. You need to stop whining and act like an adult. If none of ya cry babies like it there is always a plan b move.................

Whoever talked with Willie Openshaw opened up a can of worms,  things are getting nasty,  lots of lies going on,  we know who talked to Willie,  go back to him and tell the truth!   This mess has got to stop!

to proud tribal member and texan: i'm convinced sucking on a rock would be as productive as getting the state of texas to block casinos. but believe me, i have never been to a caSINo, nor have i ever bought a lottery ticket, and i never will. i have principles which i adhere to- religious principles. to lust for money is the same as lust for sex and if this state and this country doe not return to christian principles, then we will be destroyed when our cup is full. and, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Fred p and concerned citizen can go suck on a rock. If any investigation is needed then it should be polk county. Like others have said, what happened to judge Coker? What ever happened to jp lilley? Or it was justice letting daisha murder someone and get away with it!? Polk county has got some nerve thinking they do everything right when we see all the corruption in good old livingston. We have the right to govern our lands. We might not get everything right but we're trying and that's more than I can about this county. Straighten up your so called system and views before you go knocking down someone else's!

To "Concerned Citizen Livingston"
Do you think that we should shut down Livingston, Onalaska, Goodrich,and Corrigan Police Departments and make the PCSO one big entity taking care of the entire county.  Once Upon a Time Seven Oaks was incorporated.  It may still be. Seven Oaks had a mayor and a law-enforcement officer.  Now that was a story, but nobody complained.

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Concerned citizen: who are you to pass judgement and call someone an alcoholic savage that is a horrible nasty hatefull statement and you should be ashamed

Hmmm Holiday Lakes Estates Fire Dept. threw out 7 members for porn with minors, teaching kids to make bombs, thefts, unauthorized use of dept. funds, and not one single person has been questioned, charged, or jailed by Polk County Sheriff, WHY? When the P.O.A. was told why they were thrown out they wanted them back in. How many see the guy in the red Chevrolet with lights all over his truck pretending to be a fireman? He is the one who taught his kid to make bombs, put it on facebook for all to see, and he has not been arrested. So what is different at the Reservation than here in Polk County? Willie who was driving the PT Cruiser you did not give his name, that crashed into the tree in the entrance??? COVERUP! How come nobody reported the story on all the fire dept. thefts? COVERUP How can a man make a video of his child making bombs and nobody cares? COVERUP!

Lets get it right and to the point. People dont like change. Some folks have been given tickets and dont like it. ACPD is just like corrigan and onalaska. They uphold the law in their city. So why cry if the tribe has a new pd? They just getting off the ground so give them time. And time also means get use to it. They are  not csi where they solve in hour. If you see the paper, they are people Locked up. Now you all would jump and run to their casino if they opened. So stop the bashing. So if people leave busters, are they drunks? If someones from the indian reservation, lets wonder did they take us to State in austin. Not drunks. Now if God guided them here first, its their land. Is it love that white man stole tbeir land. Truth iz this story broke without the true facts first. If willie went to the people first and ask the Tribe, this story be different. The tribe is on self govern land, so they can do what they please on their land that was given to them. Just accept their enforcement of the law. Believe me they will enforce it

you know, i'm hearing alot of pride out there in pct land. but, let it be known, we the people, don't really OWN anything. God created us all and put us on this planet. and if i read my history correctly, the indians migrated here from mongolia and other places, and we all acquired this land the same way hundreds to thousands of years ago. and this is precisely why God put us here- to learn to love Him and love one another. don't blame willie, who's only reporting a story that's come to his attention. let there be an investigation and find out what is going on. end of story!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and everyone has the right of freedom of speech. HOWEVER, people have forgotten to THINK before they speak. Along with the right of freedom of speech comes intelligence, my point is if you have nothing RELEVANT to say; then dont say it. Because you either 1. Make yourself look absolutely stupid, or 2. make yourself look like a huge titbag because your whining. Thanks.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Police Department is dedicated to preserving the peace,  protecting property, preventing and detecting crime,  and enforcing federal laws, state laws, and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas laws  and ordinances with the highest degree of fairness, professionalism, honor, and integrity

Crimes committed in polkcounty should be handled by polk county law enforcement officials.This is an outrage that this was allowed. What is next ac prison. If you can't handle good ol american judicial system than you need to learn to act like a human being not some alcoholic savage!!!

there are millions of unsoloved cases where no one knew anything. what makes this any different.

The AC Police Department is a blessing for the Community, Polk County, and the thousands of people who visit the AC Reservation.  The AC Police Chief is a person of integrity and will not be influenced by small town politics. The AC Police Department employees (sworn and non-sworn) all have been advised on the importance of being excellent. As I read the postings, it appears AC police department is experiencing what every Police Department experience through-out this great Nation (United States of America) lack of participation from the community in providing information about criminal activity.  So this is my advice to the Tribal Community and the Polk County Community: Welcome the Police Officers of AC, support them in their effort in making the A-C Reservation a safer and better place to live, play, work and visit.

Livingston\If they have the funding for a police force let them have one. But if the county or state has to pay for it then the one we have should be sufficient.

Forgeot to mention shes not a tribal member which another female officer that is a tribal member and has more experience with about 6 years of Law Enforcement was not chosing and was let go cause she did not kiss his rear.

Since Willie wants to know whats going on with the ACPD, well here it is, The chief of Police hires a female officer to be his Sergeant of Patrol which she just got her TCLEOSE License about 6-7 months ago and have never been on patrol anywhere or has she ever rode with a Field Training Officer or has NO supervisory experience and moving up the ranks in that police department by kissing his rear. Maybe Willie needs to ask the chief a question about that.

The James that has posted comments concerning this article is not the James Richardson who  served as Tribal Administrator for the Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas.

I grew up in Livingston and there's just as much crime commited, if not more, than what there is on the rezervation. I think this story is total garbage and one-sided. You owe the people of the rez an apology ASAP!

James....it's funny how you call us racist and biggots. As a minority, I find that funny, but I will not resort to name-calling.  As an adult, I'll just say that your information is wrong. Plain and simple.  As for the land issue, have you not been paying attention to the Tribe's struggles on their land claim or any other tribe since before Columbus landed?  I suppose not because just like Willie Openshaw, you're not fully getting the two sides of the story.

To James- Racist? The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe has been in this area since I believe the 1700s. They were granted this land by Sam Houston and if history serves me right, they won a court that would have the Congress oweing them Millions for land that was taken by their ancestors. Their land was in the million covering this area to KingWood area. So yes their land was taken. So if someone took your propert wouldnt you wanna fight for it? DOnt you attend their events they hold out at the reservation? Does it say Indians Only? No! They even have a free fireworks event in July that we all enjoy attending. So calling them racist is too out of line. Whos the Idiot now?

OK Willie, you had your fun.  There's lots going in Polk County and lot of cover ups, like the texting judge and many moons ago, Natasha Atchley whose mother tried in vain to find justice for her.  No matter what color your skin, people are no different, when you pass gas, it still stinks!!

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realy screwed up ythis time abig applogy need on front page of YOUR paper  sunday

I try not to drive late at night for fear of drunk drivers.  It happens EVERYWHERE and at any time, so to single 190 East as a deadly road is just absurd. As for the tribal police force, I'm sure they have the credentials to gain employment for the tribe and to be established as a police force.  As for being called a puppet police force, isn't all law enforcement agencies like that? They answer to many higher ranking hats such as mayor, governor, etc. I just don't see why you had to call out the Police Chief. I think the time spent would be better focusing on something else.  Let them be.

If anyone who would know about more alcohol/drug related accidents, that would be you Willie!!! How many accidents have ocurred 190 East withinn the time you have covered your site? How many? You should know cause most happen all over the County, Not the Reservation Mainly! It happens everywhere just like all other small towns. You Cross the line when you say Tribe when its not. When something happens in Livingston, Do you blame the city of Livingston or Onalaska? I rather read Enterprise, Maybe not be news all the time, but at least they get 2 Sides before reporting it. Now Willie step to the plate and say your wrong and appolize on behalf of all Polk County. They get the same things we do. They too are going through the same as you. They even eat at the same places Willie!

This county has problems.  Why has nothing been done about the 7/15/12 wreck where a local resident ran from an accident.  Check out the archive section.

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There has ALWAYS been a vast "Cultural" difference between the AC and the world that surrounds the Reservation.  But even so, I noticed that there were people who lived on the Reservation for 40 years, went to school some place OTHER than Livingston that I never knew.  I knew more people who lived OFF of the Reservation than lived ON it.  I've always found that AC members made for pretty good neighbors! If the Police Chief can't retain officers, I think THAT is a chore for the Tribal Elders to sort.  Good Luck getting a poor administrator to come sit down and confess his inadequacies!  btw:  Still loving the site and your work!

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Kim Futral is usually wrong about everything but I have to agree with her this time. The AC folks do have the right to govern themselves. Not just in principle, but legally. And who the heck are we to be judging any other “town” or people and their way of life when we’ve got so many skeletons in our collective closets. Just do a quick rundown of the crap that has happened in our area in the past 10 years. How about in the past 10 months?  Like you, I don’t like people getting a free pass when they’ve done something wrong, but maybe we should clean up our own back yard before we consider ourselves the moral authority. I suspect that we have enough to do to keep us busy for awhile. So for starters, how is that Coker investigation thing going so far?

Sitting back singing a powwow song. Right on Y A!!! You hit the nail on the head.

Voice of reason: Your a retard, How in the world could you say we stole their land, how was it their land in the first place? Was there a title in their name that could stand up in the court of law. besides, as greedy as they are I would say if we had offered to buy it they still would have sold it and then complained about it. There should be NO special treatment for them for ANYTHING!! That is why they think they are above the law. They are racist biggots and should be treated like everyone else in this counrty. That is all.

I'm blessed to know & call many A/C Tribal members my friends & neighbors.  There's "good" & "bad" in ALL communities.  I really don't think it's anyone elses business how the Reservation is being run if you're not a Tribal member.  There's a reason they are sovereign & if there are bad things going on within the PD, then THEY will take care of their own matters.  As far as driving on Hwy 190 East, I'd much rather drive in our area than towards the lake or in Onalaska.  Accidents/Wrecks/Drunk Drivers/Etc can happen ANYWHERE.

what is the difference between the tribe and Patton Village that i have to drive throughbetween my home and my lake house looks pretty much the same

The tribal police is corrupt and the ignorant power hungry two faced no good police chief! Fire him!

Funny you wanna talk about the Alabama-Coushattas when livingston is no better! Your judicial system is corrupted letting a murderer loose!

Those living on the reservation seems peaceable, i am surprised that they would even entertained the idea of a police force.

Mickey Floyd

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TuSun Olde

I would like to see where you received your information. All the Alabama Coushatta cops are crooked but one or two. the cheif of police is the most crooked cop ive ever seen. theyve gone through 15 to 20 different cops because if they dont do exactly what he wants he either fires them or the quit because its immoral. theres only 3 Tribal Member cops because he wouldnt allow any more and the only reason he has them is because the tribal council told him this was a Native American Police force. Last i heard he was trying to dig up dirt on tribal council because he wanted more money and power. hes under contract and even though the tribe cant get rid of him right this second i doubt he'll be there for much longer. but im sure you know way more than anybody else about whats going on on the reservation.

i have been driving through the reservation for years and have not had any close calls! never crossed my mind that it was any more dangerous than any other place! maybe someone could fact check and find out if it is more dangerous than other neighbour hoods. i have lived close to the reservation for fifty plus years! never had a problem!

Now lets not act like our city of Livingston is perfect! We have crime & if not more than the reservation. Instead of bad mouthing the reservation, we should help & try to understand their situation. If not at least shut up & not make the citizens of Livingston look obnoxious & ignorant. After all, their address says Livingston, TX too.

i dont see ho anyone could think the force is covering up anything read how many they arrest from the reservation just leave people alone and mind your on buisness

OH Willie, you are too funny.  I doubt that A-C Reservation's police force is any more sinister than that of any small incorporated area. Onalaska, Corrigan, Livingston, Goodrich all have police forces.  I am sure the  County is happy for the help and at no cost to us.
As far as "nobody knows anything," I take it you are not familiar with their culture.  They are not talkative, especially when pressed. The younger  Native AmericanS are much more open than in the past.  Livingston and Woodville had some students from the reservation, but most went to Big Sandy.  You need to talk to some of the old timers out there, and some of the teachers if any are still living.  When they first went to Big Sandy and for years, they had nothing to say, to anybody or about anything.

Why would the police chief of the AC tribe want to meet with you???

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I believe that the police force of the tribe is a good concept in theory but at this moment it's hard to take a police force seriously when the police chief is very secretive of what he is doing. There is constant change that the people don't even know who is on the police force. As for them being a puppet police force they are charge with upholding the law. If the citizens don't help them out then it's hard for them to do their job.

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perhaps the serial killer looking dude that wrote this story and rides around the county with an assault rifle and two dogs should go patrol the reservation for them

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This town is very political.. A lot of our law makers over look what's really going on out 190 east. Its about the votes.. 

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Maybe all of y'all are just nosey an need to mind your business.

Did the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Attempt to Create..... Comments: Willie, you should have said "Did the Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Council..." because when you say Tribe you're referring to all tribal members. not all tribal members are on council & some are not hiding behind them. Some of us has to go through what other people in polk county goes through. Some of us are not as fortune as some who is well known and get off from a crime we committed and just like everybody else the people who got arrested or being investigated of what went on during the incident should pay the consequences especially when contributing alcohol to minors. And the Tribal Police has nothing to do with gambling! As for you Michael, it's not safe to travel any where at night or day time. If you look through this site you'll see not only does the Tribe have car accidents but so does Polk County. Much more than we do!

WE STOLE THEIR LAND....  can we not just allow them to police themselves on the only remaining land they have?  Jesus - you small towners want to shot first and ask questions later.  That is why this country is falling apart.  Well, that and greed.  Are there not other issues you can be reporting on?

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They got me arrested.. racist story IMO

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Okay, usually I like this website, and for the most part its very informative.  However, this story seemed like a story from a tabloid magazine.  8 of the officers are not from the tribe.  So they should be unbiased.  Pressure or not, its almost an insult to say that they would succumb to pressure to taint thier job.  Underage drinking??? Where does that not happen?  Accidents involving mysterious circumstances and no one is talking??? Another very common occurance to everywhere, not just the Res. And assault/domestic violence??? Really, no one wants to press charges... c'mon man, that happens on a daily basis everywhere. So what is going on at the Res, the same thing going on in the rest of Polk County, the state of Texas, and the rest of the country. These peace officers are licensed by the state, if they are failing to do thier job or duty, then they are responsible for that. But I have a strange feeling that they are doing their jobs, and running up against the!   same challenges as other law enforcement officers.  The Res is a close community that doesn't really open up to outsiders.  It has been that way before they created the Res police force, and it will continue to be the same way.

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Willie, I cant say I don't agree with you because I do!  However I want to let you know you have messed with a hornets nest don't worry ill have you back and have the hornet spray ready!!!

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Shelia

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After I posted my comment it reminded me of the fatal accident on 190 July 19th 2009.Just goes to show you how lucky you can be

Willie I want to say thank you for this report because people need to be aware of things and tell you the truth I refuse to travel 190 east late at night or ealry am due to I worry about my safe travel. Again thank you

Growing up in the area, I was able to see the reckless nature of many of the young citizens from the reservation. Knowing that there are law officers whom are trained and commissioned by the Great State of Texas, I feel assured that they will uphold the law or find themselves on the wrong end of it. I am sure that the reservation force is a new concept to the citizens there and without a doubt will be met with resistance from some, but embraced and respected by others. It will take time and consistency to prove the test of time that the law enforcement is there to uphold the law and not cover up for anyone or anything. The ones whom are foolish enough to believe they are a puppet force will see as time goes by, that officers hold the hand of the law, not the hand of the tribe.

Willie you hit it on the head but they have always done this. They have hid behind tribal security for years. They are mad that allot of the tribal members did not make it on the police force, but they could not pass the test or physical. They do not want anybody interfering with them but they want us to support there gambling cause so they can get you out there for your money. Something serious needs to be done, maybe they feds will put BIA out there and tribal council and their supporters will be cuffed.

hmmmmm........who cares?

guess the locals don't want us outsiders snooping in their business. but big government is like a cockroach. it will always find a way to get in.

He should go to prison with his crime he committed written on his forehead and tattooed across the middle of his butt checks. For what he did and was about to do, life imprisonment is an inadequate punishment.

just my opinion, there should be public hangings for people like him

Thank God this child molester will not be walkin the streets anytime soon :) Although the victims life's will never be the same since this man took their innocence.... They will have some closure knowin hes behind bars... HOPEFULLY gettin what he deserve's from "bubba!"

 

 

Accidents happen. What I don't understand is why grown men and women are wasting their time bashing a young man with a full life ahead of him over an ACCIDENT. If he is a dad to be, don't you think he deserves the respect and chance to turn his life around without a bunch of goons dragging him down? He killed two people, yes, by accident. Don't you think he feels any guilt? Everybody's a saint in death, but who was really in the wrong? It's a tragic situation but do you really think ruining another persons life is going to bring justice to the dead? You all need to reevaluate yourselves and who you are... It's senseless to wish punishment on someone who's already suffering over an accident.

@Jay: This is an open discussion were opinion can be given. Thanks for taken time out of your busy life to tell us that we need to get a life. The tragedy is that we have not learned the lesson that drinking and then driving is not a good combination. Had Caleb learned that simple lesson we wouldn't have to be lecture about getting a life by the self-righteous ones who sit in the choir stand. People are tired of other people being irresponsible when it come to drinking and then getting by the wheels of a vehicle to drive. I can't speak for you but I know that I am tired of it. You can go fishing now.

To FBI: No offense taken. By the way what do the initial FBI stands for 'Foolish Before Intelligence' I ask that question because when you said 'you need to crawl under a rock some (wher ans) just stay curious' I have no idea what 'wher ans' means. I'll be the first to admit that 'I don't know everything, but I do know what I know. I just don't believe that the District Attorney would bring Intoxication Manslaughter if he did not have the evidence to support it. Sorry.

To FBI: No offense taken. By the way what do the initial FBI stands for 'Foolish Before Intelligence' I ask that question because when you said 'you need to crawl under a rock some (wher ans) just stay curious' I have no idea what 'wher ans' means. I'll be the first to admit that 'I don't know everything, but I do know what I know. I just don't believe that the District Attorney would bring Intoxication Manslaughter if he did not have the evidence to support it. Sorry.

Some people in Polk County have quite the vicious opinion of others.  What happened here was a tragedy, but the real problem is all the nonsensical commentation and arguments about the story.  Were any of you actually there?  No.  Neither was I.  Why don't you all get back into your own lives and fix the skeletons in YOUR closets before you go out shunning someone else.  Do you seriously have nothing better to do than to comment on stories and argue online about something that has absolutely NOTHING to do with you?  Obviously.  Go fishing or something and let the law do their jobs.  Justice will be done here and you all getting your feathers ruffled and harrassing each other doesn't help anything.  I know Caleb, but I'm not going to blab my personal opinions everywhere.  It's none of my business.  Just read the news, guys.

man slaughter Comments: To Tim Martin, Polk Countians would never overlook a crime, I disagree, example: A Sports  announcer that got off because he is a pillar of the community, he was drunk and nearly hit a 18 year old, it should be in arcives, this man ran into the woods, did they look for him. NO. Last year he was broadcasting sports again. If you will write like you say, I can give you something to write about and prove it, my husbands killer is still driving and drinking,he has been stopped 3 different times in Polk County. 1 in Montgomery county. if interested let me know, I can back-up what im saying. If you would look at the arcives for March 1st 2012, and tell me this is not a slam dunk case.

To:Just, you need to crawl under a rock some wher ans just stay curious, seems to me you know everthing but don't know nothing.

To Concerned: I notice in an earlier comment you present your case as if your were the Defense Attorney for Caleb Edwards. I noticed in an early comment were you said that 'Caleb was not going to get cigarettes' how do you know that? Were you in the truck with him at the time? You also said that 'the physical evidence on the road that clearly could be seen was that the collision took place in Caleb's.' Did you go out and do your own criminal investigation? Its high possible that Caleb was driving in the wrong lane and in an attempt to avoid hitting him the second car ended up in his lane. Caleb at the last second turned back into his lane which could explain why the  wreck appeared to happen in his lane. That has happened before.

To Concerned:  I notice in an earlier comment you present your case as if your were the Defense Attorney for Caleb Edwards. I noticed in an early comment were you said that 'Caleb was not going to get cigarettes' how do you know that? Where you in the truck with him at the time? You also said that 'the physical evidence on the road that clearly could be seen was that the collision took place in Caleb's.' Did you go our and do your own criminal investigation? Here is what we know, 'a young man and his sister are died' The witnesses who say Caleb driving seconds before the wreck occurred noted how erratic he was driving. The detectives will testify that they tested his blood alcohol level and it was above avg. The DA would not bring a charge  of Intoxication Manslaughter if the evidence couldn't support the charges. My guess is "Caleb will take a plea for a lesser prison sentence" He will do prison time, how much depends on Caleb.

So he has been in an accident that takes two lives, and now he is a father to be? How is this accepting any responsibility?  Did he think of possibly doing any time? Is he getting married now because that might be the responsible thing to do.

Just Curious - Do you have information that the DA, law enforcement and lawyers do not have?  Or have you bought off a judge or jury  members?  You cannot sit there and say that Mr. Edwards will do prison time.  The only "facts" that have been made public are those to incriminate Mr. Edwards.  Many of these "facts" are in fact rumors and half truths.  He never made a statement that he was digging in his pockets, regardless of what the all mighty Polk County Enterprise says.  He took things out of his pocket when he stopped at the stop sign on Sunny Drive, that is the statement he made.  Just because he said he drank earlier in the evening, does not mean he was drunk.  He did not appear drunk to anyone at the crash scene, or the residence where he had been previously.  The "calculated" BAC can be very decieving.  There are many "facts" that have not been proven, and many "facts" that are skewed.  Sit back, let ALL evidence and ALL FACTS come out.  All of the people !  who think they know so much about this case, actually no nothing.  Let the DA, judge, jury and lawyers do their jobs. Quit judging and condemning someone before you know the TRUE FACTS of what is going on.  All it take is one person saying, "I heard ____ say ____."  Then you have a rumor started, with no base.  Just like the lady that assumed he had a kid after the first article came out, she assumed something with no basis, and started a rumor.  So let the FACTS come out, ALL of them, not just the convenient ones that point at Mr. Edwards.  No one knows what this young man deals with every day, whether it is proven to be his fault or not, two people died, and he has to live with that the rest of his life.  He has already had to fight numerous battles because of this, and he will continue to do so.

@Robin
Its obvious that it was not publicly known that Caleb had in fact been drinking that night, but for the most of the younger people in this town either defending or criticizing know where he was prior to the wreck and know he had been drinking. Was he slobbering drunk? No I dont think so but any amount of alcohol to put you over the legal limits constitutes for you being "drunk" in a court of law. Also it clearly states under the story on Kalen Peters that he supplied Caleb with alcohol. SO there is your proof!!!!

livingston man charged for manslaughter Comments: Why dont yall back off I knew the brother and sister too but I also know caleb he is now a father to be he will get his time but right now get off his but.

No matter how you look at it, Caleb will do some prison time.

I was just wondering.... How has everyone seen the Lab results that state Caleb was drunk or intoxicated. Everyone keeps saying he was drunk. I have yet to see any information that stated he was intoxicated. Just because beer bottles and cans are seen does not mean he was drinking. How does anyone know if they were in the vehicle prior to him getting in to it. I have seen many wrecks in person that were alcohol involved, but I have never seen results with a beer bottle laying so neatly on the steering column.  I understand that two people lives were lost, but again people are convicting some one before they have been to trial. Just because the Grandy Jury indicts some one does not mean they are guilty it means they have enough evidence for a trial... That could go either way.

To: Concerned Citizen, you sure seem to think you know a lot about the details of the case...what is your real name?? Also concerned citizen did you ever think that maybe the reason that the tire marks from Jacob's lane into Caleb's lane was Jacob swerving AWAY from Caleb's truck that was barreling at him??? Also concerned citizen I sure hope that going to get a pack of cigarettes was all worth this!!  There is no excuse for Caleb's actions and he SHOULD have been treated just like any other drunk driver and went directly to jail and had to bond out etc...but that is not the case here....wonder why? I pray daily for Jacob and Tiffany's family and friends and I pray that the DA and the grand jury will clearly see that Caleb was in the wrong and took two innocent lives because of his selfish actions of drinking and driving to go get a pack of cigarettes!! Wake up people drinking and driving is not worth taking someone's life!! Polk County Grand Jury and DA needs to use this opportunity to show these people that think drinking and driving is ok that it is not and give justice to the VICTIMS!!

Curious to know, what did Caleb's grandfather "get away with"?

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To Concerned Citizen: One fact is clear to all, Caleb was intoxicated before, during and after the wreck that claimed the life of a young man and his sister while he escaped with minor bumps, bruises and scratches.   If we only went by what we know that would be enough to sustain the charge of 'intoxication manslaughter'

Observer:  First of all, the physical evidence on the road that clearly could be seen was that the collision took place in Caleb's.  Second of all, not all of the facts are always printed correctly.  And no, Caleb was not going to get alcohol.  He was going to get cigarettes.  There is a difference.  I never said he wasn't in the wrong and doesn't deserve to be punished.  I'm just saying that all evidence and facts need to be weighed and need to be known.  Obviously not all facts have been printed so I'm sure there are even more facts that we don't all know about.  Caleb will get his day in court and all evidence will come to light.  My prayers go to both families who are dealing with their own troubles in this hard time.

Concerned Citizen:   Where exactly have you seen the proof, evidence, or report stating that Jacob was driving and texting? I'm just curious because from what I have read there has not been one time that it was mentioned that he was on the phone. If an eye witness had seen him drifting into Caleb's lane then they should have come forward right then and told the cops that. Open you eyes to what is already known, the kid had been drinking and was not paying attention, according to his own story that he was digging in his pockets/or getting something out of the floor board, and hit someone head on. Yes those two excuses are fact and what are printed. Truth to is, he was going to get more alcohol. I'm not saying that Jacob was not at fault but at the current moment all evidence points to Mr. Edwards. Lets all sit back and await his trial to see what happens. If they have enough eye witness testimony and physical evidence to prove him innocent then they will. 

Justice Will Be Served For JaCob And Tiffany And FYI JAcob Was NOT On His Phone Or Texting We Have The Phone ReCords To Prove So. As I Write This I Am WiTh Tiffanys Two Children They Are TheReal

It was his fault cause was underage drinking and driving, true the young man should not have been texting but that wasn't a reason to lose his life. Are you going to say it was my dads fault he was killed cause he was the one parked on the shoulder of the road and got hit by an intoxicated driver? I just want justice for my dad just like they are getting justice. Justice for Pinckard.

Ms. Pinckard, this young man has just been indicted by the Grand Jury, which means the Da ca now proceed to trial, does not mean he will see a trial date ahead of the guy involved in the accident where You lost your Husband, I pray that you get the relief from the ordeal and the long wait comes speedy end.

What about the fact that the other kid was texting and driving and drove in Caleb's lane? Yes, Caleb's judgement was impaired and no, he shouldn't have been driving.  Every one needs to just stop and wait for ALL facts and evidence to come out.  A lot of people were hurt here.  But the blame does not fall solely on Caleb's shoulders.

HMMMM,,They could careless about the victims, MY QUESTION IS: WHY is this guy being tried before my husbands KILLER??? He was killed March 1st 2012,,,so there is a problem somewhere. Tim Martin: My heart goes out to the family as well, unless you have been thru this horrible crime, you cant comprehend the feeling, hopefully they can get some kind of justice. Polk countians do take up for their own. Concerned: FACTS about case,,, this person KILLED 2 innocent people, he CHOSE to break the law by DRIVING DRUNK. Hopefully they can get the DA to work for them.

No one knows what Mr. Edwards and his family have endured.  Is it the same as the family of Jacob and Tiffany, no, but it is heartbreaking none the less.  There are many facts surrounding this case that are yet to be revealed.  Let the DA and the attorney do their jobs.  People who know partial facts, and rumors, should not judge.  It is easy to blame the survivor, but that does not meant that he is solely responsible for this.  Do not just assume that because two died, and he survived, that he is automatically to blame.  The indictment means only that the DA was able to take evidence against Mr. Edwards and prove they thought he was at fault, etc.  Now it is up to them and the attorney to bring out ALL of the facts regarding this case.  Let ALL of the facts come out, and let a jury decide if this young man truly is guilty or not.  As far as the impact it has on other kids that know him, you would be surprised at the number of his friends who stopped drinking after!   this accident.  It was a wake up call for many of them, the fact that drinking a couple of beers could turn in to this.  So don't judge, don't condemn.  Let the DA, attorney's and jury do their jobs. I pray for JUSTICE, not "justice for Jacob and Tiffany" or "Justice for Mr. Edwards"  I just pray for JUSTICE in the situation, whatever it may be.

-------------------------------------------

The question is why he did go to jail is what everyone wanting to know he was not hurt that bad to my understanding he took away a daughter a son a mother a wife a kid that had big dreams chole and tristen and sharon and all the other family have to live with this for the rest of their life i knew tiffany more then i knew jacob she was always smiling had big dream she loved her kids and her mom they were her world many of friend she was the most caring person if you need the shirt off her back she would give it to you and justice need to be served i hate this happen to the kid that drove drink but you the parent will always be able to write him see him on weekends put money on his books when sharon and the kids cant see jacob or tiffany i have the family in my prayers and i love the west family like they were my own

Hopefully this man gets charged, we all know his granddad got out of being charged.

I too have asked the same question...will justice be served?? Jacob and Tiffany's family and friends have suffered the loss while Caleb has LIVED and enjoyed spending holidays and everyday with family and friends! When he made the choice to drive after drinking, and caused two innocent people to lose their lives, he should have had to endure the same process as anyone that drinks and drives!! He should have went to jail, but he didn't.  I really hope and pray that justice is served in this case because not only will the victim's, the victims family and friends will be affected more than they already have, but it will show all of Caleb's friends and other youth that it is ok to drink and drive and it does not matter if you kill innocent people in the process!! Justice for Jacob and Tiffany!! This is the third time sending in a post, maybe this one will get posted!!

HMMMM...
Livingston
Will actual justice be served? This kid is well known in the community and also like but the real question is, what about the victims?

Technically, Lake Livingston belongs to the State and the City of Houston, Texas.  Trashing is done by both locals and visitors. Same goes for clean-up, but it usually different locals and different tourist who do the cleaning after the aforementioned.

onalaskaWe don't mind yaw coming down here hell come on will party with yaw .. and then we will clean up after.

Tourist Come to lake Comments: The comment pointed to Janet is funny.  You put quotations around Your and mention Your lake about three or four times.  Janet never said it was her lake she said The Lake, also if you lived here and have family here I wouldn't really call you a tourist. You categorized yourself.  I just don't understand taking a comment personally that was intended for everyone who didn't pick up their trash if you picked yours up then it wasn't meant for you in the first place.  Last if someone came to your yard and left their trash laying around wouldn't you at least tell them about it.

I understand people not wanting others to trash the lake. But it is for eveyone. There are a lot of "Weekenders" that just come up on Weekends and Holidays. They want to go out on the lake as well. They own property in Polk County. I would not say tourists.

Ben Cruz
Houston
Oh Janet, you sad, sad little woman... do us all a favor and get back out there and pick up our trash.

Tisha
Porter
First off, even though I was a "tourist" on "your" lake this weekend, doesn't mean that I should be lumped into any category. We as a family and group of 13+ families enjoy every holiday and most of the summer on the lake. I can assure you that we have never, nor will we ever be disrespectful to the environment or the community. It bothers me that you would lump us all together. And to make these statements is unjust. I know for a fact that these "tourist" are a huge help for your economy. And furthermore to say that you don't mind sharing your lake.....well, no I don't live in Livingston, but I was born and raised there! I left after high school to make my home somewhere else. My parents, brother, 20+ aunts and uncles, and 50+ cousins all still reside in Polk County. So I gues it's my lake too!!!that lake is intended for use for ANYONE. Not just locals. I understand that there are those who are disrespectful, but to put a statement like that on a public website upsets many and probably not even the ones who are doing wrong. Think before you write.

Janet
Livingston
Well, now that the "tourists" have left after the weekend, we residents can begin the CLEANUP! We don't mind sharing the lake with you, just not your trash. Ya'll come on back now . . . just bring a trash bag with you next time!

R Robertson
Wow Willie it took you all that time to give Floridas a try! Bet your kicking yourself in the rear thinking about all that good food you've missed through the years. We left Polk county a couple of years ago but still drive up to eat at Floridas. Best food hands down in the Livingston area. Next visit try the ribs, best I've ever had.

 

How dare one person to set herself up to designate other people as lower class.  Most residents are able to show up at functions sober, not falling down drunk.

Anonymous Concern Citizen
I remember when Commissioner Willis was really trying hard to get the dam fixed. The higher up office is not run by the judge. He only waits until someone else tells him what to do and if that “person” doesn’t want it done well it don’t get done. This came out of his mouth “ I don’t do anything unless I run it passed “ this person.”

Roger Polk
Ace
MY Exodus From Polk County Texas...

It came with great sadness but there was not doubt it was time to go, reality had set it that Polk County was never going to change and the place my great grandparents had originally planned to retire had gone to hell in a hand basket as the Polk County elected officials sat by and practically cheered for it's demise.

Where might this be? Well no place other than Wild Country Lake Estates. With roads named after the founders of Country Music and what was once a pair of beautiful lakes, Wild Country was a developing jewel of a country neighborhood that many would call home once they retired. Some never got their chance to retire there after purchasing their land early on because our trusted elected officials neglected the area and its people long enough to see it turn into one of the State of Texas' worst areas for Meth manufacturing and use.

The meth heads and criminals lived and prospered in the voids of the elected officials neglect and lack of care and concern leaving many to wonder who was worse, the meth heads or the pitiful elected officials that sat by and watched the meth heads and criminals take over.

Abandoned properties could be found on ever street as property owners came to the realization that Polk County Officials had carved the Wild Country area from their map of concern and would be nothing more that sick leaches sucking tax money from anyone that dared remain in Wild Country as property owners while providing no services.

From time to time someone would get fed up and volunteer hoping to see things improve yet the elected officials privately laughed as they did what they always do, nothing. Sooner or later the volunteers would realize they were being used as non-paid fools to battle a very dangerous criminal element of meth heads that everyone from John Thompson all the way down to the newest sheriffs deputy would dare not take on.

Illlegitement children were born regularly to meth head parents and new generations of up and coming meth heads and criminals, in the neighborhood that once held so much promise and beauty, had little hope and conformed to the norm of disfunction. These kids would grow into teenagers and burglarize the homes that sat on roads such as George Jones. Elvis Presley and Kitty Wells. Homes that used to be quite sanctuaries for elderly citizens. Law enforcement just rocked back in their office chairs and dismissed all of this as " thats just Wild Country" and chuckle at the fools that were ignorant enough to live there; and we just kept handing them our tax money.

Recently I waved bye to my families homestead in Wild Country. Lake front home with that ole pier grandpa built and all the memories my family had when Wild Country was a wonderful place. It is gone from my life and so is a piece of me and my family....all due to you pitiful elected officials that were so skillful at taking our tax money and handing our neighborhood over to evil meth.

You sick politicians make sure to enjoy your preserved slice of Polk County Utopia that you manage to live in while places like Wild Country rots on your watch. So long!

 

 

 

 

 

I've never read a story with a higher density of the term "motor scooter". On the internet, this is commonly known as "trolling". Touche, Willie. Good hustle.

Amber
Livingston
Really!!! That's too good wont give chase ahhh good laugh.

stacey
livingston tx
Wooo hoo. What a joy ride/adrenalin rush. Lol. Well they cought u babe ! Good luck!

Beth davis
onalaska
I saw this from my job on 190 .... this kid was flying with no regard for anyone. I am so glad he was caught and in jail.

g b
o
Sophie? :>)

 

 

Amber, you been at Buster's drinking? You sure contradicted yourself there hun. If the man said himself that he had a few beers at Buster McNutty's then I bet that is why the picture states "he had a few  drinks at Busters"! Your post made no sense! I know of many accidents that have happened in the last year from people leaving Busters drunk, don't believe me then look it up. I also know of several avoided accidents from people leaving there. Just like someone else said, there is either over serving or something going on but I think it should be looked into and soon!

Amber
Livingston
Excuse me but I don't remember reading suspected drunk driver leaves buster mcnuttys going the wrong way on 190! Why's everybody always jump busters butt? He could have been coming from pueblos for all you know. Both the bars are next to each other! And personally I seen over serving at of people at both locations. And yes I saw the pic where the man stated he had a few beers at busters. And he does deserve his punishment and his CHL if he has one should be taken away!

very conserned
livingston
Why are so many drunk drivers coming out of Buster's. Are they over serving? Who is going to have to die before something is done ? There have been way too many drunks driving on the wrong side of 190 that just left that place. We get countless weekend drunks and people from Houston area that crawl out of the beerjoints and hit our roads. Too many teenagers are getting drunk. Some of the parents seem to think it's a right of passage until someone is killed. Remember drunk driving and intoxication manslaughter are not accidents. They are bad choices that can change countless lives FOREVER. Lock 'em up ! Hay Mr. Editor, I know a goat and a rooster that need jobs. Ol' billy would eat that paper. I always look forward to seeing the girls.

 

sue ellen
tomball
I want to know how so much info along w/ pics can b posted on internet when t/ driver has only been charged, but not convicted???

 

Jd
Chicorrigan
Boy, that field sobriety test must be hard to do when you're drunk! Nobody ever seems to pass. ;)

Donna Ellison
Livingston
Thank you for posting this picture and article. We are very proud of this excellent group of young adults. They work hard to achieve their goals and believe me,  they set their goals high! They also have a awesome team of teachers/advisors guiding them. Thank you Jessica Graham,  P T Mahoney and Steve Cronin for your guidance to our children!

 

james hunter
Huntsville
Hey "Ace" the only one that looks like an idiot is someone that has to take a fake identity to call someone a juvenile name...and of all names to "assume"...Ace Venture...probably fits you perfect!! BWAHAHAHA!!!!

Ace Ventura
Polk County, America
Willie! I just want to take this time out of my day to say WHAT A ******* IDIOT you are!

 

justin kase
corrigan
You kill me, your just likeevery other news agency in this area. Youre afraid to report on anything that might hurt your website, like johnna lowe and darrell gibson, come on, really.

 

Copeland Marsh
Huntsville
The news is never reported fully in Huntsville,what are they thinking!? Is it a conscious effort to control the public image of the city? Citizens are not informed enough to know what is going on around them, we are lucky to get spotty reports on the Sheriff's and Police dept. activity, and never on the online version. Online might get 2-3 new stories a day, and never the news! Just little stupid stuff that no one wants to know about anyway, any business that has an ad online with the item is wasting their money! News vacumn is right!

Barney Lawrence
Huntsville
I discovered the Montgomery County Reporter a while back and began to keep up with it. Recently I discovered your news website. I wish there was the same sort of news source in Walker County where I live. Huntsville, and walker county exists in a news vacuum. There are things that go on that are never reported. The Huntsville Item is probably the worst newspaper I have ever read. I have had knowledge of incidents involving prominant citizens, and they are omiited from the Item. When Marcus Luttrell hit the national news with the killing of his dog and the arrest of the two suspects, the Item merely pasted an AP story about it instead of doing their own reporting. I appreciated your commentary in this article, because it is everything that is lacking in what little news we get in Huntsville. I have to be fair, and state that I have not suscribed to the "paper" Item in years. I got tired of getting 3 page newspapers that were nothing but ads and full of typos and bad grammar. The Item Online is just as bad. My compliments to your excellent reporting.

 

 

 

 

No,you shouldn't bash people when you don't even know them. Since the incident, we've walked a mile in their shoes, being slandered, family members wanting to kill Rachel. If I was in the truck when Rhett got killed, I'd feel some responsibility but we've all seen Tanner on facebook even the one about "why is the f..g cops following me". It didn't seem to slow his drinking down with his best friend dying. And, Tanner knows he wasn't invited to James' house and the rumor was that they came to beat his butt. Tell Tanner to show some remorse that he caused his buddy to crash through someone else's property and then try to feel what the person feels that he lied on. There should have never been the incident and yes the truck was very tall with huge tires making it very scarey to see coming out of the dark. Try accepting some of the blame for your reckless behavior, Tanner. You made your facebook private much too late and copies were made.

Or mitigating circumstances like he may have been drinking or drunk that night and his judgment may have been impaired. I'm not justifying the shoot, just showing that a lot of factors could come into play that might lead to a plea.

To Just curious.... Amen!!! What happened to innocent til proven guilty in a court of law???

---------------------------------------

Timothy Leggett Arrested Comments: Based on what I have read so far the defense attorney for Timothy Leggett might need to file for a change of venue. Normally a person is charged, tried and then found guilty. But then again this could be a way to poison the mind of a potential juror.

Frustrated
Livingston
It amazes me how people are so judge mental and criticize others when they dont even know them nor the pain they are going through. (Crista) Im sorry but until you are in Tanner's position and have been through what he has you can not judge him on what he supposedly does.You arent his parent or one of his friends you wouldn't know what he does on the weekends.This is a tragedy that the Lathan and Martin families live with each and every day. For once put your self in all of their shoes and feel their pain and then maybe you can talk like you know someone! Until you've walked in someone else's shoes can not bash on someone you know nothing about. Rhett didnt deserve to loose his life so soon in such a senseless action! & REBECCA,I'm sorry but if your dumb enough to get on the internet to TRY and defend someone you probably know hardly anything about your an IDIOT! What Timothy did that night should of never of happened and never should of even crossed anyone's mind.  For Rachel's sake she is an IDIOT for taking blame for a senseless action that took a life of an innocent child and changed another's forever. Instead of bashing someone and looking for negativity about them how about PRAY for comfort and love for the Lathan and Martin families.As a good friend of Rhett and Tanner, the pain of loosing him and seeing Tanner hurt each and everyday is HEARTBREAKING. LET JUSTICE BE SERVED!!

To Me
I would just like to add that the truck involved was not a VERY (as you put it) large truck. Really?? It was a F-150...wow...that's a "big" truck. If you know your trucks...that's a standard, everyday truck...they are all over the roads. Get your facts straight.

--------------------------------------- 

To Me, Livingston
Livingston
I dont know who you are and dont care to but when you start slandering their parents, you need to back up and look at all the kids raised by preachers. You can only do so much raising of your children and when they are out of the nest they are responsible for their actions. All of this will come to light hopefully soon that the parties that used an excuse that they were coming to a party should have notified her son that there was a party at his house that he was missing out on. And if they turned around in the drive why was there reason to put orange tape all the way up to a car length of where they were standing. I'm not defending Timmy's actions but it was late and it was a VERY large truck coming straight toward them. If they were truly friends, they would have known her son was out of town not even knowing all this was happening. It was a horrible act of all parties when you cant relax at home without a large truck barreling down on you in the dark and they have all the truck prints and orange tape on record, recorded for this very purpose. No one is more sorry for the actions of this than Rachel and its been a nightmare she will never get over, but if Rhett's parents are christians they will know once out of their parents sight they will do whatever and drink whatever, regardless how they are raised. It was a horrible thing to happen and its destroyed lives forever, but God forgives and maybe one day the parents of these boys will acccept that their sons were not angels even if they were themselves angels. It will all come out in court and the prints will be there for the evidence. Instead of bashing their parents, pray for them, they are all hard working people that dont deserve all this either.

To "me" of Livingston
You are apparently a child yourself, you do not know Rachel nor her family, if you did you would know that there is no criminal mischief in her family or with her, she has not even had a speeding ticket and as for bashing both mothers they had nothing to do with either ones actions. Suppose if you would read into the word of the bible you would see for yourself that God said you are to be blamed for your own actions and not anyone else.There really should be a age limit on this site when people as yourself gets on here making stupid remarks as this one ! My child read Job 36 -42 you may learn a thing or two before you type something so imature like that again.

Just Curious
Livingston
Wow!!! This is both sad and sorry. Sad of the wife who covered up for her husband and sorry of the husband for letting his wife take the rap. Timothy was man enough to do the shooting but no man enough to own up to it. What does it say about a man's character when he stand back in silence and allow his wife to be charged with a crime he committed?

me
livingston
I have known both of these families for too many years.You can blame both of their mothers for their lack of morals.They continue to blame someone else for this horrific act.Truly both of them are to blame and need to be held accountable.They have always been outside the bounds of normal law abiding people.Do they even care about the children involved.Hers, His,and the one they murdered?Since she lied for him maybe he is lying for her now.She is just as much at fault as he is.Lets show them as much compassion as they have shown the Latham family!

Calvin
Livingston
When the incident happened Rachel was unaware of what Timmy went and told the neighbor, but as soon as it happened, he walked over to their house and he and the neighbor came back while she was still screaming and crying and Timmy told her and the neighbor he shot over the truck and no one was hurt. He said he would go straight to prison because of his DWI's and probation and the neighbor agreed and at that time the loser convinced his wife, Rachel to take the blame with her not knowing anyone was hurt. It was Timmy that called to say she did it never once even after the arrest did he try and save her. When we asked him when he was going to admit it to her lawyer, he said he did already and we tried to get him to call the lawyer and prove it and all he would say is, he knows already. That was a lie and he continued to lie and will always lie to save his butt but is a user and con artist who even talked about his parents in such a manner that it would curl your toenails because of his disrespect to people that had always bailed him out of trouble. He will never change and even shot at two of her son's friends on a four wheeler that came to the backdoor. They were scared for their life but he chalked it up as he shot because he thought it was the person that had broken into the house all those times. Rachel was pushed into taking the blame and when she went to the bail offfice a lady there told her in a mean way, to tell her that Timmy did and she would throw her in jail so quick and no one would go her bail and that she was there to protect Timmy not her, and kept saying, tell me. Rachel said, not without my lawyer. She was too scared to tell her the truth because of the woman's threats to her. She is very sorry she took the blame and she knows that he meant for her to go down for the crime because this is a man that rather than tell his wife he has no job, he would go somewhere everyday and come in about the time he would have if he had a job and when time for his check, blame it on the company saying they made a mistake. This man couldn't even tell the truth to the light company saying he put it in the night box when it was to be disconnected the next morning and ruining the cosigner's credit. He constantly badgered his wife that her son, still in school should quit and get a job to help support him, so he did and he had to get his GED. All the time, spending no less that forty to fifty dollars a day for his cigarettes and beer. It was more than their house note, causing her mother to step and try and save what she could of her credit and Rachel's home, while all the while Timmy cursing the mother-in-law telling her to get out of HIS F house. He was so scared of being taked, that when he threatened Rachel he got her to go outside telling her that if he went down for this, he would make it worth his while, threatening her life. Sober he was tolerable, drunk, he was evil person that beat one of their friends so badly that his eye was poked out. He would do whatever it took to save himself and send the other people to do time for his crime. He is and was a user so Rebecca thinks she has won the prize, when he got through with her she too would have to go down for his crimes or pay for his way of life, leaving her to hold the bag as he has done to Rachel. I'm a friend of her family and I've seen her suffer and cry for days knowing he is coning another woman and has forsaken her and the debts he has caused. The man had to have someone sign for everything even a vehicle, with him driving it the insurance in her name, the truck in her name hauling another border woman not coming back to this area because he knew he was losing the truck for non payment, milking it as long as he could. Personally for his parents sake and Rachel's sake this man should stay in jail and have some big inmate treat him as he has always treated anyone in his life that has cared for him.

Hunter Kelley
Livingston
Tanner Martin is one of the best men I know! If you have something to say about him (christa) that tells about his integrity why don't you get to know him a little better then you will be eating your words! That kid has been threw more then any 17 year old should in any life! And you have the audacity to call out his integrity on the base of a social media site?! Get real!

Dawn Cox
Goodrich
I must say that I have read this thread with fascination. I'm not sure it could be published as a novel and even come across as the least bit plausible. It's a shame that the horrible tragedy of this young man's death is being overshadowed by the drama that has been started by this Rebecca person. And to Rebecca...I don't know you and I don't know Timothy...but anyone involved in an incident like this is not someone a confident, educated, hardworking (and hopefully gainfully employed woman) should get involved with. Educated would infer that there is a certain level of intelligence that would make one take a step back and analyze a situation and in a case like this, detach yourself from it.

K
Dayton
To Christa, I have known the entire lathan family for years and they are wonderful people. Not sure if your were at Rhetts funeral but that spoke volumns to how much they are ALL loved! You better be glad I dont know who you are because you would be digging YOUR big girl panties out of your ***! WHO says something like that? Do you think they will ever forget what happened? You dont just get over losing your 16 year old baby! Rhett didnt deserve to lose his life and they didnt deserve to lose their child!!!! BUT TIMOTHY AND RACHEL BOTH DESERVE TO BE PUNISHED!!!!

Putme Onthejury
Livingston
Rebecca, get your head out of your rectum... This POS was not "in the process of getting a divorce" but he now is "in the process of getting the death penalty"! :) I love Texas! It's sad someone with his history was likely to murder by drinking and driving. It's just too bad he didn't kill himself first!

Leslie Whiteker
Livingston
To the comments that are made about praying for rachel and her "husband", what exactly are you praying for? For god to have mercy on them when they have to have their final judgement from GOD! Why feel sorry for a woman who sat there and allowed her husband to shot a gun at someone who was turning around in their yard, after all how many of us have done this multiple times in our lives, why even take the wrap from the get go, its 2013 when you make your bed you lie in it! And at christa how dare you say that some one put their big girl panties on and delt with the passing of thier son. You NEVER just deal with or get over the passing of your child. You disgust me with your comment. Parents are not supposed to bury their children. How do you deal with your child dying. Yes you eventually pick your life back up where it was left off, but a day doesn't go by that you don't cry and hurt and get mad! You are ignorant! The comments I've read today have made me sick to my stomach! My heart and prayers go out to the friends and family of rhett. I hope that one day you will find solace in the world and i pray that rhett may rest in peace knowing that justice is being sought for his murder!!

To Rebecca Maldonado
Livingston
Rebecca Maldonado, I wonder if all the men in prison will find him as good as a man as you do? hahahaha.. I know I should be ashamed but I am not. To think that this woman is sitting here defending a child murderer and it is someone else's husband just makes me sick to my stomach!! If you are going to get on here and put yourself out there knowing how people are going to feel about you, then you deserve everything you get! Oh and you were at his parents house for a while, I know! I actually think you and Tim deserve each other, scum for scum!!

Friend Sick & Tired
Freeport
In the first place Rebecca, there was no divorce pending or otherwise. For sure, when he got with you, the dope and the alcohol increased. You dont know Rachel and she sure as heck wouldn't want to know you. Timmy has a long history of getting in trouble and more stories could surface in two other incidents that almost caused a killing. One of the mothers involved in this story won't come forward because she is scared of Timmy. I wish Rachel had known his background before she got in this marriage. I guess Rachel got boring to him when after this incident she gave her whold heart to God and even tried to stop him from drinking. Timmy chose this life, not Rachel and thats how you met this loser, Rebecca. You must also be a loser to waller in the same pig sty he chooses. No one's parent deserve to lose a child and it could have very well been her son that was shot, but he would never have come on the property in that manner even with friends. Rebecca you are a liar as well as your boyfriend, Timmy that has not grown up and never will. Maybe he will in prison especially when the inmates find him VERY attractive. Get lost loser and crawl back in your hole where you came from and leave all Rachel's family and his alone.

Really?!?!?
Livingston
Christa,
What in the world does Tanner have to do with anything other than trying to save his Best Friend? You lady have no clue to what he has gone threw or the Lathan family!! Regardless of who was in the wrong that night, a boy died from a senseless act of a grown adult!! I pray everyday for the Lathan family and for Tanner and his family!! Hopefully, justice will prevail!!

Rebecca Maldonado
To disgusted and amazed....to get the story straight...I am not his parents house!!!! Who gave you this information Rachel ? Please....So for all of y'alls information No I'm not in Livingston or Goodrich!!!! Everyone can say what they want to say about me but I know who I am..a very cofident,hardworking and educated woman...Tim was in the process of getting a divorce whether
anybody wants to believe that....I'm sorry nobody approves on how I feel about him but I don't care...from my uunderstanding Rachel was no saint !!!!! Like I said everyone is innocent til proven guilty in a court of law...

Goodrich Girl
Goodrich
Really? This married man's GIRLFRIEND is posting comments here? To the girlfriend: you ought to be hanging your head in shame for being with a man who is still married to another woman. Your kind of vixen female is the lowest life form. You know the man is trouble, you see how he does the woman he exchanged VOWS with, yet you hang on and incite discord. You deserve every bit of misery your involvement will bring you. Women ought to help each other but instead you seek drama and promote unhappiness. You have no prize when you have that man, and if he did it to her he will do it to YOU. But, I am guessing since you have no shame or guilt in posting about this in a very public way that you probably don't have enough self worth to know when a man is bad for you in the first place. Carry on, clueless.

Concerned Person
Crosby
Wow this is really a surprise to me! Timothy Leggett I would have never thought you would have done any of this. DWI: 3/30/12, 2/11/11, and 8/27/11. Now this. I remember you when I worked at the school and how your family was so there for you. What Happened to you!

Ready for Justice

Disgusted AMAZED
Livingston
What a joke, at the time of the arrest, Timmy had brought his woman with him and now she is staying at his parents house unable to get home. Maybe next time she will meet a child molester or a pimp. She sure got the prize this time and Rachel has found out what loyal inlaws she had, they say they've known her for some time, but they also have known Timmy did it and was willing to let Rachel go to prison for it. Its going to amazing to watch Timmy dry out in jail since he can't go with out his alcohol. Rachel hasn't asked for anyone's sympathy she wants to go on with her life. There is no way she would have ever hurt a child, especially since she has lived her fifteen years and never had a problem. But she had never had a problem with anyone coming in the dark in an unknown large truck not from the drive but from the side of the house. That doesn't excuse him for sure and ALL that was involved was wrong and the whole truth will be soon found out along with the alcohol reports from all involved. God Bless the Lathams and Rachel, no matter what others feel. She hurts every day of her life for Rhett but for sure if she had known him he would have been welcomed and loved as MANY have been that have been her son's friends. Pray for all the families, don't seek to destroy.

Christa
I am telling all of you Tanner is also to blame in matter. He is it innocent. He is not suffering one bit. His twitter and Instagram pages show that. Photos of drinking and partying. The boys were also in the wrong that night. I do understand that Rhett's parents deal with the struggle of loosing a child everyday, I watch my Aunt deal with it as she lost her son to a murder as well! But she put on her big girls pants and has felt with it! All these pele jump on the band wagon of this poor family! But how many people were really friends of the family before. Hope Rachel and the family of Rhett are able to find peace and move forward in their lives!

m b
Livingston
Aiding and abetting-For a successful prosecution, the provision of "aiding and abetting" must be considered alongside the crime itself, although a defendant can be found guilty of aiding and abetting an offense even if the principal is found not guilty of the crime itself. In all cases of aiding and abetting, it must be shown a crime has been committed, but not necessarily who committed it.[3] It is necessary to show that the defendant has wilfully associated himself with the crime being committed, that he does, through his own act or omission, as he would do if he wished for a criminal venture to succeed.[4] Under this statute, anyone who aids or abets a crime may be charged directly with the crime, as if the charged had carried out the act himself.[5] This is distinct from the concept of being an accessory after the fact, a charge distinct from being a principal.Lie you say? Discovery of a lie may discredit other statements. I do not know this Rachel but the more her friends try to defend her the worse they are making her look.Tragic that one child is gone and another child is left to endure this horrible mess.I hope people have a heart and don't forget him in all of this.

Concerned Citizen
Livingston
Rachel has hurt more than anyone could ever know. The death alone put her in deep depression so much so that she couldn't get out of bed. People in this town wanted to kill her, therefore she couldn't shop here. She quit a geat job here not willing to let the doctor's office be hurt by what had happened, always thinking of the other person first. For over six months she cried and begged God's forgiveness for saying she did it. Shr never knew anyone was hurt until later and then had to be a recluse while her husband met someone, had an affair and danced his fun life away while she was left with no money, no job and couldn't pay her bail. So you talk about punishment, she has suffered much, lot alot and cried many tears but gave her life to God and has vowed to help those in some way that has gone through the same pain as she has experienced. She has seen the pain on the Latham's face and the anger and couldn't even tell them the truth because she was watched in every way to make sure she didn't tell anyone that he did it. God has let what has happened in the dark come to the light as a man in church has always said. Take a lesson from this, don't protect a snake, once a snake, always a snake, I wish for her sake she had known.

Brent Pursley
Austin
Missy, she said it was her in November! Clearly, she was being unheard! Her statement says she was denying it! How much more would she have to say in order for them to listen?!

K
Dayton
For 7 months Rhett’s family has suffered!!!! Who really cares what people say or think about Rachel OR Timothy…they should have thought about that before he/she decided to shoot at someone!

The REAL tragedy here is that a good kid, Rhett Lathan was murdered for no reason and was taken from his family!
The tragedy here is NOT that poor Rachel was bashed and talked about!  The tragedy is NOT that Rachel or her friends have their feelings hurt because some people hate her because SHE admitted to shooting Rhett! The tragedy is NOT that Timothy is a poor excuse for a man and was going to let his wife take the blame for something he did!

I am sick of people acting like poor, pitiful Rachel! If Timothy has proven to her time and time again for 5 years that he was a piece of crap….why cover for him on murder charges?????? Why waste months of valuable time in an investigation for a piece of crap husband?

Let’s not act like people saying mean things about Rachel is punishment enough for her because it is not, not even close! She brought all of this on herself! She didn’t have to lie; she chose to lie so she needs to learn to live with the consequences of that! Why would anyone feel sorry for her……she gets to hug and talk to her son everyday! She should wake up everyday thankful that wasn’t her son driving that truck! Rachel is not innocent in all of this so she should not get to walk away from this as if she did nothing wrong!

Don’t forget Rhett’s family is being punished everyday! They now have to live without their son, their grandson, their brother, their nephew, their cousin all because of someone being selfish and stupid! Everyone should realize that there is a consequence for everything we do in life! Surely neither Timothy nor Rachel is that stupid to think they wouldn’t get in trouble for shooting at someone. People can’t just go around acting like they are above the law!

We need to remember in all of this Rhett was the victim and lost his life and now there are people that need to be punished! Why should anyone care about Timothy or Rachel’s feelings!? How about the feelings of Brian and Tabitha Lathan? The focus here should be justice for Rhett and I really pray that our court system works and both Timothy & Rachel are punished to the full extent for their role in all of this!

Christa
Livingston
She went to the Sheriffs office in November to confess it all. Yes she with held information Until November. Rebecca you are scum just like he is for being with a married man, you started calling Rachel last week making threats to her! Told her when she called HER HUSBAND that she needed an appointment. Are you kidding me! So until you know facts and what really happened then KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!

Michael
Livingston
I read these comments and I opinion is this; justice will prevail and take it's course. I do say thanks for all the effort from everyone who is working and solving this case. Polk Co. DA office will do what is right. whoever is guilty are the one(s) who have to deal with the demons!!!!

Get your facts straight Missy
Livingston
So your saying let a innocent person go to prison who did not shoot anyone, what are you in fifth grade. You also need to get your facts straight she went to her attorney in November and told him the truth about everything, so go cast stones in the mirror sweetie because obviously you know nothing of this case, and by the way it is not perjury its lying to a peace officer, go back to fifth grade honey.

Mary Jackson
If Rachel didn't want people "bashing" her and judgeing her then she shouldn't have turned herself in and took the blame.

Missy
Livingston
The fact that she withheld this information from the authorities is wrong, she might not have shot the young man but she definitely was apart of it. I think they both should be indicted, his for the killing and her for perjury and withholding evidence.

Brent Pursley
Austin
Ohhh Rebecca, please stop with the ignorant remarks, you belong in there with him since you're such a supporter. Please, he is such a good man huh? To let his wife take the charge? Are you kidding? go post somewhere else about your foolish man. He deserves everything he gets. I defended Rachel so much back when this all happened, and everyone thought I was crazy, after all....I rest my case. Back to you Rebecca, stay strong sugar, you'll live a long miserable life with this guy! ;) hope it was fun! ;)

PS: it was really hard not to cuss! Whew.

Christa
Rebecca if you know the law when they indict someone that means the Grand Jury is accepting charges and they will go to trial. Rachel had not been to trial so therefor she was not waiting for punishment!!!

Shut up Rebecca
Livingston
Rebecca, you are really showing your stupidity when you send in message, I am close friend of Rachel's and she told the truth in November because she knew in her heart that her husband would sit back and let her go to prison, after five years he has proven time and time again what a piece of crap he was to her. As for the shooting she never knew anyone was hurt, her husband called the police and said she shot warning shots so he pegged her from the beginging. So this husband who was suppose to be loyal and faithfull to her went and found you, so what does this make you Rebecca, some women sleeping with a married man. Rachel showed me the list of demands you and Timmy wanted from her, her home and twenty acres, boat, truck, yukon, tractor,cows, hay bailer, and o yes lets not forget the hot tub. Girl are you delusional, they didn't have any of these things and the Yukon was his x wifes. You need to stop believing a compulsive liar and look at the clear picture he was letting his wife go to prison for his crime while he came to you and use you up and move on the next stupid person, so if your not from here and don't understand stay out of it and go find another married man to help support you and all your kids.

O.M. G.
Livingston
It amazes me at the hatred towards Rachel, and very little for Timothy. Just imagine this for a moment. Your husband shoots and for a while you do not realize that the shot took a life. You agree to say you shot the gun (still not knowing a death took place), yes, to keep him from trouble. After the fact, you know you have to be honest and tell the truth. You do, but no one wants to listen, no one seems to care that you did not do this!! After proof (or evidence), they listen and arrest him. Is she still a murderer? No, she is human just like the rest of us imperfect people on this earth. Yes, she should get into trouble for lying, but not prison. Don't you think she has suffered enough crap from these people?  And the girlfriend, lol, you walked into this ordeal in February, do not act like you know what is going on!! You don't even live around here. You say that everyone is innocent until proven guilty? That's why you call her a murderer? Because she was taking the rap for your married boyfriend, her husband? Get real girl.  I do mourn with the lathan family. I can not imagine the pain.

Rebecca Maldonado
Omg..understand that everyone is innocent untilproven guguilty in a court of law....Rachel Leggett was already indicted and waiting for her punishment that doesn't mean she is off the hook....and everyone's mug shots are horrible so are u going to judge a person by a picture...really? And yes there was a life lost here lets not forget that but let's find out all the facts and truth before everyone jumps to conclusions....praying for the Leggett family....

P D
Onalaska
Rebecca Maldonado...shut the hell up! YOU are "dating" a lying, cheating, alcoholic, murdering, married peice of ****! You are apparently new to this picture and don't know a damn thing. Crawl back in the hole you came out of. This peice of **** admitted he did it. What more proof do you need. Innocent until proven guilty? Please there's nothing innocent about him.

 

Kim Martin
Why are you not posting what people are saying about Timmy Leggett. You jumped on the post when Rachel was arrested. Also why did yu deleted the part about his girlfriend in the story!

 

P D
Onalaska
Where are all of the people that were so quick to bash Rachel. Here's the real killer. We knew all along she didn't do it. We stood by her while the investigation continued and now the b*st*rd has been caught.

Jd
I was amused by the opening sentence of this story "investigation into the shooting death of a man by Polk County deputies and Texas Rangers" is it just me?

 

 

 

Teresa
Livingston
I KNEW IT! Something just always seemed fishy with the whole story. There is no way I would cover for anyone, not even my husband and take a murder rap. Of course, my husband would NEVER ask of anything like that from me nor would I him! The sad thing is regardless of who killed that boy, he is still gone and his friends and family still are hurting! This story just rips my heart all to pieces. I am so glad the truth is coming out! His mug shot says a thousand words... shame, shame, shame!! What a man, NOT!!

Captain Obvious
Damascus
If this is true, he is not a real man and unworthy of a woman who WOULD take the rap for his sake. For Shame!!!!!

Rebecca Maldonado
Gonzales
Everyone is innocent to proven guilty....

always believed
livingston
The truth to this has finally come out. Many people who have bashed Rachel, talked about her and called her crazy, (the only thing that was crazy was that she took the blame for someone who was a convicted felon and afraid of the time he may have to face in prison) stated that they KNOW FOR FACT that there was evidence connecting her to the murder have all been fooled by the hearsay. Now how many of you hypocrites and so called friends will apologize to Rachel for the things that you have said to and about her. My guess not many of you.