I am doing something a little different on a blog about missing mothers. This case will pull your heartstrings, but at the same time it will outrage you to your core.
Someone, EVERYONE, must stand up for Victim's Rights and this case should be the one to spur us into action.http://my.opera.com/rhondawheelus/blog/
We Need A "Becca's Law"
Sunday, 29. June 2008, 12:25:28
sexual bause, Aden McEvoy, sexual abuse, Becca McEvoy, Crawford vs Washington, Child Abuse
I am writing concerning a case here in Mobile, Al. that involves my recently deceased baby cousin Becca. Becca died this past Jan. 14, 2008 as a result of a car wreck. She was seriously injured and stayed on life support for 10 days from which she never recovered. Unfortunately her death came while awaiting Grand Jury in Mobile, Al.
Before her death Rebecca suffered over a year of rape & sodomy and other unspeakable acts from Bob Ingle. He was her step-father/cop at the time of the abuse.
The reason for my concern now, is that an even greater injustice may occur due to her untimely death. Due to" Crawford V' Washington "a law that not only supports the right to cross examine the victim but, also stops a lot of testimonial evidence. In cases such as Becca's this law stands in the way of justice. Under Crawford statements made to friends or anybody as a cry for help is acceptable.
However, this law works backwards for the victims of sexual abuse. It stops police reports, counselor’s statements, and often-medical personnel from being used in these cases. Everybody has a 6th amendment right under our constitution but under Crawford they have taken away almost all the victims rights.
Certainly, in a case such as Becca's where the victim is no longer available for cross-examination due to death. I find it quite disturbing that our system puts these children through the whole process of exam, counseling, and police statements and then does not even accept it in the court of law.
I would like to see Crawford amended and a law enforced for victims like precious little Becca. At age 9 she had no rights because, he took them from her and still he has more rights under our backwards justice system that works in the favor of the perpetrator.
I want National media attention to this case because; already the police statements and counselors have been thrown out due to Crawford. My family has suffered enough and now we are suffering even more due to this flawed judicial system.
We need a "Becca's law" stating that in cases where the victim becomes deceased the testimonial evidence has to be accepted - an exception to the Crawford rule. This needs to be one so, we don't invite perpetrators to kill their victim's in order for Crawford to work in their favor.
I can't believe a law that promotes so much more crime could have been passed. If Crawford goes uncorrected then there will definitely be more killings when our justice system fails these children.
People will take the laws in their own hands because; the current ones do not protect our children. Perpetrators will be encouraged to kill the victims!
Becca McEvoy suffered and many others have as well at this mans hands but none willing to testify due to the fact they are all his family. They previously gave statements and then later recanted after Becca's death. It’s a shame my 9 yr. old cousin was the bravest of all and treated the worst.
Now, we Rebecca's family will fight until there is justice and corrections made for her. We want her last wish fulfilled and him + other pedophiles punished for such horrific crimes of children under 12. Please, help us with this very important matter before it's too late.
more thing!!...Please, please include any safety tips for that someone you know who is looking to safely get out of the cycle of abuse! These valuable tips will be included in the cookbook in recipe form.....sort of like 1oz. of prevention, 1C safety, stir in a pinch of caution and don't let it boil over!
