Students at Okolona Vocational Center got to experience distracted driving in an educational setting.
(Courtesy Photo)

Special to the Chickasaw Journal

OKOLONA – The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) hosts Global Youth Traffic Safety Month each May during prom, graduation and the beginning of the summer driving season to engage and empower youth to lead traffic safety efforts in their communities.
This organization has put together the best practices for engaging teens in distracted driving preventions.
The Okolona FCCLA Chapter members participated by presenting at Okolona Vocational Complex’s Safe Driving Awareness Day sponsored by Farm Bureau’s Mr. John Hubbard of Batesville.
Students were challenged to maneuver a golf cart through a course while texting and driving and while wearing glasses that obscured their vision to give the illusion of drinking and driving. The FCCLA members explained common teen distractions, the three main types of distractions for everyone, and statistics of teen accidents and casulties.
The NOYS supplied a toolkit with promotional items, including wristbands, magnets, buttons, sunglasses, pens and pencils, that were given out to students who completed the course.
The NOYS is supported by The Allstate Foundation.

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By Staff and Wire Reports

Chickasaw County’s only contested municipal vote was in Okolona where voters went to the polls to choose an alderman.

Tuesday’s runoff election saw Regina Pickens receive  58 votes and Teresa Price 33.

Both candidates ran as Democrats and face no other candidate in the June 7 general election.

Okolona was among 11 Northeast Mississippi municipalities holding runoffs. Houston, Woodland and Houlka did not have primary runoff elections Tuesday.

Other Northeast Mississippi municipal election results and referendum votes are:

Click here for DJournal.com election page.

The post Runoff election final results 2013 appeared first on Chickasaw Journal.

by Patsy R. Brumfield

The post Okolona assistant chief found guilty on three counts appeared first on Chickasaw Journal.

HOUSTON – An Okolona deputy police chief went on trial today in Chickasaw County Justice Court accused of violations allegedly discovered during a traffic stop months ago.

Judge Judge Ernest Cunningham of Marshall County presides in the Houston courthouse for a proceeding expected to occupy all of Monday.

Ramona Robertson was arrested last February after Circuit Judge Andrew Howorth agreed enough evidence existed to charge her with DUI, speeding, failure to comply and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

Robertson appeared in court with her attorney Edward Lancaster.

The state is represented by District Attorney Ben Creekmore and County Attorney Elizabeth Ausburn.

• • •

(Below is a running account of today’s proceeding. Please excuse the typos or other glitches likely as I type rapidly. Some testimony is paraphrased.)

Creekmore declines opening statements. Defense says defendant will testify.

CREEKMORE – Calls Sgt. Chaney Burrow. MHP officer. (Difficult to hear, even in small courtroom.) Officer tells about his training, responsibilities. Primarily on patrol. DUI, seat-belt violations.

OFFICER – On duty December, about 4 p.m. (Asks him about information about defendant, if he received any?) Got a call claiming “state” the defendant was in. Alerted me to her condition. I don’t know… hour or so later … (Creekmore – we have some subpoenaed officers for rebuttal. But ask that they leave the courtroom. Two men exit.)

(Received a call? Alerted to?) Uh… OBJECTION – He’s entered a hearsay statement. Can only use that to explain why he did what he did. (Asking simply what information he received to explain why he conducted his investigation as he did. JUDGE – OVERRULED.) Information that Ramona was in pretty bad shape supposedly. I was headed to Houston, call from Chickasaw #4 about 10-50 on a county road… that’s an accident involving a DUI driver… around 9:00 p.m.

I went to that location and took control of a DUI subject, back to jail. Run him on Intoxilizer. Call prior to going to accident was … different. (When he called, time?) Was about 4 p.m. OBJECTION – Still hearsay. JUDGE – OVERRULED. (After phone call, alerted about Chief Deputy, what wer eyou looking for?) I knew at that time of day, she wouldn’t be leaving Okolona that early more than likely. Got call, finished up with accident. Got another call, said condition … I knew it wouldn’t be long before she headed home. When I left jail, went down Hwy 32 to grocery store …asked backup to come. Met at that store. vEry short time and Ramona came by. At that point, I got behind her, turned camera on to get her on DVD.

(Where were you when first encountered Robertson?) When I saw her come by grocery store. In Chickasaw County. (Did you know about districts?) I was still in District 2. (Type of investigation?) DUI. (Did it cross district lines?) Not knowing where they are now, I understand they changed but the judgeship didn’t. Stop made about 1/2 mile east of Wesley Chapel. (Prior to seeing her driving, what were you concerns about her?) Safety of people on the road that she was going to be meeting and hers. After I followed her … it was quite obvious … (Prior to following her?) Yes, from reports I was getting.

(About her ability to drive?) yes. (Later …. OBJECTION – He’s testifying, needs to ask a question. JUDGE – I would agree.) (Concerns about her driving? Observe?) Yes I did. (What manner was she driving?) Starting … near CR 430, turned camera on. She went around curve, she crossed yellow line, all around curve straddling or crossing double yellow line. At that point I started to try to figure where a safe place to stop. Gor around the curve, she went across and up the rise. I was thinking that the work station would be good stop. After the rise, she nailed it… mashed the gas and passed two cars. (After that?) She came back with yellow line. I knew I couldn’t pass at that time, didn’t want her to know I was behind. She accellerated away from me. When she topped hill and I flipped on my lights, got around cars. As coming behind her, clocked her at 77 mph. Limit 55 on Hwy 32 Extended.

(When turn blue lights on?) I was catching up and figured about stop. A wide spot just east of Hwy 32-15. Had already called the backup. She said she was passing. I said I was going to make the stop. Initiated blue lights, when she started pulling over.. Robertson … she left the road, running too fast. Side of road is wider than usual, kind of a pull-off. It had a good bank on it. She pulled off right there. I really thought she would go off side of bank. (How did she pull off?) Very abruptly. Left highway too fast. She hit fog line 3-4 times.

(Your observations … mean anything?) I indicated from my call.. possible of hre being under influence. NEW OBJECTION.

(After that?) Came to rolling stop… 30 seconds, backup pulled up to my side. I got out and approached vehicle, She hung license out and pulled back. I asked her what’s wrong. She was thick-tongued, slurred speech, got to telling me about problems with chief that day, he and she had been in to it, rambling on about problems. I asked about weapons. She said in her purse. Proceeded to get her out of the vehicle. (Her demeanor as she got out?) very unstable. Well, the way she walked.. her speech. She was very moody… from talking like you and I were, then crying episodes, then anger episode, like a big circle. Told her we’d do sobriety. She said she’d take any test. I put her on a machine …. knew it wasn’t alcohol. She blew Triple-Os. Knew it wasn’t going to show.

(How long after you started questions until you left the roadside scene?) Probably an hour. I called substation, to call master sergeant. He headed in my direction. (During that hour, was her demeanor consistent with how you described mood ranges?) Yes. Moody, thick-tongued. (Before field sobriety test, what observed?) Speech. Dark, couldn’t see her eyes. Then checked them, her pupils were not constricted, not dilated. Between. Light was having no effect on her. I got kind of concerned. When eyes are unstable, you know two drugs that are combatting one another – one wants to restrict the eyes, the other doing opposite. OBJECTION – He is no expert. JUDGE – Sustained.

(Asking about indicators of impairment. Do eyes… was that normal for you to look at their eyes? Did you pay attention to that factor as an indicator of impairment?) Yes, speech going to hear that. Mood swings, see that, then you become more cautious. That’s why I asked where her guns were. Backup found gun in pocket of her jacket. She said she didn’t know it was in there. A little hostile at that point. After search, we started to do field sobriety after we got her settled down. (But paid attention to her eyes? Like any other?) Yes. (What about eyes?) Like I said, pupils were between normal and constricted. (Observed her driving?) Yes. (Crossed how many times?) Four or five times. On tape.

(Before field sobriety test, could you determine under influence?) Yes sir. Way she was acting. First check eyes. Flashing lights and flashlight … pupils looked like they were locked in position. (Did you ask her about that?) I did. First she said nothing. Then later on she said she was taking Synthroid, Soma, water pills, Zyrtez, Augmentum and Lexapro. (Did you find any medication on her person?) Yes, we found a blue prescription bottle with no label in driver’s side door. Had 18 hydracodone in it. They were sent to the lab.

(Can you tell by looking at them?) They had a number on them. (On scene. You see types of drugs on the street. Some from hospital or pharmacy, other type may be leafy substance?) These were pills. (Could you tell they were off street or made by pharmaceutical?) Pharmaceutical, they had a number of them. (Indicated?) Pharmaceutical company made. (Controlled or what?) I did not write the number down on pill. At time, ran it and stated it was hydracodone and Ibuprofen. (Controlled?) Yes.

(Took those into custody?) Yes. (Crime lab?) Yes, hydracodone and Ibuprofen. (What did he mean to you… to see 18 pills in container?) That they were illegally obtained narcotics. (Why?) Bottle had no label. Later on no prescription for that dosage. (If someone had prescription… OBJECTION – If they want to charge her with this or any other felony, we had right to know it. JUDGE – Any response? CREEKMORE – I believe… affidavit was entered, charing Ms. Robertson with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Proof of other crimes, other than DUI. But proof of what she’s been charged with. Testimony is relevant.

JUDGE – Part of file defendant has been charged with. Misdemeanor possession, I believe, rather than felony. Other charge. (Creekmore – Tell court why unusual for those pills in that container?) If you have a prescription for that substance, have it in a prescription bottle, don’t transfer it to another bottle. Prescription should be issued to you. (Did she say she had taken other pills?) She said she had prescription for hydracodone. Said she took in morning and when she got home. Her prescription for 10 milligram. The ones she had were 7.5×200. Her prescription was for … not dosage I found in that bottle. Bottle found in driver’s side door, compartment. Backup found it.

(Did she say had other medication on her or in vehicle?) NO. Said hyrdracodone she took was at home. (Other meds found?) One other tablet … right shirt pocket. Tablet, uncontrolled med, methylcarbonal? Not sure how to say that. Didn’t look for that on reference manual. Earlier. (Did you do field sobriety test?) Yes. Observation, vehicle clues, weaving, across lane lines, drifting, speeding, stopp She was having problems. Very abrupt when left side of road. Initial observation. No alcoholic beverage odor. (Go to test. What do you usually do?) Asked her about any impairment. She said she did not. It’s protocol, ask about physical impairments. (How have impact?) Depend on what it is. If have artificial knees or hips … she stated no. I asked about glasses. She stated yes. Removed them. No contacts. Looked a her pupils. Concerned by size of them.

(If you’re going to do this test generally, how many different tests do you put subject through?) Six or seven categories to horizontal gauge. Then do vertical, walk and turn. One-legged stand. (Last one?) Sometimes do, lack of conversion. (What is that?) Where hold a finger in front of eyes. I make two circles and come into face to see what pupils do. Then do test… subject standing feet together, hands by side. Instruct them when to start counting, then raise your head up. Will know if they’re running fast or not. They don’t know you’re walking around them.

Horizontal gauge … looking for pupil size. [Describes what he looks for in all these tests. Tells how symptoms relate to various drugs.] Indicated she was impaired. Looks for involuntary jerking of the eyes. (What does it mean? Is it normal?) It’s not. An indication of impairment. She couldn’t keep her balance. Another test, had to start her on three or four times. Never completed walk and turn test successfully. She would try. Dealt with it 7 or 10 minutes. (Concerns about her then?) Absolutely, that she was under the influence of something, wasn’t alcohol.

(Next test?) Yes. Couldn’t get her balance …. one-foot standing test. She was totally not able to do that test. (Ever successfully complete anything?) No sir. We stopped. (Asks about other tests.) Says she said, “S#$%, I can’t do that.” She said … said she took various pills… listed them. Romberg test … stand with head tilted back, count to 30 seconds. She went under 20 seconds.

(What happened after tests?) I notified Agent Todd, told him what I had, mentioned pupils to him. (Why contact drug recognition expert?) To help me sort out what’s going on with this individual, as far as drugs in her system. (Does MHP rely on DRE to assist with these?) I do. STandard, up to officer’s call. (What else do?) Contact my master sergeant. He arrived right after talked to Todd. We started getting ready to transport her to hospital. She kept stating that she wanted us to draw blood. (Ask her or volunteer?) First, she offered… carry me to the hospital. She said would submit to blood test. Transport to Houston hospital. We were in process of placing her in car. She became very irate.

(Behavior when got to hospital?) We put her in the vehicle… would not comply. But same thing at vehicle at hospital. (Could you have ended DUI investigation, left and allowed her back into her vehicle?) No, she was impaired. Asked female officer to transport her. (Did she comply?) No sir. We had to force her into the vehicle. (At hospital, how long until you left?) When we left the hospital, we went to 911. She refused any test. Told him to we were going to 0-911 from the hospital. At hospital approximately 30-45 minutes. (Observe her there?) It got worse. She was not going to cooperate. Wanted chief to take her home. Wouldn’t do anything unless Chief Ivy told her to do it.

(Did you have probable cause to get blood tested?) Yes, already talked to the judge. (Did you get test?) Talked to master sergeant, talked to Judge Turner, said he would sign it. Would have been a totally restrained draw. We decided not to do it. She would have to be strapped down and forced. (Did Ivy asked her to volunteer?) I don’t think so. Never let him talk to her. (Were you afraid she was a danger to herself?) Not at that time. (Was she unsteady on her feet at hospital?) Yes, sir. There’s video of her, almost sat in a garbage can.

(How far to 0-911 from hospital? Was she transported there?) Yes sir. (Did she submit to exam by drug recognition expert?) Only two people allowed during that testing – Todd and female officer. I wasn’t there. (Creekmore asks to enter into evidence some reports. OBJECT. JUDGE Will allow them.)

10:45 – Tender witness to defense.

CREEKMORE – One piece of evidence, need court’s instruction on how to proceed. We have video about officer’s report. Ask it to be received. Would you like to view that now or later? JUDGE – We could do it later, but we’ll review it later. CREEKMORE – Ask it be accepted into evidence. (Creekmore to trooper – Hands him CD. Have you reviewed this?) Yes. Contains footage from vehicle camera that night. JUDGE – IS THAT THE CD? CREEKMORE – Yes sir.

DEFENSE – Do you intend to play it? CREEKMORE – IT has been provided. Ask to play it in its entirety. I now defense counsel has reviewed it. JUDGE – This is justice court, discovery is limited. But this was made available to defense? (Yes) We will accept it. DEFENSE – How to mark it? JUDGE – THIS will be Exhibit B.

(You made out arrest warrants on four different charges?) Yes. (What were they?) DUI, possession of controlled substance, speeding and failure to comply with police officer. (After probable cause hearing?) Right after.

DEFENSE – Can we take a break?

JUDGE – NEED TO? DEFENSE – NO.

10:51 – Defense to cross-examine MHP trooper.

(Aware when you came on duty that defendant had been on duty how long?) I didn’t know who was on duty when I came. (Participated in an arrest before you apprehended her?) Not an arrest, no. (Did I know she had been on duty when you apprehended?) I didn’t now about that day. She was in a patrol car. I didn’t know anything until I got a call, that was later on that evening. (During this stop, how long on side of road?) About an hour. (First saw her, where?) At store coming out of Okolona, just east of CR 430. Pulled her over at Hwy 15, about 1/4 mile prior to that. (Followed her without blue lights until she passed two other cars?) As I said, about to initiate blue lights … then she whooped out and passed them. (Did you turn lights on before she passed those cars?) No I did not. (Did you pass cars?) Not right then. (During this period, you pulled her over… did she have a towel or something over her mouth?) Not around mouth, maybe around her neck. Later told me she had some teeth pulled earlier that day. (Did she say pills in bottle given to her by the dentist?) No. Dentist isn’t going to give you 18 hydracodone in an unmarked bottle. (Didn’t she tell you that?) No. (Say she had a bad back?) Not until later.

(Was she verbally and emotionally upset when you pulled her over?) Circling, calm go to upset. (Say she’d been crying about the loss of family members?) No. She cried and said she lost some. (On tape, wasn’t she saying she couldn’t do things because of her bad physical condition?) Not steadily. It was mentioned, not every breath out of her mouth about her disability. (Time you pulled her over?) About 8:35 p.m. (To hospital?) I didn’t keep up with that time frame. (During this hour, if she had controlled substance, her body would continue to ingest it?) Ingest it? Hospital would have revealed that she was potent at stop than at hospital. Like a drunk, on a stop, unless he’s going up … after peak… he will be reading less. (No breath test or blood test at this point?) Correct, she refused. (You say she failed sobriety tests?) Yes. (Eye test? Any of it, did she fail?) Not first. She did OK on lack of conversion. Not concerned about alcohol.

(Called DRE because it was a close call?) NO sir, not close at all. (Did Berthay say where he saw her?) Berthay called me about a call to him. That person saw her. (Was that you?) No, I was at jail locking up a drunk.

11:01 – That’s all

CREEKMORE – (You were asked where officer was who observed her behavior. What about site she responded to?) Officer showed up … on side of the road. He called us. (Why you were on Hwy 32?) Yes sir. (Is that uncommon?) No. (Usually comes into 911 about erratic driver?) Deal with it like any others. (She said had no physical problems?) She said none, at first. (No blood test to support conviction on DUI?) No, she refused. We have field sobriety and video. (What was other evidence for DUI?) A video. In evidence. (Does video corroborates your testimony about that night?) Very much so. (Evidence for speeding?) Yes. (Possession of pills without prescription?) Absolutely. If I had someone else on side of road with hydracodone without prescription, they would have gone straight to jail. OBJECTION – Calls for a conclusion.

JUDGE – May witness be excused? CREEKMORE – Retain him. 11:05 a.m.

SHORT BREAK.

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Captain Jonathan Blankenship of the Houston Fire Department and Linda Griffin of Chickasaw County Emergency Management Agency go over plans for a hazardous material drill set for 6:30 p.m. Monday in Houston.
(Photo by Floyd Ingram)

HOUSTON – When you see the men in the yellow suits, it’s not normally a good day.

But May 20 will be a good day for the Houston Fire Department and the Chickasaw County Emergency Management Agency to host a hazardous material drill on Harrington Street.

“We wanted to inform the public ahead of time about what is going on,” said Linda Griffin director of the Chickasaw County Emergency Management Agency. “The public is welcome to watch, but we do take this training serious and just ask they stay out of the way.”

Griffin said in the event of a real hazardous material drill, the public would be kept far away from the site.

“If you do ever see the men in the yellow suits, you need to find out what is going on and the proper way to protect yourself,” said Griffin. “In any kind of HazMat incident, knowledge is power.”

Monday’s drill will see EMA and the Houston Fire Department suit-up and respond to a simulated hazardous material accident. A special decontamination tent will also be set up to initially treat and decontaminate “victims.”

“There are a lot of hazardous materials in factories around here and they can be found in trucks that ride up and down our highways every day,” said Capt. Jonathan Blankenship, of the Houston Fire Department. “A key part of this drill is teaching our guys how to protect themselves when they go to help someone who has been contaminated.”

Blankenship also pointed out victims have to be decontaminated before they can be transported to a hospital.

“If you put someone in an ambulance that has not been decontaminated and send them to the hospital, that ambulance crew and that ambulance have to be taken out of service until it is decontaminated and made safe,” said Blankenship. “If a contaminated person is rushed into an emergency room, you could be forced to close the emergency room down and decontaminate all your doctors and nurses, equipment  and rooms.

“In a real emergency, those are the last things you want to see happen,” he added.

And teaching firefighters how to use the yellow suits is also part of the training.

“Those suits have to be put on properly and our guys need to know what they can and can’t do in those suits,” said Blankenship. “If they are comfortable in those suits and know the limitations of their equipment, they can be much more effective.”

Monday’s drill will start at 6:30 p.m. and should wrap up about dark.

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Elaine Brown of Houlka celebrated her 100th birthday with a reception May 4 at Houlka First Baptist Church.
(Courtesy Photo)

HOULKA – Elaine Brown was born May 2, 1913, in Chickasaw County to Doyle and Mattie Kirkpatrick and was one of nine children.
She has lived in Houlka for her entire life. She married Elon Brown in 1935. They had two daughters, Barbara Ann Boutwell and Martha Collums. Her husband passed away in 1969.
She grew up on a farm and lived on a farm after she married.She also worked in a factory, worked in teh cafeteria at Houlka School and at Campt Tik-AiWitha. She is the oldest living member of First Baptist Church of Houlka.
Before her eyesight failed, she was known for her beautiful quilts and delicious rolls and bread which she shared with her family and friends. She is one of those people you just cannon out-give.
“Miss Elaine,” as she is known by everyone, has two grandson, Glenn Goodwin and Jason Boutwell and five great-grandchildren.
Miss Elaine is well know for her firm belief that when the Lord gets a persons place prepared, He will call them home and that everyone should be ready.
Approximately 80 people attended her birthday party May 4. It was a wonderful and blessed day. Many friends and family members came by to see her and she seemed to have the most fun of all.

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Avery Springer hits for Houston.

Complete game story and photos will be published in the Wednesday, May 22 Chickasaw Journal.

The post Houston falls to Newton County in two appeared first on Chickasaw Journal.

East Webster Lady Wolverines pose with their trophy.
Photo Brandon Speck

The post East Webster Lady Wolves win championship after Hill’s heroics appeared first on Chickasaw Journal.

HOUSTON — Habitat for Humanity of Houston is seeking applicants for homes currently planned for construction.

Persons who are interested in being considered should call Rev. Randy Rinehart at 542-1911 to begin the application process.

All information submitted to Habitat for Humanity is confidential.

Habitat does have legal guidelines to follow and a tried-and-true process that can make homeownership possible for people who might not qualify for a loan through traditional means.

Applicants are required to meet several qualifications to ensure success. In general, prospective homeowners must:

• Be a citizen or legal resident.

• Prove steady income.

• Have good credit.

• Earn a monthly income within limits of Habitat for Humanity guidelines, depending on household size.

In addition, each partner family will be required to:

• Invest “Sweat Equity” hours in building their own home or the home of others.

• Make an affordable down payment.

• Make timely mortgage payments over the life of the note.

• Attend homeowner education classes.

Churches are encouraged to contact Houston Habitat for Humanity and get the details to possibly sponsor a Habitat Home for a member of their congregation.

Habitat is a Christian-based organization that follows a non-discriminatory policy for family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing partner families. Partner families are always selected on their level of need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with Habitat. The final decision will be made by the local Habitat for Humanity of Houston Board of Directors.

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 The Associated Press

LAKE CHARLES, La. — A man arrested in a 51-year-old killing is being held in the Calcasieu Parish jail without bond.

Authorities arrested 73-year-old William Felix Vail Friday for the October 1962 killing of his wife, Mary Horton Vail. Calcasieu Parish District Attorney John DeRosier says he intends to seek Felix Vail’s indictment for second-degree murder.

Mary Vail was ruled to have drowned, but family members found evidence tying Felix Vail to the disappearance of girlfriend Sharon Hensley in 1973 and wife Annette Craver Vail in 1984. This is the first time Vail has been charged with murder in connection with any of the women’s deaths.

Authorities reopened an investigation into Mary Vail’s death after stories written by The Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, Miss. Until recently, Vail lived in the northeast Mississippi hamlet of Montpelier.

The newspaper reports (http://on.thec-l.com/YQGEh2 ) Vail was arrested outside the post office in Canyon Lake, Texas, Friday evening.

A Comal County deputy told Vail as he put the handcuffs on him at about 5:15 p.m. Friday that he didn’t know what it was about.

“I know what it’s about,” Vail replied.

Allen Horton Jr., Mary Vail’s 80-year-old brother, wept when he heard the news of Vail’s arrest.

“I wish my sister, mother and father were here to see this. However, I’m confident that they are very aware of what’s happening,” he said.

“He’s getting what he deserves,” said Mary Vail’s brother, Will Horton. “Over the years, the freak fortune of fate has benefited him.”

At the time Mary Vail’s drowning, Felix Vail told authorities she had fallen out of a boat into the Calcasieu River while they were fishing. A Calcasieu Parish grand jury failed to indict Vail in January 1963. But an autopsy report showed Vail had bruises on her neck, right calf and left leg before falling into the water that suggested a struggle. Authorities also found a scarf around her neck and in her mouth which suggested she may suffered traumatic asphyxia, a form of suffocation.

Prompted by the newspaper’s reports beginning in May 2012, Calcasieu Parish Coroner Dr. Terry Welke reclassified Mary Vail’s death as a homicide after a review.

“We feel like we have sufficient evidence to demonstrate that this death was, in fact, a homicide,” DeRosier told KPLC-TV. “We feel like we can prove that in court.”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and DeRosier investigated the case, with deputies questioning Vail in January. Both DeRosier and Sheriff Tony Mancuso said it was the oldest case either of their offices had ever investigated.

“It’s been a long time coming. That family has suffered for many, many years,” DeRosier said. “This process is just beginning, but hopefully this will give the family some closure.”

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