Abolish the death penalty AZ

Delayed until May 11th, 2015

March 20, 2015 by Admin

Someone recently said to me “Can you ask the courts to change Atwood’s sentence to life in prison instead of the death penalty so you don’t have to go through this anymore?”

I said, “Sure, if I want to take the chance of him being a FREE man.”

“Why? I thought if we abolish the death penalty those guys just get life in prison…”

Let’s face it cases just like Vicki’s are classic examples of why the death penalty does not work. Delay after delay, appeal after appeal, hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, and heart ache with each step forward or back.

To honestly answer the question of WHY we don’t fight for life imprisonment for Atwood vs. our continued quest for the death penalty has nothing to do with closure for our family.

Based on the laws at the time of Atwood’s sentencing almost 28 years he would be parole eligible today. And, although I would like to think that a parole board would never grant him parole, I never dreamed in a million years that my family would still be fighting for justice for her 30 years later. The sheer thought of him possibly ever walking the streets as a free man is reason enough to continue my quest to fight for the death penalty.

For those who are under the impression that converting these ‘ol death penalty cases to life imprisonment would be simple and easy think again. It’s not.

Late yesterday we were notified by the Attorney General’s Office that Atwood’s defense team was granted yet another delay to file in their brief to the 9th Circuit Court until May 11th.

I realize that the defense is playing a game with time and lots of money. And, to try to express the frustration and anger is virtually impossible. The delay was well anticipated but the punch in the gut when you receive the news always feels the same.

What we will do is continue to push and fight for justice for a little girl who no longer has a voice. We will do our best to believe in a broken system. We won’t ever give up on her…

Don’t forget Vicki Lynne.

Vicki Lynne 1984

Justice for Vicki Lynne – Part 6

November 6, 2013 by Admin

Vicki, 1st day of kindergarten

Monday, November 4th, 2013 was a continuation of the Evidentiary Hearing from October to hear the testimony of Stanton Bloom, Atwood’s privately retained trial and sentencing attorney from 1985 to 1987.

Mr. Bloom, a successful and highly regarded defense attorney, has built an impeccable reputation for his passion of the law and our constitution, and is still said to be the attorney “you want in your corner”. He started practicing law in Illinois in the mid 70s and when he moved to Arizona he brought an impeccable reputation with him. He continues to practice law today.

Frank Atwood was initially represented by Lamar Couser from the Pima County Public Defenders Office following his arrest for the kidnapping of my sister, Vicki Lynne.

Mr. & Mrs. John Atwood retained Mr. Bloom to represent their son, when he was not only facing kidnapping charges but murder as well. They claimed that their son had fallen victim to drugs and alcohol, but came from a loving and supportive home. They maintained this line of defense throughout the trial and the years that followed Atwood’s conviction.

Personally, I feel that Monday’s testimony from Mr. Bloom was significantly helpful for the State of Arizona in bringing justice for Vicki Lynne.

What is important to remember in this particular claim is that the defense has to prove that Atwood suffered from PTSD at the time of Vicki Lynne’s kidnapping and murder and that Stanton Bloom failed Atwood in his representation during the trial and sentencing.

On Monday, Mr. Bloom, in over two hours of testimony, was able to clearly explain his strategic legal defense of Atwood. Stanton Bloom also testified that he was well aware of Atwood’s past, including Atwood’s feelings about society’s distorted views of sexual relations between adults and children, the molestation that occurred when Atwood was 14 (please note, Atwood did not feel that this molestation was wrong), Atwood’s drug and alcohol abuse, and the time Atwood spent in mental hospitals and prison/jail for crimes committed against children.

Mr. Bloom was able to testify to the state of Atwood’s mental health, and painted a very different picture of his former client than the current defense team is trying to present. He stated Atwood was having positive social interactions with him, his legal assistant, his mom, and other inmates, whom he gave counseling and encouragement to while he was in the Pima County Jail and awaiting his trial. And, that Atwood, who is an extremely intelligent person, was always taking notes, doing research and offering very constructive input in his defense.

In this particular line of questioning, Mr. Bloom was also able to clearly prove that he had had a history of dealing with clients with mental health issues, and he had even dealt with insanity cases prior to representing Atwood. Mr. Bloom was able to back up the knowledge and research he did by bringing in a suitcase full of books & literature on mental health that he referred to in 1985-1987 while representing Atwood, these books still remain in his possession today.

Mr. Bloom testified that not only did Atwood not want to have any evaluation by mental health professionals, that he actually refused and he and his parents strayed away from this line of defense, they maintained that the only problem Atwood had was drug abuse.

This was visibly upsetting to Atwood, as he sat shaking his head in disagreement. He testified in the October hearings that he had asked Mr. Bloom for professional mental health evaluations and Mr. Bloom failed to provide it.

Atwood lied. He lied under oath in court, and continues to lie about the kidnapping and murder of my sister, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson. He is a child murdering pedophile.

I do not envy the position that Stanton Bloom was in on Monday. He is a tenacious defense attorney with an impeccable reputation, and although he could have lied to help Atwood’s current defense team, he has morals and integrity, and he testified to the truth. Mr. Bloom is forward thinking, smart and ahead of his peers in the days he represented Atwood and now, that is clear.

We will optimistically and anxiously wait for the Honorable John Coughenour to make his ruling in this case in the next few weeks.

Justice is coming for Vicki, and it is coming soon.

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Justice for Vicki Lynne -Part 3

October 10, 2013 by Admin

Vicki Lynne, 4

Today we returned to court to listen to the closing arguments in the Evidentiary Hearing in the case of the State of Arizona vs. Frank Atwood.

First and foremost, I want to point out that I feel a tremendous amount of respect for the State of Arizona, and the Attorney General’s Office. Lacey Gard, along with her team, did an outstanding job. I feel without a doubt, that they have poured an incredible amount of time and preparation in making sure there will be justice for Vicki. What I respected most about the closing arguments today was Mrs. Gards ability to stand in front of the judge and speak from what she confidentially knew. I always appreciate an argument that comes from the heart and not from a scripted speech, if only we all lived more from our heart…

The defense team has a enormous amount of responsibility to prove both ineffective counsel along with their claims that Frank Atwood suffered from PTSD at the time he murdered my sister. I do not feel that the defense had enough evidence to substantiate both claims. In closing arguments, the defense team was able to recite many cases that could have an effect on the outcome of this particular hearing, but were unable to present solid factual evidence to support their claims.

To clearly show ineffective counsel, they are second guessing strategic legal decisions that were made 29 years ago. As I look back and investigate the case, I feel that Stanton Bloom, trial attorney, was forward thinking and ahead of his peers in those days, he continued to build an impeccable career even after losing the Atwood case. I feel that the defense was also unable to clearly point out where Mrs. Ryan & Mr. (Dan) Davis (deceased), Frank Atwood’s first two appellate attorneys, were also ineffective in this case.

In the argument that he suffered from PTSD, no one can pin point “trauma” in any of his prior records. Even though PTSD may not have been a established medical diagnosis in the 1970s and into the early 1980s, if true trauma was being displayed by Atwood, the countless physicians, therapists, nurses or staff that interacted with Atwood during his stints in and out of treatment and jail would have still notated “trauma” somewhere. There is no record. It is said that the two medical experts who testified in this hearing on Monday read in access of 11,000 pages of documents to prepare for their testimony. The States expert spent more than double the time preparing for her testimony than the doctor the defense team presented. When the States doctor testified, the doctor that represented the defense could not argue any of the claims or diagnosis that the States doctor made. I feel if there was anything solid and compelling to support the claim of PTSD, the defense would have brought back to the stand their expert to rebut the testimony made by the states medical expert. One other significant point in the testimony is how Atwood, through the years bragged about his “ability to fool mental health professionals”. He is an extremely intelligent, manipulating, conniving, and disturbing person.

What I found most interesting as I reflect back on the last three days, is that Frank Atwood and his defense team, are blaming his parents for his actions. The judge put a halt to the defenses line of questioning when it came to his parents, as they were not present to defend themselves, but the defense found other ways to try to state that it was their fault their son suffers from anti-social disorder, pedophilia and is a sociopath. I find it ironic that Atwood waitied until his parents were both deceased to bring up this part of his past. He continues to tarnish the reputation of his father, who was a wealthy, well respected man in his community, and a decorated brigadier general.

At the time of his arrest for the kidnapping and murder of my sister, Frank Atwood was in the process of setting up a multi-state drug ring. And, in letters which were submitted into evidence, Atwood clearly stated he was looking for another child, this time though, that child would not live to talk. A planned, thoughtful, premeditated process. He was in complete control of his actions then and now.

Over the course of the last three days people have filed in and out of the court room, many who I knew…some I didn’t. But I was approached at one point and the person privately shared with me that they had followed this case since the day that Vicki disappeared and have never forgotten her. That they needed to share with me that Frank Atwood still reminded them of Charles Manson and they only hoped that justice will prevail. Why do I share this? Because in the thousand plus emails, texts or conversations I have had in recent months, it was amazing that a total stranger would seek me out after so many years and bare such personal feelings.

Tonight, as I sit looking out onto the lights of the city that I grew up in, a million things are flashing through my mind but the most significant is that while the city has grown, so has it’s dedication in bringing justice to Vicki. Thank you for not forgetting Vicki Lynne…

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Michelle Hoskinson, murder of 8 year old tucson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Justice for Vicki Lynne – Part 2

October 8, 2013 by Admin

Vicki Lynne, 4

Today was the second day in the Evidentiary Hearing in U.S. District Court before the Honorable John Coughenour. The purpose of today’s testimony was for the defense to show that the attorney’s that represented Frank Atwood during his trial, sentencing and initial appellate phases of this case were all ineffective. The defense has a very difficult job in proving all his counsel was ineffective, as Mr. Bloom and Mrs. Ryan are both extremely respected attorney’s in their field, 1984 to the initial appellate phase of this case and now, these two attorney’s are regarding the best of the best. Both continue to practice law, with impeccable reputations.

The defense called Carla Ryan, counsel to Frank Atwood in the initial appellate phase; John Davis, the Prosecuting Attorney who successfully convicted Atwood of kidnapping and murder of Vicki Lynne in March of 1987; Frank Atwood, the defendant; Debbie Gaynes, Paralegal to Stanton Bloom who was Frank Atwood’s privately retained trial attorney; and finally Stanton Bloom via pre-recorded video deposition. Mr. Bloom was Frank Atwood’s private attorney who represented him from approximately August of 1985 through the sentencing phase of the case. He is presently out of town with a prior engagement and was unable to attend the proceedings.

What I found most interesting about today’s testimony was that Frank Atwood’s team of attorney’s are attempting to destroy the reputation of the people who represented Frank Atwood 29 years ago in effort to save him from the death penalty today. Again, there is NO disputing Frank Atwood’s guilt in this case. It has been proven and upheld. (Please note, that Frank Atwood still maintains his innocence in this crime, however, there is a documented confession from him that was inadmissible in court in 1987. Since we are only focusing on his counsel’s lack of representation and his very disturbing criminal & mental history those are things that are not be discussed right now.)

Frank Atwood took the stand to maintain that he never refused any medical evaluation and that his attorney, Stanton Bloom, did not order any. He also testified to the fact that he wrote Judge Hawkins (presiding judge at the trail and sentencing phase, now deceased) a letter prior to his sentencing but he did not request that the judge seek a medical evaluation or take a further look into his disturbing past. I realize that that was not necessarily Atwood’s responsibility as a defendant, but everyone was well aware of the fact that he was facing the death penalty, and quite frankly, if he felt that his attorney was not doing an adequate job to save him from the “chair” (method of execution in 1987) one would think he would have exercised his right to disclose that to the judge prior to the sentencing. Only because now it could save him from being executed is he concerned about it.

When Mrs. Gaynes took the stand, she could not remember anything. Pathetic, honestly. She is willing to participate with the defense that Mr. Bloom did not do an effective job, to save a child killing monster based on her defeat in losing the case. She testified to the fact that she saw the conviction as an ‘injustice’… honestly, I about threw up in my mouth.

I was 11 years old when my sister was kidnapped, raped and murdered by a habitual pedophile who is still seen as unfit to live among us even though he has been incarcerated for 29 years. What I remember most vividly as a young girl, was how infuriating Mr. Bloom made me. I recognize, that as I listened to the people around us talk about the trial preparations one things rings clear in my mind and that was how extremely effective, efficient and thorough he was. Mr. Bloom did everything he could, had access to and beyond, in his representation of Frank Atwood from 1985-1987. That is without a doubt!!!!!

I have tried, on numerous attempts, to make eye contact with Frank Atwood, especially as he sat directly in front of me on the witness stand. He refused only looking to the ground or towards his attorney’s. He is a coward. A child raping, murdering coward.

We will go back to court tomorrow am to hear the closing arguments in this hearing. They will take place at 10:00am.

When we left this mornings session, my husband and I were walking outside the courthouse when I saw a penny on the ground in front of me. When I picked it up I looked to see it was dated 1976… the year Vicki was born. Thank you Vicki… I needed that gift today!

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, Montana Death Penalty, murder of 8 year old tucson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

September 17, 1984

September 17, 2013 by Admin

It’s hard to imagine that day was 29 years ago, sometimes I feel it like it is now.

As another year passes, I would like to take today to honor the anniversary of Vicki Lynne’s death with stories and memories, whether you knew her or if her life impacted yours, I invite you to share. How Vicki died is not the most important part, it was just the beginning of many things. How Vicki continues to live in our hearts and how she touches our souls is so much more.

I see her in the faces of my two girls everyday, especially in my youngest daughter, Mackenzie. She has her Aunt Vicki’s blue eyes, her freckled face, her gapped tooth smile, and witty personality. Boy, can she entertain you… just like Vicki used to… Mackenzie also has her love for softball. Last Wednesday night they got their team shirts for fall league, Mackenzie is sporting a pink #8 … Vicki’s favorite color and the age she was when she left us. And, although Madison favors me in her appearance, she has many mannerisms that remind me of Vicki, the way her eyes look at you, how she giggles and how gentle her soul is. These are daily gifts that bless my life.

And, I have many memories to share … but if I were to share one of our favorite things to do, it comes from a picture that caught us nose to nose sitting in the back of our boat at Apache Lake (AZ) with our father skiing behind us. We loved going to the lake, swimming, playing, water skiing but laying underneath the night sky counting the stars above tops my favorites. I still find myself staring off into the sky at night and waiting for a shooting star, which I know are her gifts to me.

Apache Lake, AZ, Vicki & I

So today, share with me, your stories, your memories or how she impacted your life. Help me honor her memory in a positive way. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for never forgetting Vicki Lynne…

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, murder of 8 year old tucson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

September…

September 8, 2013 by Admin

The start of fall, back to school and routines, which I love after a fun Montana summer and this one has been a good one! The days are starting to get shorter, the mornings are cool, crisp and smell like a little bit of heaven. We are harvesting our garden and enjoying the fruits of our labor. The leaves are starting to change, one of the things that I love the most about living here in God’s country.

We will celebrate birthday’s and wedding anniversaries, play softball, enjoy some day trips to explore in our “backyard” and hopefully get some fishing in. Life is really good…

But, as I reflect and enjoy all the amazing things around me, I still have that stinging sadness, as September marks another year that my sister has been gone… It’s hard to explain, because like I said, life is good. It just seems when the calendar turns and September comes my heart feels different, even after 29 years…

There is a lot happening right now, so I recognize that I am feeling a little more sensitive than most years, so today when I received an email from my cousin, Rebecca, I was really touched. She wants to pay tribute to Vicki this month and ask our family and friends to tie yellow ribbons to their car antennas, mailboxes or even wear them as a symbol that ‘we will not forget Vicki Lynne’. When Vicki disappeared, Tucson turned into a sea of yellow ribbons, yellow bumper stickers reading “Don’t forget Vicki Lynne” were on cars at every intersection and occasionally I have people tell me they still see them on cars driving down the road… 29 years later…

So, I invite you to join us in honoring Vicki this September as we mark the 29th anniversary of her death. Tie a yellow ribbon to your car antenna… your mailbox… or wear one. Share with us, stories, memories and make this a time of positive reflection on the little girl who changed our community. Don’t forget Vicki Lynne.

Tree Planting Broadway & Randolph,
Tucson, AZ December 1984

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Danny Jones, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, Montana Death Penalty, murder in tucson, murder of 8 year old tucson, Over the Rainbow Memorials, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, September, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson, Yellow Ribbons

Vicki Lynne Mile Clean Up

June 5, 2013 by Admin

It is time for the quarterly clean up of the mile in Memory of Vicki Lynne.

Vicki 1984

As you may know, our family has joined with two others to keep three miles of highway clean in north Tucson in memory of our loved ones. We break into groups, if you show up to do Vicki’s mile, you will actually be cleaning up her mile.

The date has been set for 7:00 am on Sunday, June 30th.

My sister, Carie, has taken over the primary responsibility for the mile in honor of Vicki as our parents are now here in Montana. She has the support and help of our brother, Brian as well. We ask that if you can attend that you meet at Anthony & Crystal Cillittos house at 7:00 am. You can shuttle over to the mile sites from there.

Crystal will go over the rules with you before you start. Remember to bring gloves, a garbage picker upper (if you have one), hat, water etc. Safety vests will be provided. No children under 12 allowed. (State rules…sorry) wear good shoes, no sandals or shorts.*NOTE: It is snake season and likely that we may encounter one on the highway. Please be sure to wear long pants and boots/hiking shoes if possible!

Anthony’s address: 15431 N. Coronado Forest Dr. in Catalina.

The clean up normally takes about 1- 1 1/2 hours depending on the number of people who show up to volunteer.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions you may have.

Our family is so incredibly grateful for those who can help us give back to our community.

Thank you for your continued love and support!!!

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, murder in tucson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Honoring Victim’s Rights

April 19, 2013 by Admin

April is National Crime Victim’s Rights Month, it has been honored since 1981.

In September of 1984, when my younger sister, Vicki Lynne, was murdered, Arizona did not have legislation in place to protect us as victim’s of this crime or give us equal rights in the courtroom as we watched the conviction of her murderer take place.

In 1990, after years of hard work by people, including my mom, Debbie Carlson, Arizona voters passed legislation to implement the Victim’s Bill of Rights, it went into affect in 1991. Today, the Pima County Attorney, Barbara Lawall, and her office still work passionately to keep this legislation in tact, and grow the Victim Witness Program to lead our nation in this movement. It has been a tremendous battle in the years since the changes in these laws have taken place, and such a crucial part of helping victim’s when dealing with heinous crimes.

This past Monday, I took part in a radio interview on the John C. Scott Show (Arizona), with Barbara Lawall to help promote Victim’s Right’s Week and talk about some of the things that happened to us as victim’s prior to the legislative changes that were made in 1991.

02 Stephanie (Hoskinson) Brandt Interview

(Audio Clip from John C. Scott Show, Monday April 15,2013)

During the interview we discussed the hours of depositions that my mom and I were subjected to by the defense counsel and the unfair treatment we had in the courtroom during the sentencing hearing. Two instances in which we, as victims, were treated so unfairly. Today, because of the Victim’s Bill of Rights, this would not happen.

There are many stories to share from our 28 1/2 year journey, many of them start out so inconceivable and end incredibly positive like the legislative changes that were made in 1991.

I hope that we all can take a moment to not only honor Victim’s Rights as a whole, but to also give thanks to those who give so unconditionally in the wake of crime and terror to make a positive impact to those, like ourselves, who are directly affected. There will alway be horrible, terrible people in this world, but the good will always prevail.

Yellow Ribbon in Memory
of Vicki Lynne

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, Montana Death Penalty, murder in tucson, Over the Rainbow Memorials, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Reflecting Back on April 12, 1985…

April 12, 2013 by Admin

Re-sharing last years blog about April 12, 1985…

Today marks a significant anniversary in my life. It is a day that is forever etched in my mind, a day to reflect and a day to be thankful for.

On September 17, 1984, my 8 year old sister, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson, disappeared from our neighborhood. She had gone on her bike to mail a birthday card to our Aunt Lori for our mom. When she didn’t come home, I road my bike to find her. At that time, being 11, there was no doubt in my mind that she had stopped off at a neighbors or was playing with kids from the neighborhood and had lost track of time. We lived in a community and time when you left the house, played outside & people watched out for each other. Kids didn’t just disappear, and if they did it happened on T.V. and not on your street, let alone to your sister.

Vicki had been gone 6 months, 26 days…. or 207 days total.

April 12, 1985 was a friday, and I was sitting in Mr. Abrams 6th grade core class. When the door opened and one of the ladies from the office walked in, I knew she was there for me. Mr. Abrams paused, looking down and then up at me. He squeaked out the the words that I needed to gather my things and go to the office.

I sat in the yellow polyester cushioned chair against the windows that looked down the sidewalk and out into the parking lot. I was 11, and trying to understand the world that I had been thrusted into so many months before. There, in the office of the junior high school, everyone was quiet, and working just as hard at keeping it together as they were trying to act like they were working.

I can not tell you how long I sat in that chair in the window, but I knew when I looked over my left shoulder and saw my parents walking down the sidewalk it’s as if the world stopped.

They had found my sister….

Today, 28 years, 6 months and 26 days later, I can close my eyes and remember that day. The warmth of the Arizona sun through the window in the office, the look first on Mr. Abrams face, then on that of my parents, and the feeling of despair by those who surrounded me.

There are no words to express how incredibly grateful I am for the man who went looking for his dog that day and stumbled upon her remains, for at least we could have closure and lay her to rest.

If I had a penny for every time I thanked him, and those who gave so unconditionally those months we searched for her I would have enough money to buy the world.

Today, I miss Vicki just the same as I have in the 28 1/2 years it has been since she was taken from us. And I appreciate how incredibly blessed I have been in my journey between here and there…

Favorite picture of Vicki & I

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, murder in tucson, murder of 8 year old tucson, Over the Rainbow Memorials, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson

Vicki Lynne Mile Clean Up, Court Hearing Update

March 11, 2013 by Admin

Just a reminder SUNDAY, MARCH 17th is the quarterly clean up for the mile in Memory of Vicki Lynne.

I can not say thank you enough to our family and friends in Arizona who help us give back to our community in honor of Vicki.

I originally posted the information on this clean-up on February 28th. If you have any questions regarding this upcoming date, please feel free to contact me.

Last week there was a hearing in U.S. District Court on Atwood’s Motion for Reconsideration based on the Martinez vs. Ryan claim. The Martinez vs. Ryan claim has affected many death penalty cases, including ours. The court took the hearing under advisement and is waiting for a ruling by the United States Supreme Court in another case before it will issue a ruling in this case. It may be mid-summer before we know the outcome.

If the judge rules against Atwood, it will go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and onto the U.S. Supreme Court.

Here is a link to the article from the Arizona Daily Star on the hearing: http://bit.ly/YfW3pB

As we wait for the final months of this story to unfold, all we can do is pray and wait. I look optimistically forward, and feel so incredibly blessed by the amount of support we continue to receive.

I will keep you posted as soon as we have any new information.

Filed Under: Vicki Lynne Tagged With: Abolish the death penalty AZ, arizona death penalty, Arizona Death Row Inmates, Atwood death penalty, az 1984, AZ kidnapping, Brian Carlson, Carie Carlson, Carl Trimmer's granddaughter, Debbie Carlson, Don't forget Vicki Lynne, Frank Atwood, Larry Hoskinson, Michelle Hoskinson, Michelle Skaggs, murder in tucson, murder of 8 year old tucson, Remember Vicki Lynne, Ron Hoskinson, Scott Brandt, stephanie brandt, Stephanie Hoskinson, Vicki Hoskinson, Vicki Lynn Hoskinson, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson