Vicki Lynne 1984
Today we had a huge victory in our fight to bring justice to Vicki.
The United States District Court Judge Honorable John C. Coughenour, denied Atwood’s last petition in the Writ of Habeas Corpus. In the 53 page ruling, the judge denied his Motion for Reconsideration Based Upon Martinez v. Ryan, his motion to amend the habeas petition & all amendments are denied with prejudice.
We have anxiously awaited this ruling since the hearings that took place in October & November, 2013, as it would determine what would happen with this case moving forward. Today’s ruling keeps Frank Atwood on Death Row in Florence, Arizona, exactly where he needs to be for the 1984 kidnapping and murder of my eight year old sister, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson.
We will assume that Atwood and his defense counsel will exercise their rights to appeal this ruling & petition to the United State Courts for the Ninth Circuit in the next 30 days. It would, honestly be to easy to think, that Atwood, in this monumental defeat today, would take his punishment as it was given to him and not fight any further. So, once this case is appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, we will wait optimistically for them to rule. When they rule in our favor, Atwood’s defense team can continue to appeal it to the United States Supreme Court. The case against Atwood has been to the United States Supreme Court twice, both times the honorable court has denied his petitions.
Today is another big step forward in bringing justice to Vicki in our almost 30 year fight since her murder. To say that today’s ruling is a relief is an understatement, and continues to give our family confidence that justice will prevail, and her murderer will be properly punished.
Don’t Forget Vicki Lynne.
This is great news! Finally!!
My grandpa, Bob Van Horn, always told me the story about Vicki Lynne’s last bday in his back yard. He said she was a remarkable girl.
RIP Vicki Lynne
Thank you … your Grandpa Bob was a very special person in our lives. I know he is with Vicki today, both smiling on us!
I moved back to Tucson in 1984, the year your sister disappeared. I attended Amphitheater High School and ran on the long distance team for track. Everyday we ran past the billboard on Prince Road that showed Vicki’s image. I would say a silent pray for her safe return every time. When her body was recovered, I wept tears of deep sadness for the loss of such a young and innocent soul but I also wept for the face I had grown to know so very well. Prayers to you and your family.
Coleen,
Thank you for sharing with me! I am truly touched by those who reach out, continue to think of her and remember her story. There will be justice for my baby sister, and your support and prayers mean so very much!
All my love,
Stephanie
I live across the street from Vicki’s house. My dad bought the place in 1989. I was 12 and grew up with a lot of kids that knew her. Her story had a profound impact on all of us. Glad justice is one step closer.
Greg… It is great to hear from someone still in the neighborhood… Many memories still flood my mind of the days when we lived in the house across the street, the friends and fun we had… I’m grateful! All the best to you! Steph
I remember this like it was yesterday. I was 11 and when my family heard about it on the news I was terrified as a child. I have never forgotten and have spoke about her story to many! I even raised my children who are now 21 and 18 to be aware of your surroundings and taught them survival of a kidnapping. Not that I know how to survive that situation, but in fear this would happen to one of my kids, I have went over different theories and how to, in case of! I am sure I scared the crap out of my own kids and made them always look over their shoulder and never to trust, but this story had an impact on me and felt her story could maybe help my kids one day by teaching them these tactics! They know who Vicki was and her story, thru me talking about it. Every time we pass that intersection I always repeat the story of what happened and my mind goes back to that day when I was sitting in my family room with my family and wishing God would return her to her family. Her picture will never leave my mind and my thoughts and prayers will always be with the family for their loss.
Pamela,
Thank you for sharing… I’m so humbled by those who have reached out to share how this day in time so long ago affected them, and still can today. Please tell your children that they will always have an extra special angel with them… we can remember her, but she always looks over us!
Hugs to you and your family!
Stephanie
Vicki lived not very far from me, I remember how her disappearance transformed my childhood (and based on the comments of my friends from junior high and high school when I posted this on Facebook, I am not the only one). Suddenly I was very aware that there were bad people in the world who would do awful things to you if they could. Not in some far away theoretical place I would never be, but right down the road in my own town, not even 10 miles away. Now as a parent myself, I cannot imagine the pain your family has suffered for the last 30 years in your fight for justice.
Rest in peace Vicki. Your murderer remains on death row where he belongs.
Meredith,
It never ceases to amaze me the stories we hear from those like yourself who remember her, how her disappearance rocked our childhood, the community we lived in and how it continues to remain so much in our hearts.
We will continue to fight, with our angel looking over us, until we bring justice for her. She is always with us, in the hearts of everyone who has been touched by her story.
Thank you!
Stephanie
I live in Marana and it has always been a sad to see the billboards and the news! I would pass by on wade and Ina and thank of where she was left and sadness was in my heart. I hope and pray for your family that this will help you all. R.I.P Vickie. You will never be forgotten! <3
Mary,
Thank you… Your hope and prayers keep her family filled with a fighting spirit to make sure justice is served!
Steph
I remember Vicki and you. I can picture you as little girls still. We lived just down the street from you. Prayed for your family many times. Great to hear Atwood still behind bars!
Rebecca,
Thank you… we will never be able to truly thank those like yourself who have kept us and our angel in your prayers! We will make sure Atwood can never harm another child, I can promise you that!
All our love,
Stephanie
Justice continues to run slow…but it is staying the path. Think of Vicki and your family all the time. Brings back all the memories from Bobby Sox Softball. Still remember being at your house just prior to Vicki’s abduction helping Don Lamoine pick up a T.V.. Tell you mom hello and sure do miss working with her at the S.O. Godd bless! Never Forget Vicki Lynne!!!
Jim,
Thank you! Mom still talks about you, and although its been a lot of years we appreciate your message and memories!
All our love from MT!
Steph and family!
I was friends with Vicki Lynne. One of my favorite memories was the slumber party at her home, watching Michael Jackson. We had so much fun. I remember the day my mom told me she was missing. I still remember her desk in her classroom covered in letters and pictures drawn from the kids in our class. I think of her often. Her smile is still contagious. Thank you for keeping us updated. I will continue to pray for all of you.
Don’t Forget Vicki Lynne.
Shawnee,
Thank you for taking the time to share your memories, and friendship with Vicki. That was such a pivotal point in the lives of so many, especially those of us who knew and loved her.
We appreciate the continued love and support, as we seek justice for her.
All the best to you and your family!
Stephanie
I remember her so well. She was really good friends with my sister, Shawnee. My mom was her brownie leader;) After she disappeared my mom would pick us up from school and we would spend hours driving through Tuscon looking for her. We have never forgotten her or your family. Praying for all of you and continued justice for your sweet sister.
Shawna,
Thank you so very much for your prayers and continued support. It means so very much to hear from those who knew Vicki, and have been directly affected by her life & death.
Wishing you and your family all the best!
Stephanie
I am not from Arizona but live in New Mexico. I still remember all the media attention from the case and am really suprised that this evil man is still on Earth with us today!
I just wanted to wish you and your dear family luck in pursuing the final justice Vicki deserves as well as all of you. It is so sad that we live in a world where a murderous pedophile appears to have more rights than normal law abiding citizens. 27 years??? That’s just ridiculous! Good luck to you and your family you have my prayers.
Tommy
Tommy,
Thank you for your support and continued prayers. It is very hard to believe that justice has taken this long, but we will see his punishment carried out!
All the best to you and your family!
Stephanie
Wow how time flies! I lived next door to Vicki and her brother Bryan and I were buddies. I wasn’t old enough to understand everything that took place but I knew it wasn’t good. I miss everyone and I hope that justice prevails.
This was very sad????????????????????????????☕☕☕☕. That Man should be executed for killing this sweet Young Lady. I don’t like His eyes. All my Prayers gose out too this sweet Vicki Family .