Family Dynamics

[Fairy1]

Mike received what was considered to be a very, very light sentence for his second offense. He is to spend 48 hours in jail with no chance at leaving early, then he has a work-release sentence for 45 days that could be shortened....basically 12 hours in, 12 hours out.

I spoke with one of Mike's attorneys who stated that having supporters in the courtroom was undoubtedly the key towards him receiving what is considered to be a very light sentence. He could easily have been doing 6 months solid behind bars. Adnoid was a big part of that, although I did my best to get him tossed from the courtroom by calling him constantly while the hearing was in process...oops.

An even better news-TLC will be FILMING Tawni's story in November or December depending on Mike's availability...YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I would have loved it if he received house arrest or a simple fine-it wasn't going to happen. If he gets his 48 hours out of the way and then starts the work release, this does not have to go past Christmas. Prayers for our boy while he serves his time.

All great news! I sincerely hope Mike can get this all behind him and, with the bipolar diagnosis, can move on in a positive way. I am hopeful for him.

believe09 - can you tell us how Tawni's story will be presented on TLC? Is it more of a documentary? I am excited about that as I believe Tawni's story is not entirely unique. I fear there are many kids out there in similar circumstances who need help.

 

[believe09]

All great news! I sincerely hope Mike can get this all behind him and, with the bipolar diagnosis, can move on in a positive way. I am hopeful for him.

believe09 - can you tell us how Tawni's story will be presented on TLC? Is it more of a documentary? I am excited about that as I believe Tawni's story is not entirely unique. I fear there are many kids out there in similar circumstances who need help.

Great question-I am not entirely sure...I guess I understood that these would be true stories and that the format would be like a 48 hours mystery or a Dateline. I am not sure about the number of stories presented per episode, so as things unfold, I will post what I discover and please everyone else do as well.

 

[ArizonaGiGi]

Oh Thank you for the updates! And for being there for Mike. You and Adnoid both :blowkiss::blowkiss::blowkiss::blowkiss::blowkiss:

 

[Fairy1]

Great question-I am not entirely sure...I guess I understood that these would be true stories and that the format would be like a 48 hours mystery or a Dateline. I am not sure about the number of stories presented per episode, so as things unfold, I will post what I discover and please everyone else do as well.

Thank you, believe09. :blowkiss:

 

[Cubby]

It sounds as if Mike got a reasonable sentence. It obviously could have been much much worse. I'm glad Adnoid was there. Did the judge get to see any of the support letters? I'm also thrilled TLC will be airing Tawni's case. Hopefully her story will help save other teens.

 

[believe09]

I've told you a million times not to exaggerate.

The first gal called got 120 days in jail, 60 suspended if she signed up for counseling immediately. The judge's words were to the effect that if he heard she did not sign up immediately he was going to call her in to explain why, not that it would matter because he'd make her serve the whole 120 days no matter what. So it appears Mike got a pretty good deal considering. He'll be done by 12/23 so he can spend Christmas with his GF.

I don't think I really had any effect, though. I really feel for Mike.

I don't exaggerate...well about the influence part, maybe about the phone part lol! Straight from the attorneys mouth-independent support did a whole lot...did that other girl have anyone like you rooting for her? Rest my case. I think it was the bullwhip you always carry that influenced the judge..

 

[BeavisMom62]

How wonderful for Mike. That really isn't a bad sentence. And great news about the TLC show! Please keep us updated. any word on when it might air?

 

[believe09]

I am wondering how they will decide the pilot of the show...I am thinking that a beautiful teenager who was tragically killed and a good looking older brother might just seal the deal....hmmmmm.....

 

[BeavisMom62]

sounds good to me, believe. We know all of US will watch it, but it might be a clincher for the rest of the country.

 

[VASHLEY88]

All wonderful news! I have been busy with vacation but I am so excited to hear about all of this! Well, not that Mike was put in jail.. but at least it is only a light sentence compared to what it could've been.

I am stoked to see that documentary on Tawni when it airs!

 

[ArizonaGiGi]

I am wondering how they will decide the pilot of the show...I am thinking that a beautiful teenager who was tragically killed and a good looking older brother might just seal the deal....hmmmmm.....

Hi is a cutie isn't he! He speaks well on camera too so maybe Tawni Lee's story could be the pilot.

 

[believe09]

Here is her email:
Hi Believe09,
I wanted to let you know that my husband and I and his family and a beautiful little memorial for Tawni at Tybee Island off Savannah, Georgia last week. Tawni loved dolphins and we frequently see them there. We sprinkled some of her ashes in the ocean with them. We leave next week for Phoenix as sentencing is set for Wednesday. I am really hoping that he gets the full 3.75 but even more that he will get charged with additional charges after this is done. I want to know what really happened in that car that day. It’s been haunting me and I can’t seem to stop thinking about the what ifs. He should have let her out of that car and I hope that the courts see it that way. That she would be here with us right now if he had let her out. I hope that the court will see that he caused her death. Have you spoken with detective Lancaster. I haven’t wanted to bother him because I know that he is trying to put together information for Misha. After Wednesday I will be able to focus more on the next steps for putting Walker away for more serious charges.

This email touched a whole lot of emotions for me-any of you who have been at Ws for any length of time probably know the story of Tybee, who is referenced everywhere at WS. This gave me the chills.

I was unbearable sad because it was essentially Deb alone with no family, and I think it was her choice.

 

[Tricia]

I just got chills.

Do you all know one of our most beloved Admin's and member's hat name was "Tybee?" She lived on Tybee island. She was one of the biggest advocates for victims. She would have been all over Tawnie's case.

She died swimming in the ocean off Tybee island. I believe she is buried there too. Not sure.

Tybee would be so proud of you all. As am I.

 

[Cubby]

Wow, I didn't really know Tybee but that gave me chills too. Made me cry a little too thinking we have a few angels in heaven watching over WS.

I sure hope the rest of the family is able to have their own memorial service for Tawni as well, and some of those ashes went to Mike as Deb promised.

 

[believe09]

I doubt it and I suspect that Deb is hoping I will pass this on to him. BUT I am not sure I want to be a part of hurting him, so I am going to either send it to his advocate attorney or not say anything at all. Pondering...

Mike has some of Tawni's ashes, and Tawni's family in MA are working around the clock on a fundraiser that will get them enough money to get a memorial, hold a service in MA for her at the family plot, and pay Mike's expenses to and from.

I just finished drafting a fundraising letter for them, and gave them all of the information on how to LEGALLY fund raise in MA. It is a 50.00 check to the AG office here and then you get a license. If you raise more than 5000.00, you have to file with the IRS.

Just wow. Does Mike know about this?

 

[ArizonaGiGi]

Believe, I think it would hurt Mike to know about it 3rd hand so I think it's best to not mention it to him. His Mother does not have his best interest at heart, as she should, so we have to do that. Sad but true.

 

[Cubby]

Believe, I think it would hurt Mike to know about it 3rd hand so I think it's best to not mention it to him. His Mother does not have his best interest at heart, as she should, so we have to do that. Sad but true.

I agree. Depending on the relationship you have with the victims advocate you might discuss it with him or her, Believe. If he or she thinks it would benefit Mike to know from the VA, he or she would prolly know better than we might. I agree that Deb is prolly hoping you will tell him and let her off the hook for not respecting others wishes. Then I wonder if it might be best the VA tell him, rather than leaving him in a position to ask his mom and create more problems.

:blowkiss:

 

[believe09]

Yes this is an old dance of theirs-TBH I think she wants him to know he was not invited.

I am not going to be a part of that kind of pain-BUT on the other hand, he should know the truth.

I suspect she does not know he went before the judge and what his sentence was. I think that he hoped I would give her the information, but I opted to stay out of it. I discussed it with one single family member who could use the information for good, lol. It will, ultimately I hope, accomplish raising enough money to knock out some of his fines and fees, AS WELL AS get him to and from the family service in January 2009.

Families are complicated, but seeing as how I am a simple WS poster, I am staying out of the counseling/personal assistant arena, lol.

I agree. Depending on the relationship you have with the victims advocate you might discuss it with him or her, Believe. If he or she thinks it would benefit Mike to know from the VA, he or she would prolly know better than we might. I agree that Deb is prolly hoping you will tell him and let her off the hook for not respecting others wishes. Then I wonder if it might be best the VA tell him, rather than leaving him in a position to ask his mom and create more problems.

:blowkiss:

 

[Fairy1]

Good Lord, there is no end to this woman's self-absorption! I have to agree that nothing good will come of telling Mike of her latest selfish act. I do honestly believe she has her own demons to conquer in relation to Tawni's death. That being said, she seems to go out of her way to do so without the support and assistance of her own flesh and blood. She seems to have learned nothing at all from this tragedy.

 

[BeavisMom62]

I never "met" Tybee. she was gone before or right when I joined WS. But I remember Tybee Island. I used to live in Savannah when I was in the army and afterwards. Loved going to the beach at Tybee Island. I do remember seeing dolphins often. Got into a pretty bad car accident there. Hit head on by a drunk driver lady at 60 MPH. she had two children in the car who were hurt pretty badly! Myself and the other two people that were in the car I was riding in were admitted to the hospital for two months. I have a painting from a local artist that was painted on Tybee Island. Its beautiful. I loved it there.

I must have missed something. Why would Deb have a memorial for Tawni at Tybee? Was it a special place for Tawni or was it just because of the dolphins and convenient for Deb?